According to the building specifications and scope of services, my builder is offering a basement sealed according to DIN 18195-4. Our consultant always refers to it as a "WU basement" in our preliminary designs. He briefly explained to me that the walls are poured on site and something from the floor slab extends up into the walls from below to maximize the water barrier path. The weak point is the connection between the floor slab and the walls. In addition, something is applied to the outside of the walls.
As you can see, I have no practical knowledge about the construction, but what exactly should I specify in writing for the basement?
A “white tank” according to DIN 1045 plus external waterproofing of the walls with bitumen membrane according to DIN 18195-6? And for the floor slab, internal waterproofing with bitumen membrane reinforced with aluminum insert?
I have roughly put these terms together myself, but what is the correct terminology? The basement should simply be waterproof...
Regards,
Aloadihoa
As you can see, I have no practical knowledge about the construction, but what exactly should I specify in writing for the basement?
A “white tank” according to DIN 1045 plus external waterproofing of the walls with bitumen membrane according to DIN 18195-6? And for the floor slab, internal waterproofing with bitumen membrane reinforced with aluminum insert?
I have roughly put these terms together myself, but what is the correct terminology? The basement should simply be waterproof...
Regards,
Aloadihoa
D
Doc.Schnaggls6 Oct 2015 12:04Hello,
If you plan to bring your utility connections into the house through the basement wall or the foundation slab using a multi-utility entry point, I strongly recommend clarifying your basement construction method in advance with the electricity network operator (most likely Netze-BW).
Unfortunately, we had very unpleasant and time-consuming experiences with this company (more specifically with a very particular employee).
In short, there were major difficulties getting the network operator to install the multi-utility entry point and to provide the warranty.
Best regards,
Dirk
If you plan to bring your utility connections into the house through the basement wall or the foundation slab using a multi-utility entry point, I strongly recommend clarifying your basement construction method in advance with the electricity network operator (most likely Netze-BW).
Unfortunately, we had very unpleasant and time-consuming experiences with this company (more specifically with a very particular employee).
In short, there were major difficulties getting the network operator to install the multi-utility entry point and to provide the warranty.
Best regards,
Dirk
A
Aloadihoa6 Oct 2015 13:07Thanks for the tip!
Unfortunately, I still don’t know what kind of basement I should ask my builder for.
Something like this: Waterproofing according to DIN 18195 based on load case from soil survey?
Unfortunately, I still don’t know what kind of basement I should ask my builder for.
Something like this: Waterproofing according to DIN 18195 based on load case from soil survey?
B
Bauexperte6 Oct 2015 14:09Hello,
In my opinion, your advisor is overly enthusiastic if they recommend a "white tank" waterproofing without any soil report :-(
The offer from your general contractor includes the simplest type of structural waterproofing, which is completely sufficient at this stage.
Include an appropriate amount in your additional construction costs—depending on the house’s footprint—for extra foundation expenses, and you will be on the safe side.
Best regards,
Bauexperte
In my opinion, your advisor is overly enthusiastic if they recommend a "white tank" waterproofing without any soil report :-(
The offer from your general contractor includes the simplest type of structural waterproofing, which is completely sufficient at this stage.
Include an appropriate amount in your additional construction costs—depending on the house’s footprint—for extra foundation expenses, and you will be on the safe side.
Best regards,
Bauexperte
A
Aloadihoa6 Oct 2015 14:30He has already built in the neighboring new development, and it is known that "white tank" construction is used here. However, he did not recommend a "white tank" to me but referred to a "WU basement."
Apparently, there is no way to specify in advance the exact wording for a watertight basement built as a white tank. Does this mean, in other words, that I have to wait for the planned construction method from the building company first (by which time the contract is probably already signed) and then only find out through a paid expert review whether the proposed basement construction was fair or will lead to additional costs? Is this really the right approach? After all, the goal is to agree on the price and the scope of work before signing the contract.
Apparently, there is no way to specify in advance the exact wording for a watertight basement built as a white tank. Does this mean, in other words, that I have to wait for the planned construction method from the building company first (by which time the contract is probably already signed) and then only find out through a paid expert review whether the proposed basement construction was fair or will lead to additional costs? Is this really the right approach? After all, the goal is to agree on the price and the scope of work before signing the contract.
Request an additional basement option for your quote—specifically one suitable for high groundwater conditions. This is common practice with other upgrades as well: have prices for optional items clearly listed in the quote. The decision between the different options will be based on the geotechnical survey.
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Bauexperte6 Oct 2015 20:51@ Aloadihoa
I know quite a few general contractors who, purely as a precaution and taking advantage of “layman’s knowledge,” offer a “white tank” foundation. Not always necessary; it can also mean wasted money.
WU simply means waterproof; this is also reflected in the offer—specified as a basement according to DIN 18195-4—which actually means the same thing.
No one can reliably offer you a white tank foundation upfront. Its execution depends on the existing soil conditions; seepage water, stratified water, high groundwater level, etc. This means there are countless ways to construct a “white tank.” So, which version should be offered to you?
You can also have a soil survey done at your own expense before signing a construction contract.
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
I know quite a few general contractors who, purely as a precaution and taking advantage of “layman’s knowledge,” offer a “white tank” foundation. Not always necessary; it can also mean wasted money.
WU simply means waterproof; this is also reflected in the offer—specified as a basement according to DIN 18195-4—which actually means the same thing.
No one can reliably offer you a white tank foundation upfront. Its execution depends on the existing soil conditions; seepage water, stratified water, high groundwater level, etc. This means there are countless ways to construct a “white tank.” So, which version should be offered to you?
You can also have a soil survey done at your own expense before signing a construction contract.
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
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