ᐅ What protective measures are effective against moisture in Malm clay?
Created on: 4 Apr 2020 08:37
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Meo-nuI am currently working on a topic that should be relevant for everyone involved with the Malm lithostratigraphy complex in buildings or rock formations: What protective measures are effective against moisture in Malm?
Specifically, I mean which construction or chemical techniques can be reliably used to minimize the penetration of water or moisture, or to protect the rock from damage caused by moisture exposure.
I am particularly interested in advice and experiences related to waterproofing and moisture protection in construction projects in Malm areas, as well as practical tips on dealing with the characteristic porosity and type of limestone. Are there established methods that are generally recommended? What mistakes should definitely be avoided?
Thank you in advance for your input!
Specifically, I mean which construction or chemical techniques can be reliably used to minimize the penetration of water or moisture, or to protect the rock from damage caused by moisture exposure.
I am particularly interested in advice and experiences related to waterproofing and moisture protection in construction projects in Malm areas, as well as practical tips on dealing with the characteristic porosity and type of limestone. Are there established methods that are generally recommended? What mistakes should definitely be avoided?
Thank you in advance for your input!
Basically, moisture is a persistent issue with Malm limestone because it naturally has relatively high porosity. Therefore, surface sealing alone is often not enough, and a combination of different measures is usually required.
First, it is important to understand exactly how water enters the stone—whether through capillary action, condensation, or direct seepage. Generally, I recommend using hydrophobic impregnations for structures made of Malm limestone. These penetrate deeply into the stone and close off the capillaries. It is crucial to choose the right impregnating agent, as some products have limited effectiveness on calcareous stones.
Additionally, drainage both above and below the structure is helpful to direct water away and reduce pressure on the building fabric. Moisture barriers made of bitumen sheets or plastic membranes are common, but with Malm limestone, they should be considered supplementary since cracks or pores can still allow moisture to pass through.
First, it is important to understand exactly how water enters the stone—whether through capillary action, condensation, or direct seepage. Generally, I recommend using hydrophobic impregnations for structures made of Malm limestone. These penetrate deeply into the stone and close off the capillaries. It is crucial to choose the right impregnating agent, as some products have limited effectiveness on calcareous stones.
Additionally, drainage both above and below the structure is helpful to direct water away and reduce pressure on the building fabric. Moisture barriers made of bitumen sheets or plastic membranes are common, but with Malm limestone, they should be considered supplementary since cracks or pores can still allow moisture to pass through.
Meo-nu schrieb:Could you provide some details about your specific application? Are you dealing with exterior walls, basements, tunnels, or something else? The exact environmental conditions are important to provide more targeted advice.
Welche Schutzmaßnahmen helfen gegen Feuchtigkeit bei Malm?
Thank you for the advice, danial60 and Lidan56!
Regarding my specific case: It involves an older building with walls partially founded down to the Malm bedrock. The basement walls are quite damp, likely due to rising damp as well as some penetrating moisture. I am looking for solutions that work for renovation without complete guttation or rebuilding.
It would be great if you could also explain the differences between internal and external waterproofing, as well as chemical treatments—especially considering sustainability and durability. How important is, for example, a combination of different methods?
Regarding my specific case: It involves an older building with walls partially founded down to the Malm bedrock. The basement walls are quite damp, likely due to rising damp as well as some penetrating moisture. I am looking for solutions that work for renovation without complete guttation or rebuilding.
It would be great if you could also explain the differences between internal and external waterproofing, as well as chemical treatments—especially considering sustainability and durability. How important is, for example, a combination of different methods?
This sounds like a typical challenge with older basements built on Malm foundations.
External insulation and waterproofing are often difficult or impractical for existing buildings because excavation and complex drainage systems would be required. For this reason, I often rely on internal waterproofing combined with dehumidifiers and controlled ventilation to regulate indoor moisture levels.
Chemical waterproofing or injection methods can stop or at least reduce moisture penetration. However, these techniques should always be planned by professionals, as using the wrong products or improper application can cause damage to the masonry.
Combining internal waterproofing with waterproofing paints and possibly a mineral-based coating is also effective for slowing moisture while maintaining vapor permeability. This keeps the building material breathable and controls moisture exchange – which is important for preventing mold.
However, if the basement is heavily exposed to water, external waterproofing is more effective, though as mentioned, it often presents challenges during renovations.
External insulation and waterproofing are often difficult or impractical for existing buildings because excavation and complex drainage systems would be required. For this reason, I often rely on internal waterproofing combined with dehumidifiers and controlled ventilation to regulate indoor moisture levels.
Chemical waterproofing or injection methods can stop or at least reduce moisture penetration. However, these techniques should always be planned by professionals, as using the wrong products or improper application can cause damage to the masonry.
Combining internal waterproofing with waterproofing paints and possibly a mineral-based coating is also effective for slowing moisture while maintaining vapor permeability. This keeps the building material breathable and controls moisture exchange – which is important for preventing mold.
Meo-nu schrieb:
Differences between internal and external waterproofing as well as chemical products
However, if the basement is heavily exposed to water, external waterproofing is more effective, though as mentioned, it often presents challenges during renovations.
From a technical perspective, the following points must be considered as a basis:
1. Analysis of the moisture source: is it rising damp, seepage water, or condensation?
2. Targeted waterproofing: external waterproofing when water is coming from outside, internal waterproofing if external waterproofing is not possible.
3. Hydrophobic impregnations should only be used as a supplement, not as the sole measure.
4. Drainage systems for groundwater removal.
5. Use of capillary-breaking layers (e.g., gravel, crushed stone) between the foundation and the masonry.
In your case, Meo-nu, with basement walls on Malm soil, the combination of drainage, external waterproofing, and supplementary internal waterproofing is ideal if construction feasibility allows. If not, then consistent internal waterproofing with vapor-permeable systems is recommended.
1. Analysis of the moisture source: is it rising damp, seepage water, or condensation?
2. Targeted waterproofing: external waterproofing when water is coming from outside, internal waterproofing if external waterproofing is not possible.
3. Hydrophobic impregnations should only be used as a supplement, not as the sole measure.
4. Drainage systems for groundwater removal.
5. Use of capillary-breaking layers (e.g., gravel, crushed stone) between the foundation and the masonry.
In your case, Meo-nu, with basement walls on Malm soil, the combination of drainage, external waterproofing, and supplementary internal waterproofing is ideal if construction feasibility allows. If not, then consistent internal waterproofing with vapor-permeable systems is recommended.
danial60 schrieb:I fully agree here because without drainage, even the best waterproofing is of little value.
Drainage above and below the construction is helpful
Nadine schrieb:That is correct and often also prevents mold growth.
Internal waterproofing with sealing lacquers and mineral coatings is well suited to slow down moisture
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