ABSTRACT
Positive-side waterproofing is applied to the outside face of subsurface building components, in contrast with blindsideband negative-side waterproofing applied to the inside face of subsurface walls and slabs. Additional uses for positive-side waterproofing include the inside faces of water-containment structures, planters, swimming pools, tanks, fountains, and dams. Positive-side waterproofing prevents a much greater variety of waterproofing problems, with fewer limitations, than negative-side waterproofing does. As a second advantage, positive-side waterproofing protects against corrosive soils, which can attack masonry, concrete, and even steel reinforcing bars. The presence of corrosive chemicals may eliminate one of the most popular positive-side waterproofing materials, bentonite clay, which breaks down in the presence of some soil contaminants. As an example of the advantages of combinations, on projects with positive-side membrane waterproofing elevator pits and other small pits can be waterproofed with negative-side, cementitious or crystalline coatings.
