Waterproofing

In this modern day we use building techniques, more commonly in urban areas, that utilize the full use of land. This means underground parking garages, subways, shops or storage areas must be situated without the restriction to what is built above-ground. Lead waterproofing has a large requirement when installations include plazas or other rentable areas beneath landscape plots, reflecting pools, fountains or planter boxes.

Lead membranes or pans when installed correctly; provide an impermeable moisture barrier that will last as long as the buildings that surrounds them. Waterproofing today means “membrane”, which includes built up or laminated coverings made up of large unbroken surfaces demanding continuous integrity of the barrier for water-tightness. This means that most installations of this nature use lead “burning” (welding) to join the sheets as large as needed and that can be handled. Soldering is less common for the smaller installations, and has direct disadvantage of the solder joint not having the same structural strength or corrosion resistance of lead burning with the same composition burning bar as the sheet lead membrane itself.

Lead to be specified for waterproofing should be 6 lb. or 8 lb. per square foot weight or equivalent to 3/32” or 1/8” thickness, where the safety factor required is of a higher degree or more long-term reliability. However for less demanding or critical areas such as shower stalls; a lighter sheet lead weight is used - 4 lb. or 1/16”.

Please consult with us to learn about the variety of sizes and thicknesses available.