In construction projects, below-grade waterproofing is of vital importance. It protects buildings and structures from water damage and structural deterioration caused by moisture penetration. It is also essential when renovating existing construction to restore it to full service and comfort.
However, selecting, designing, and installing the appropriate
below-grade waterproofing system is critical, as even small mistakes can
lead to significant problems and costs down the line.
Careful consideration of site conditions, project design, and the selected waterproofing system and materials is essential to ensure optimal system performance and long-term durability of the construction.
With the right approach, below-grade waterproofing systems can provide long-term protection against water intrusion and safeguard the structural integrity of the building or structure.
Additionally, when properly designed and implemented, these systems can be used to successfully renovate existing moist or leaky basements, restoring functionality and preventing future moisture-related issues.
Nowadays, new building owners generally request a service life of at least
50 years.
A waterproofing system usually costs less than
1%
of the total cost of building a structure. However, choosing a good quality waterproofing solution can save this amount or more in future maintenance and repair costs over the structure's lifespan.
Sika’s expertise is combined with over
100 years
of experience from all around the world in providing successful waterproofing solutions.
Systems & Know-How
Solutions for New Construction
Sika waterproofing solutions for new construction protect underground structures from water damage, enhancing comfort, usability, and long-term durability. These sustainably produced, fully integrated systems are globally proven, tested, and certified to meet national and international standards—ensuring reliable performance, cost efficiency, and peace of mind for owners, designers, and contractors.
Solutions for Waterproofing Renovation
Sika waterproofing solutions for the renovation of residential basements and underground structures help create healthier, more comfortable living spaces by preventing moisture, mold, and structural damage while restoring usability. In addition, they improve energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, and increase property value by strengthening buyer confidence and long-term resale appeal.
Solutions for New Construction
Yellow Box
SikaProof® fully-bonded FPO/TPO sheet membranes.
For high water pressure requirements.
Key Benefits:
- Full bonding
- No lateral water underflow
- High flexibility and crack bridging ability
- High durability
Limitations:
-
Hybrid Box
Combination of sheet technologies: Pre-applied SikaProof® below base slab and post-applied SikaShield® on existing concrete structure
Key Benefits:
- Full bonding
- No lateral water underflow
- High flexibility and crack bridging ability
- Cost effective solution
Limitations:
- Projects exposed to high water pressure
Black Umbrella
Combination of SikaShield® bituminous membranes and Sika® Igolflex®, Sikatop® or Sikalastic® liquid-applied systems
Key Benefits:
- Full bonding
- No lateral water underflow
- Post-applicable
Limitations:
- Only for projects exposed to percolating water without pressure
Black Box
SikaShield® bituminous sheet membranes used for both pre-application and post-application
Key Benefits:
- Full bonding
- No lateral water underflow
- Pre- and post-applicable
- High flexibility and crack bridging ability
Limitations:
- Projects exposed to high/medium water pressure
White Box
Integral waterproofing system combining waterproofed concrete and watertight joint system
Key Benefits:
- Does not require additional applications
- Reduces costs and installation times
Limitations:
- Rigid system
- May require crack injection
- High aggressive environments
1. Fully-Bonded Sheet Membranes
Sika’s yellow box uses fully-bonded, flexible TPO/FPO sheet waterproofing membranes that permanently prevent lateral water migration between the membrane and structural concrete, even if damaged below the base slab. Fully-bonded systems are easy and fast to install. Overlaps, joints, and details are simply sealed with tapes or thermal welding, without complex procedures or special equipment.
SikaProof®-A+ pre- or post-applied TPO/FPO sheet membrane system for application below base slabs, plus on single- and double-faced formwork cast walls
SikaProof®-808 pre-applied, fully-bonded TPO membrane
SikaProof® A+ pre-applied, fully-bonded TPO membrane
SikaProof®-808 pre-applied, fully-bonded TPO membrane
SikaProof® Adhesive-02 cementitious adhesive
2. Wet-Bonded Sheet Membranes
Wet-bonded sheet waterproofing membranes consist of a cross-laminated HDPE carrier film laminated with a modified bitumen-based adhesive on one or both sides. The system can be installed single or double-layered and does not require any accessories such as tapes and adhesives.
In the hybrid box Sika solution, the system is complemented with a fully-bonded, synthetic TPO/FPO membrane below the base slab.
SikaProof®-A+ pre- or post-applied TPO/FPO sheet membrane system for application below base slabs, plus on single- and double-faced formwork cast walls
SikaProof® Adhesive-02 cementitious adhesive
SikaShield® W bituminous membrane bonded to the concrete substrate with a special polymer modified cement adhesive
SikaShield® E80 self-adhesive, fully-bonded, post-applied SBS-bituminous membrane
3. Waterproofing Mortars & Bituminous Coatings
Sika waterproof mortars and bitumen-based coatings are rigid or semi-flexible, ready-to-use systems for protecting basements against dampness and water ingress.
In the Sika black box and black umbrella systems, they are typically applied externally and must be combined with joint sealing and external drainage systems for effective performance.
SikaTop®-107 Seal/Plus two-component, polymer-modified rigid waterproofing and protection mortar
Sikalastic®-1K single-component, polymer-modified waterproofing mortar with crack-bridging ability
Sika® Igolflex®-201 two-component bituminous coating
Sika® Igolflex®-301 two-component bituminous coating with outstanding physical properties
4. Polyurea Membranes
Sika polyurea membranes, both hand- and spray-applied, offer fully-bonded elastic protection for basement walls and podium decks.
As a complete envelope solution in the Sika black box and black umbrella systems, they are combined with SikaProof® A+ or SikaShield® sheets.
Sikalastic® M 689 spray-applied pure polyurea
Sikalastic® 8800 spray-applied pure polyurea
Sikalastic® M 686 hand-applied pure polyurea
Sikalastic® M 811 spray-applied hybrid polyurea
5. Watertight Concrete System
When there is water ingress due to localized damage in the waterproofing system, the appropriate repair must be done.
It shall be compatible with the waterproofing system, whether watertight concrete or lined with waterproofing mortar layer or sheet membranes.
SikaControl® WT-200 P crystalline powder
Sika® Viscocrete® water reducer admixtures
Sika® Control for shrinkage and cracking reduction
Sika Waterbar® FB-125 fully-bonded TPO waterstop for construction joints
Sika Waterbar® PVC waterstops for construction and expansion joints
SikaSwell® A hydrophilic swelling profile for construction joints
Sikadur-Combiflex® SG post-applied, bonded tapes for construction and expansion joints
6. Joint Sealing
Sika supplies a comprehensive range of joint sealing solutions, covering all types of concrete connections as well as construction, expansion, and movement joints.
These solutions can be incorporated into any project, regardless of the waterproofing system selected.
Sika Waterbar® FB-125 fully-bonded TPO waterstop for construction joints
Sika Waterbar® PVC waterstops for construction and expansion joints
SikaSwell® A hydrophilic swelling profile for construction joints
Sikadur-Combiflex® SG post-applied, bonded tapes for construction and expansion joints
7. Drainage Boards
Drainage and protection systems are essential components of basement and tunnel waterproofing, used in combination with a range of Sika waterproofing solutions.
Sika® Drain series of HDPE dimpled sheets with different weights
Sika® Drain Geo series of HDPE dimpled sheets with bonded polypropylene geotextile as filtration layers
Solutions for Waterproofing Renovation
Concrete Walls and Slab Repair in Below-Grade Structures
Concrete basements with leaking cracks or joints or water penetrating through concrete defects
Key Benefits:
- No excavation necessary
- All treatments can be done from inside
Limitations:
- In case of poor concrete quality and severe water infiltration
Masonry Walls: External Waterproofing with Excavation
Masonry basements exposed to water without pressure, where access and excavation around the basement is possible
Key Benefits:
- Keeps walls dry and protected
Limitations:
- Only if access to the external side of the walls is possible
Masonry Walls: External Waterproofing by Curtain Injection
Masonry basements exposed to water with pressure where access and excavation around the basement is not possible
Key Benefits:
- Dry walls without the need for excavation
Limitations:
- Highly deteriorated masonry or unstable loose fill behind the walls
Masonry Walls: Internal (Negative-side) Waterproofing
Masonry basements exposed to water without pressure where access and excavation around the basement is not possible
Key Benefits:
- The most easy-to-install solution
Limitations:
- Water penetration under pressure during flooding or in case of high water table level
8. Concrete Renovation
Water penetration through concrete walls most commonly occurs at defects or interruptions in the structure, such as joints, cracks, and installation penetrations. These weak points are the primary pathways for moisture ingress and require careful attention during renovation and waterproofing.
Sika® Inject-102 PU-based one-component, low viscosity, water-reactive injection resin for stopping of high-water intrusions
Sika® Inject-201 CE PU-based two-component, super-low viscosity injection resin for permanent waterproofing according to EN 1504-5 (stopping of flowing water)
SikaInject®-304 DE three-component polyacrylic with adjustable potlife and extremely high elongation for curtain injection and permanent waterproofing according to EN 1504-5
SikaFuko® Injection System injection hoses for construction joints and other details, with or without swelling strips, which can be used for sealing by injection and re-injection in the event of future movement, etc.
Sikadur®-52 two-component epoxy system, to structurally seal dry concrete cracks
Sikadur-Combiflex® SG post-applied, bonded tapes for construction and expansion joints
SikaTop®-107 Seal two-component, polymer-modified rigid waterproofing and protection mortar
Sika®-1 Pre-Bag LC Render low cement, spray-applied three-coat render system
Sikalastic® Drylok ready-to-use waterproofing paint to stop negative side water ingress
Sika MonoTop®-160 Migrating one-component cementitious crystallization slurry
9. Masonry Renovation
The natural porosity of materials plays a significant role in facilitating water penetration in the case of masonry walls. Moisture in combination with salts is the most common cause of building decay.
SikaMur® Injectocream®-100 silane-based, injectable damp proof course for stopping rising in masonry walls, WTA certified
SikaInject®-304 DE three-component polyacrylic with adjustable potlife and extremely high elongation for curtain injection and permanent waterproofing according to EN 1504-5
SikaTop®-107 Seal two-component, polymer-modified rigid waterproofing and protection mortar
Sikalastic® 1K one-component, polymer-modified cementitious waterproofing with crack bridging ability
Sika® IgolFlex® cold-applied, liquid bituminous membranes available as water-based or solvent-based
Sika®-1 Pre-Bag LC Render low cement, spray-applied three-coat render system
Sikamur® Dry/Finish renovation mortar / finishing render for rehabilitating damp- and salt-damaged masonry
Sikalastic® Drylok concrete and masonry ready-to-use paint designed to stop water ingress from the negative side
Radon Prevention
Ensuring the safety and integrity of structures in contact with the ground includes not only watertightness but also protection against radon – a hidden yet significant health hazard. Radon protection systems are essential in buildings to prevent the accumulation of radon, a harmful, invisible, and odorless radioactive gas naturally emitted from the ground.
Radon protection solutions are designed to shield indoor spaces from the harmful effects of radon gas, which naturally accumulates from the ground and poses health risks.
See more information about Radon and Radon protection solutions here:
