What is Delta MS membrane?
A Delta-MS membrane is a waterproofing drainage membrane. It is installed vertically against the foundation to create a barrier between the earth and the foundation wall. The earth or gravel backfill will not be able to transfer its humidity into the concrete, thus ensuring the impermeability of the foundation. However, we recommend the application of an elastomeric membrane on the foundation wall before the application of the Delta-MS membrane. If water were to seep behind the Delta-MS membrane over the years, the water would not be able to touch the concrete.
The Delta-MS membrane is a rigid membrane sold in rolls. It is brown and must be attached to the foundation wall with Delta-Fasteners that will be nailed in place to hold the membrane in place during backfill. It has a lifespan of approximately 30 years. However, in order to obtain an optimal life span, it must be installed according to the manufacturer’s standards and the worker who performs the backfill must be very careful not to perforate or tear it. It is installed below ground level and must overlap the footing in order to direct water to the French drain.
WHEN TO INSTALL A DELTA MS MEMBRANE?
The installation of a Delta MS membrane is done by our teams during the waterproofing of your foundations, when they are facing waterproofing problems in particular. You may notice waterproofing problems if you observe a high level of humidity in the basement or traces of efflorescence (white powder traces) on the walls or the floor of your foundation.
We also install a Delta MS membrane when we notice a waterproofing problem during more specific work such as
- A French drain installation or replacement
- Piling of your building to stabilize or straighten it
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DELTA MS AND OTHER WATERPROOFING MEMBRANES?
There are several types of membranes, including Delta-Drain, which is Delta’s top-of-the-line membrane. It is equipped with a geotextile to filter the water that will be drained to the drainage system. The risk of clogging of the membrane is therefore reduced.
Several companies also manufacture drainage membranes (such as Bakor, Platon…). From our experience, we consider that Delta has the best membrane because its attachment system remains flexible over time unlike competitors who use steel attachments.
Other companies’ membranes are not sealed at the top, which can accelerate the clogging of the membrane. It is easy to install the Delta-MS membrane since it has reference points and is equipped with an orange strip to facilitate its levelling.
CAN WE WATERPROOF A FOUNDATION FROM THE INSIDE?
It is impossible to waterproof foundations from the inside because this would trap water and humidity inside them. A foundation that cannot breathe or evacuate its humidity will quickly deteriorate. However, we can direct water to an interior drainage system by using a Delta-MS membrane on the interior foundation wall and installing a French drain under the concrete slab. The water that seeps through the foundation walls will then be drained directly into the drainage system without damaging the basement materials.
We recommend the installation of an interior drainage system when the building is shared with the neighbors or when an expensive earthwork is in place on the exterior. In these situations, the installation of a waterproofing membrane from the outside is impossible since excavation is not an option.
Delta MS MEMBRANE INSTALLATION STEPS
In order to install a Delta MS membrane to waterproof your foundation, our teams proceed in several steps:
- Excavation of the area to be waterproofed
- Cleaning of the foundation
- Injection of foundation cracks
- Application of a Premium Rubber Membrane on the foundation
- Unroll the Delta-MS membrane
- Adjust the height of the Delta-MS according to the backfill and the natural soil flow after the backfill
- Attach the membrane with Delta-Fasteners according to the manufacturer’s specifications
- Installation of the Delta-Flash finish strip on the top of the membrane
- Installation of Delta-Scealant on top of the finishing strip
YOU NOTICE A PROBLEM WITH THE WATERPROOFING OF YOUR FOUNDATIONS?
Lesage Excavation has been providing waterproofing services for over 15 years. Winner of the 2020 and 2021 Consumer’s Choice Award in the foundation repair category, our expertise and customer service are recognized throughout the Greater Montreal area. We are available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day to answer your questions. You have 3 ways to contact us:
- Call us at (514) 219-0125
- Send an email to: info@lesageexcavation.com
- Submit your project online here
We mainly serve the Montérégie, the Greater Montreal, the South Shore, a part of the North Shore as well as Ontario; and more specifically
Vaudreuil-Dorion – Montreal – Laval – Longueuil – Brossard – Candiac – Salaberry de Valleyfield – North Lancaster – South Glengarry – Alexandria – Hawkesbury – Rigaud – Hudson – Pincourt – Notre-Dame-De-L’ile-Perrot – Lachute – Montebello
We can also travel to more remote areas when it is a complex project and the owner cannot find a certified contractor in the