Plastic Dimple Drainage Board
Plastic dimple drainage boards (also known as wall drain membranes) reduce intermittent hydrostatic pressure by promoting groundwater flow away from your foundation. It directs both groundwater and construction moisture to your footing drain and prevents the water from soaking into your waterproofing layer.
These membranes come in a variety of heights, thicknesses and compressive strengths. Understanding the true performance requirements for your project will allow you to select the right product.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a versatile plastic material used in a wide variety of applications. It is lightweight and durable, yet it can be molded to take on almost any shape. It is also available in a variety of colors, thicknesses and finishes. It is commonly used to manufacture plastic bottles, ropes, corrosion-resistant piping, plastic lumber (plastic form of timber), geomembranes and more. It is an extremely safe and non-toxic material that does not leach chemicals into soil or water and does not require special breathing and skin protection for construction workers to handle it.
HDPE is also a great choice for foundation dimple drainage boards because it creates an air gap between the waterproofing membrane and earth, which allows moisture to drain away from the Plastic Dimple Drainage Board walls of the basement or house. This helps prevent water intrusion into the basement or foundation and reduces the risk of mold, mildew and other problems.
Platon is a rugged, dimpled HDPE membrane that keeps wet soil away from the foundation wall. The dimples allow moisture to flow through the membrane and carry it to the basement drain. Platon is used to waterproof basement walls in new and existing homes. It can be installed in block, poured concrete and permanent wood walls as well as Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). Unlike traditional waterproofing products, it is impermeable to water vapor but allows the foundation and concrete to breathe.
Environmentally Friendly
Indokon Dimple Drainage Boards are an eco-conscious choice for waterproofing and drainage solutions. The system reduces the need for gravel layers and provides effective water management, preventing soil erosion and pollution of waterways. Indokon’s drainage boards are also versatile and easy to install, making them a convenient choice for a variety of applications, including vertical wall drainage.
The dimples on the surface of the board create an air gap between the waterproofing membrane and the soil. This gap allows moisture to move down and away from the building, preventing hydrostatic pressure that can damage or destroy the membrane. Different versions of the drainage board also have a filter fabric attached that allows the moisture to pass through and help dry up any condensation within a concrete wall.
In addition, unlike fluid-applied membranes, which are weather-sensitive, a dimple drainage sheet can be installed in any climate. This means that construction can continue even in rain, snow, or freezing temperatures. This versatility makes the drainage membrane a cost-effective alternative to traditional materials like bonded geotextiles and sand filled systems. This saves time and resources, allowing projects to be completed faster than conventional methods. The result is a more cost-efficient project and a better, longer-lasting waterproofing solution for the foundation of your building. This will prevent costly below-grade leaks and structural damage.
Easy to Install
Unlike traditional drainage layers that require aggregate and sand, dimple membranes are lightweight and can be easily installed on top of spray-applied systems. They also don’t need highly qualified people or special tools to use. The membrane is simple to cut, and the installer simply needs a nail gun or a hammer.
These membranes are often used as a barrier between the foundation wall and backfill, to prevent soil and backfill water from touching the concrete. They also help to direct groundwater and construction moisture away from the wall, reducing hydrostatic pressure that would otherwise pull moisture into the basement.
Additionally, air gap membranes are durable and can withstand backfilling without damaging the structure. They have a long lifespan and will continue to protect the foundation well into the future. They are also environmentally friendly and won’t leach harmful chemicals into the soil.
These membranes are a great solution for basement retrofits that cannot be done through excavation. They can be a cost-effective way to keep the basement dry without the expense of full-height gravel, and they also meet code requirements for both drainage and dampproofing. Composite Drainage Network Contact a Polyguard professional today to learn more about these innovative below-grade waterproofing solutions!
Versatile
Aside from protecting a waterproofing membrane, dimple boards also promote drainage and help keep moisture away from the wall. Rather than relying on full height gravel to perform this function, dimple boards offer a cost-effective, more efficient way of meeting dual code mandates for drainage and dampproofing.
Unlike spray-applied membranes that require dry surfaces to be applied, dimpled membranes can be installed in any weather. This makes them more convenient and time efficient for builders. Furthermore, these products are durable and withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for use in outdoor construction projects.
In addition to promoting drainage, dimpled membranes can be backfilled immediately after installation. This helps reduce labor costs and accelerates project timelines. Dimple drainage boards are also suitable for a variety of applications, including waterproofing foundation walls, rooftops and retaining walls.
Generally, a dimpled membrane is mechanically affixed to the exterior of a poured concrete foundation wall at final grade height (where you can see the finished foundation). Then, it is backfilled and secured with fasteners (such as screws or bolts) that are affixed to the membrane’s surface. Although these fasteners puncture the membrane, they don’t interfere with performance due to a lack of hydrostatic pressure. The dimpled membrane then guides water to the footing drain and away from the critical wall/footing cold joint.
