Division B
Acceptable Solutions

Part 9 — Housing and Small Buildings

Section 9.13. Dampproofing, Waterproofing and Soil Gas Control

9.13.1. General

9.13.1.1. Application

1) This Section applies to walls, floors, and roofs in contact with the ground, and presents measures to control moisture and soil gas ingress.

9.13.2. Dampproofing

9.13.2.1. Required Dampproofing

1) Except as provided in Article 9.13.3.1., where the exterior finished ground level is at a higher elevation than the ground level inside the foundation walls, exterior surfaces of foundation walls below ground level shall be dampproofed.

2) Except as provided in Sentence (3) and Article 9.13.3.1., floors-on-ground shall be dampproofed.

3) Dampproofing required in Sentence (2) need not be provided for

a) floors in garages,

b) floors in unenclosed portions of buildings, or

c) floors installed over not less than 100 mm of coarse clean granular material containing not more than 10% of material that will pass a 4 mm sieve.

9.13.2.2. Material Standards

1) Except as otherwise specified in this Section, materials used for exterior dampproofing shall conform to

a) CAN/CGSB-37.1-M, “Chemical Emulsifier Type, Emulsified Asphalt for Dampproofing,”

b) CAN/CGSB-37.2-M, “Emulsified Asphalt, Mineral-Colloid Type, Unfilled, for Dampproofing and Waterproofing and for Roof Coatings,”

c) CGSB 37-GP-6Ma, “Asphalt, Cutback, Unfilled, for Dampproofing,”

d) CAN/CGSB-37.16-M, “Filled, Cutback Asphalt for Dampproofing and Waterproofing,”

e) CGSB 37-GP-18Ma, “Tar, Cutback, Unfilled, for Dampproofing,”

f) CAN/CGSB-51.34-M, “Vapour Barrier, Polyethylene Sheet for Use in Building Construction,” or

g) CAN/CSA-A123.4, “Asphalt for Constructing Built-Up Roof Coverings and Waterproofing Systems.”

9.13.2.3. Standards for Application

1) The method of application of all bituminous dampproofing materials shall conform to

a) CAN/CGSB-37.3-M, “Application of Emulsified Asphalts for Dampproofing or Waterproofing,”

b) CGSB 37-GP-12Ma, “Application of Unfilled Cutback Asphalt for Dampproofing,” or

c) CAN/CGSB-37.22-M, “Application of Unfilled, Cutback Tar Foundation Coating for Dampproofing.”

9.13.2.4. Preparation of Surface

1) Unit masonry walls that are to be dampproofed shall be

a) parged on the exterior face below ground level with not less than 6 mm of mortar conforming to Section 9.20., and

b) coved over the footing when the first course of block is laid.

2) Concrete walls to be dampproofed shall have holes and recesses resulting from the removal of form ties sealed with cement mortar or dampproofing material.

3) The surface of insulating concrete form walls that are to be dampproofed shall be repaired and free of projections and depressions that could be detrimental to the performance of the membrane to be applied.

9.13.2.5. Application of Dampproofing Material

1) Dampproofing material shall be applied over the parging or concrete below ground level.

9.13.2.6. Moisture Protection for Interior Finishes

1) The interior surface of foundation walls below ground level shall be protected by means that minimize the ingress of moisture from the foundation wall into interior spaces, where

a) a separate interior finish is applied to a concrete or unit masonry wall that is in contact with the soil, or

b) wood members are placed in contact with such walls for the installation of insulation or finish.

2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), where the protection of interior finishes required in Sentence (1) consists of membranes or coatings,

a) the membrane or coating shall extend from the basement floor surface up to the highest extent of the interior insulation or finish, but not higher than the exterior finished ground level, and

b) no membrane or coating with a permeance less than 170 ng/(Pa•s•m²) shall be applied to the interior surface of the foundation wall above ground level between the insulation and the foundation wall.

3) Where insulation functions as both moisture protection for interior finishes and as a vapour barrier in accordance with Subsection 9.25.4., it shall be applied over the entire interior surface of the foundation wall.

9.13.2.7. Dampproofing of Floors-on-Ground

1) Where floors are dampproofed, the dampproofing shall be installed below the floor, except that where a separate floor is provided over a slab, the dampproofing is permitted to be applied to the top of the slab.

2) Where installed below the floor, dampproofing membranes shall consist of polyethylene not less than 0.15 mm thick, or type S roll roofing.

3) Joints in dampproofing membranes described in Sentence (2) shall be lapped not less than 100 mm.

4) Where installed above the slab, dampproofing shall consist of not less than

a) 2 mopped-on coats of bitumen,

b) 0.05 mm polyethylene, or

c) other material providing equivalent performance.

9.13.3. Waterproofing

9.13.3.1. Required Waterproofing

1) Where hydrostatic pressure occurs, waterproofing is required for the exterior surfaces of

a) floors-on-ground, and

b) below ground walls, where the exterior finished ground level is at a higher elevation than the ground level inside the foundation walls.

2) Roofs of underground structures shall be waterproofed to prevent the entry of water into the structure.

9.13.3.2. Material Standards

1) Except as otherwise specified in this Section, materials used for exterior waterproofing shall conform to

a) CAN/CGSB-37.2-M, “Emulsified Asphalt, Mineral-Colloid Type, Unfilled, for Dampproofing and Waterproofing and for Roof Coatings,”

b) CAN/CGSB-37.16-M, “Filled, Cutback Asphalt for Dampproofing and Waterproofing,” or

c) CAN/CSA-A123.4, “Asphalt for Constructing Built-Up Roof Coverings and Waterproofing Systems.”

9.13.3.3. Standards for Application

1) The method of application of all bituminous waterproofing materials shall conform to CAN/CGSB-37.3-M, “Application of Emulsified Asphalts for Dampproofing or Waterproofing.”

9.13.3.4. Preparation of Surface

1) Unit masonry walls that are to be waterproofed shall be parged on exterior surfaces below ground level with not less than 6 mm of mortar conforming to Section 9.20.

2) Concrete walls that are to be waterproofed shall have all holes and recesses resulting from the removal of form ties sealed with mortar or waterproofing material.

3) The surface of insulating concrete form walls that are to be waterproofed shall be repaired and free of projections and depressions that could be detrimental to the performance of the membrane to be applied.

9.13.3.5. Application of Waterproofing Membranes

1) Concrete or unit masonry walls that are to be waterproofed shall be covered with not less than 2 layers of bitumen-saturated membrane, with each layer cemented in place with bitumen and coated overall with a heavy coating of bitumen.

9.13.3.6. Floor Waterproofing System

1) Basement floors-on-ground to be waterproofed shall have a system of membrane waterproofing provided between 2 layers of concrete, each of which shall be not less than 75 mm thick, with the floor membrane mopped to the wall membrane to form a complete seal.

9.13.4. Soil Gas Control

9.13.4.1. Application and Scope

1) This Subsection applies to

a) wall, roof and floor assemblies separating conditioned space from the ground, and

b) the rough-in of a radon vent pipe to allow the future protection of conditioned space that is separated from the ground by a wall, roof or floor assembly.

2) This Subsection addresses the leakage of soil gas from the ground into the building.

9.13.4.2. Protection from Soil Gas Ingress

1) All wall, roof and floor assemblies separating conditioned space from the ground shall be protected by an air barrier system conforming to Subsection 9.25.3.

2) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), unless the space between the air barrier system and the ground is designed to be accessible for the future installation of a subfloor depressurization system, dwelling units and buildings containing residential occupancies shall be provided with the rough-in for a subfloor depressurization system conforming to Article 9.13.4.3.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4) or (5), where buildings are used for occupancies other than those described in Sentence (2), and are intended to be occupied on average for greater than 4 hours within a 24 hour period, protection from radon ingress and the means to address high radon concentrations in the future shall conform to

a) Article 9.13.4.3., or

b) Part 5 and 6 (see Article 5.4.1.1. and 6.2.1.1.).

(See Appendix A.)

4) Buildings in locations classified as Radon Area 2 by Table C-3 in Appendix C need not conform to Sentences (2) and (3).

9.13.4.3. Rough-in for a Subfloor Depressurization System

1) Floors-on-ground shall be provided with a rough-in for subfloor depressurization consisting of

a) a gas-permeable layer and a radon vent pipe, as described in Sentence (2), or

b) a gas-permeable layer consisting of coarse clean granular material and a radon vent pipe, as described in Sentence (3).

2) Where a rough-in referred to in Clause (1)(a) is provided, the rough-in shall include

a) a gas-permeable layer installed in the space between the air barrier system and the ground to allow the depressurization of that space, and

b) a radon vent pipe that

i) has one or more inlets that allow for the effective depressurization of the gas-permeable layer (see A-9.13.4.3.(2)(b)(i) and (3)(b)(i) in Appendix A),

ii) terminates outside the building in a manner that does not constitute a hazard, and

iii) is clearly labelled “RADON VENT PIPE.”

3) Where a rough-in referred to in Clause (1)(b) is provided, the rough-in shall include

a) a gas-permeable layer, consisting of not less than 100 mm of clean granular material containing not more than 10% of material that will pass a 4 mm sieve, installed below the floor-on-ground, and

b) a radon vent pipe not less than 100 mm in diameter that is constructed so as to be air-tight and installed through the floor-on-ground such that

i) it opens into each contiguous area of the granular layer required by Clause (a) and not less than 100 mm of granular material projects beyond the terminus of the pipe measured along its axis (see A-9.13.4.3.(2)(b)(i) and (3)(b)(i) in Appendix A),

ii) it terminates not less than 1 m above and not less than 3.5 m in any other direction from any air inlet, door or openable window,

iii) it terminates not less than 2 m above and not less than 3.5 m in any other direction from a roof that supports an occupancy,

iv) it terminates not less than 1.8 m from a property line,

v) it is shielded from the weather in accordance with Sentence 6.2.3.12.(3),

vi) it is protected from frost closure by insulating the pipe or by some other manner, if subject to frost closure,

vii) the accumulation of moisture in the pipe is prevented, and

viii) it is clearly labelled “RADON VENT PIPE” every 1.2 m and at every change in direction.

(See Appendix A.)

BC2012  2012-01-01 R1NC2010  2010-01-01 R1

Soil Gas Control

(See Appendix A.)

9.13.4.1. Application and Scope

1) This Subsection applies to

a) wall, roof and floor assemblies separating conditioned space from the ground, and

b) the rough-in of a radon vent pipe to allow the future protection of conditioned space that is separated from the ground by a wall, roof or floor assembly.

2) This Subsection addresses the leakage of soil gas from the ground into the building.

9.13.4.2. Protection from Soil Gas Ingress

1) All wall, roof and floor assemblies separating conditioned space from the ground shall be protected by an air barrier system conforming to Subsection 9.25.3.

2) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), unless the space between the air barrier system and the ground is designed to be accessible for the future installation of a subfloor depressurization system, dwelling units and buildings containing residential occupancies shall be provided with the rough-in for a subfloor depressurization system conforming to Article 9.13.4.3.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4) or (5), where buildings are used for occupancies other than those described in Sentence (2), and are intended to be occupied on average for greater than 4 hours within a 24 hour period, protection from radon ingress and the means to address high radon concentrations in the future shall conform to

a) Article 9.13.4.3., or

b) Part 5 and 6 (see Article 5.4.1.1. and 6.2.1.1.).

(See Appendix A.)

4) Buildings in locations classified as Radon Area 2 by Table C-3 in Appendix C need not conform to Sentences (2) and (3).(See Appendix Note A-9.13.4.)

1) Buildings described in Clause 9.16.2.1.(2)(b) need not conform to Sentence (3).

Providing for the Rough-in for a Subfloor Depressurization System

(See Appendix A.)

1) Floors-on-ground shall be provided with a rough-in for subfloor depressurization consisting of

a) a gas-permeable layer and a radon vent pipe,, an inlet and an outlet as described in Sentence (2), or

b) a gas-permeable layer consisting of coarse clean granular material and a radon vent pipe, as described in Sentence (3).

2) Where a The rough-in referred to in Clause (1)(a)is provided, the rough-in shall include

a) a gas-permeable layer installed in the space between the air barrier systemairbarrier and the ground to allow the depressurization of that space, and

b) a radon vent pipe that

i) has one or more inlets that allow for the effective depressurization of the gas-permeable layer (see A-9.13.4.3.(2)(b)(i) and (3)(b)(i) in Appendix A),

ii) terminates outside the building in a manner that does not constitute a hazard, and

iii) is clearly labelled “RADON VENT PIPE.”

b) an inlet that allows for the effective depressurization of the gas-permeable layer (see A-9.13.4.3.(2)(b)(i) and (3)(b)(i) in Appendix A), and

c) an outlet in the conditioned space that

i) permits connection to depressurization equipment,

ii) is sealed to maintain the integrity of the air barrier system, and

iii) is clearly labelled to indicate that it is intended only for the removal of radon from below the floor-on-ground.

3) Where a The rough-in referred to in Clause (1)(b)is provided, the rough-in shall include

a) a gas-permeable layer, consisting of not less than 100 mm of clean granular material containing not more than 10% of material that will pass a 4 mm sieve, installed below the floor-on-ground in accordance with Sentence 9.16.2.1.(1), and

b) a radon vent pipe not less than 100 mm in diameter that is constructed so as to be air-tight and installed through the floor-on-groundfloor, such that

i) it its bottom end opens into each contiguous area of the granular layer required by Clause (a)at or near the centre of the floor and not less than 100 mm of granular material projects beyond the terminus of the pipe measured along its axis (see A-9.13.4.3.(2)(b)(i) and (3)(b)(i) in Appendix A)Appendix A),

i) it terminates not less than 1 m above and not less than 3.5 m in any other direction from any air inlet, door or openable window,

ii) it terminates not less than 2 m above and not less than 3.5 m in any other direction from a roof that supports an occupancy,

iii) it terminates not less than 1.8 m from a property line,

iv) it is shielded from the weather in accordance with Sentence 6.2.3.12.(3),

v) it is protected from frost closure by insulating the pipe or by some other manner, if subject to frost closure,

ii) the accumulation of moisture in the pipe is prevented, andits top end permits connection to depressurization equipment and is provided with an airtight cap, and

iii) it the pipe is clearly labelled “RADON VENT PIPE” near the cap and, if applicable, every 1.21.8 m and at every change in direction to indicate that it is intended only for the removal of radon from below the floor-on-ground.

(See Appendix A.)

Soil Gas Control

(See Appendix A.)

9.13.4.1. Application and Scope

1) This Subsection applies to

a) wall, roof and floor assemblies separating conditioned space from the ground, and

b) the rough-in of a radon vent pipe to allow the future protection of conditioned space that is separated from the ground by a wall, roof or floor assembly.

2) This Subsection addresses the leakage of soil gas from the ground into the building.

9.13.4.2. Protection from Soil Gas Ingress

1) All wall, roof and floor assemblies separating conditioned space from the ground shall be protected by an air barrier system conforming to Subsection 9.25.3.

2) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), unless Unless the space between the air barrier system and the ground is designed to be accessible for the future installation of a subfloor depressurization system, dwelling units and buildings containing residential occupancies shall be provided with the rough-in for a subfloor depressurizationradon extraction system conforming to Article 9.13.4.3.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4) or (5), where Where buildings are used for occupancies other than those described in Sentence (2), and are intended to be occupied on average for greater than 4 hours within a 24 hour period, protection from radon ingress and the means to address high radon concentrations in the future shall conform to

a) Article 9.13.4.3., or

b) Part 5 and 6Parts5 and 6 (see Article 5.4.1.1. and 6.2.1.1.).

(See Appendix A.)

1) Buildings in locations classified as Radon Area 2 by Table C-3 in Appendix C need not conform to Sentences (2) and (3).

2) Buildings described in Clause 9.16.2.1.(2)(b) need not conform to Sentence (3).

Providing for the Rough-in for a Subfloor Depressurization System

(See Appendix A.)

1) Floors-on-ground shall be provided with a rough-in for subfloor depressurization consisting of

a) a gas-permeable layer and a radon vent pipe,, an inlet and an outlet as described in Sentence (2), or

b) a gas-permeable layer consisting of coarse clean granular material and a radon vent pipe, as described in Sentence (3).

2) Where a The rough-in referred to in Clause (1)(a)is provided, the rough-in shall include

a) a gas-permeable layer installed in the space between the air barrier systemairbarrier and the ground to allow the depressurization of that space, and

b) a radon vent pipe that

i) has one or more inlets that allow for the effective depressurization of the gas-permeable layer (see A-9.13.4.3.(2)(b)(i) and (3)(b)(i) in Appendix A),

ii) terminates outside the building in a manner that does not constitute a hazard, and

iii) is clearly labelled “RADON VENT PIPE.”

b) an inlet that allows for the effective depressurization of the gas-permeable layer (see A-9.13.4.3.(2)(b)(i) and (3)(b)(i) in Appendix A), and

c) an outlet in the conditioned space that

i) permits connection to depressurization equipment,

ii) is sealed to maintain the integrity of the air barrier system, and

iii) is clearly labelled to indicate that it is intended only for the removal of radon from below the floor-on-ground.

3) Where a The rough-in referred to in Clause (1)(b)is provided, the rough-in shall include

a) a gas-permeable layer, consisting of not less than 100 mm of clean granular material containing not more than 10% of material that will pass a 4 mm sieve, installed below the floor-on-ground in accordance with Sentence 9.16.2.1.(1), and

b) a radon vent pipe not less than 100 mm in diameter that is constructed so as to be air-tight and installed through the floor-on-groundfloor, such that

i) it its bottom end opens into each contiguous area of the granular layer required by Clause (a)Clause (a) ator near the centre of the floor and not less than 100 mm of granular material projects beyond the terminus of the pipe measured along its axis (see A-9.13.4.3.(2)(b)(i) and (3)(b)(i) in Appendix A)Appendix A),

i) it terminates not less than 1 m above and not less than 3.5 m in any other direction from any air inlet, door or openable window,

ii) it terminates not less than 2 m above and not less than 3.5 m in any other direction from a roof that supports an occupancy,

iii) it terminates not less than 1.8 m from a property line,

iv) it is shielded from the weather in accordance with Sentence 6.2.3.12.(3),

v) it is protected from frost closure by insulating the pipe or by some other manner, if subject to frost closure,

ii) the accumulation of moisture in the pipe is prevented, andits top end permits connection to depressurization equipment and is provided with an airtight cap, and

iii) it the pipe is clearly labelled “RADON VENT PIPE” near the cap and, if applicable, every 1.21.8 m and at every change in direction to indicate that it is intended only for the removal of radon from below the floor-on-ground.

(See Appendix A.)