Does Halo Subterra or Subterra Plus Qualify as Waterproofing or Damp Proofing for Below Grade Walls Per Building Code?
No. Halo Subterra and Subterra Plus do NOT qualify as a water proofing or damp proofing layer in a below grade wall assembly. A separate water proofing or damp proofing layer must be installed against the below grade foundation wall.
That being said, both Halo Subterra and Subterra Plus contribute to the effectiveness of waterproofing and damp proofing systems in below grade walls in the following important ways:
- Both Subterra and Subterra Plus will provide important protection against puncture by any sharp objects to the waterproofing or damp proofing layer, particularly during the backfill.
- And then over time, the laminate layers on Subterra and Subterra Plus will continue to help drain away water from the foundation walls, further enhancing the wall system’s ability to resist moisture intrusion.
Per the IRC, section R406.1, acceptable dampproofing materials include:
- Bituminous coating
- Three pounds per square yard acrylic modified cement
- 1/8″ coat of surface-bonding cement
- Any material noted in waterproofing section R406.2
