Replies

1. 
   Bill_Conner | Jun 03, 2001 04:09am | #1

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   Certainly on the exterior of the wall the filter fabric should be out to protect the channels crated by the dimples from clogging. Is that what you mean?

1. 
   David_Edwards | Jun 03, 2001 05:16am | #2

   *Yes, that's what I mean. Actually, after I posted the question I went out to the house site and finally found a label that indicated the membrane was Delta Drain rather than Delta-MS as the installer had said he would use. Then I checked the manuf. website and found that Delta Drain is installed with the dimples (protrusions)and fabric facing outward, so your statement about the fabric creating a drainage channel on the outside of the membrane is apparently accurate. However, I'm wondering in what circumstances it's advisable to use Delta-MS, which is installed the opposite way so the dimples create the airspace between the membrane and foundation, and allow moisture from the foundation to condense on the membrane and then run down to the perimeter drain.In any case, the installer neglected to caulk the overlaps between sheets or to apply a termination strip at the top edge, so we may ask him to come back to do that if it will help keep soil from entering at the top and water from seeping through the joints. Any advice on whether this is necessary? All 3 of the walls that are partly or completely below grade have covered porches against them, by the way, so maybe what he's done is adequate for our situation.

1. 
   Bob_Walker | Jun 03, 2001 07:39pm | #3

   *"Any advice on whether this is necessary? "Generally speaking, if you want the warranty to apply, you've got to follow the directions.

1. 
   Rob_Susz_ | Jun 04, 2001 04:34pm | #4

   *Don't concern yourself with warranty compliance.As installed, is the air gap against the block?

1. 
   Crusty_ | Jun 08, 2001 07:02am | #5

   *I suspect that even if you had a valid warranty claim against such a product, it probably reads something like "mfg. will only replace the defective material.... not responsible for consequential damage, etc, etc, etc." In other words, you have to pay to have it excavated and reinstalled. So a warranty on something like this is next to useless.

2. 
   David_Edwards | Jun 08, 2001 06:00pm | #6

   *Rob,No, the air gap is installed away from the block, which is the correct direction for the Delta Drain product. If they'd used Delta-MS as we'd specified, the air gap would have been next to the block, but because there is filter fabric on the bumpy side of Delta Drain, it creates the drainage channel on the outside, rather than between the membrane and block.After numerous phone calls to the tech reps of the manufacturer we seem to have convinced the installer he needs to fix the problems before we go any further. Incidentally, the reps were mystified as to why this guy uses Delta Drain instead of Delta-MS as it is more expensive and probably overkill for residential application in this part of the country (Tennessee). When I asked him about this, he told me his insurance company would not provide coverage if he used Delta-MS. Not sure I believe him, but do agree with Crusty that the warranty is probably of little practical value and our best bet is to make sure all components of the foundation drainage system are installed correctly before we back fill.

2. 
   David_Edwards | Jun 08, 2001 06:00pm | #7

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   I have a 12 inch block wall basement that I asked contractor to waterproof with an air gap membrane, specifcally Delta-MS. The sub he hired to do this first sprayed on an asphalt polymer compound and next day came back and applied air-gap membrane. As far as I can tell it is not Delta-MS, but looks very similar with one exception: it has filter fabric type material glued to the dimpled side of membrane. My concern is that I believe it has been installed backwards as the fabric and dimples are facing out away from wall. It would seem to me this will create air gap between the backfill and membrane and not between membrane and block wall. I cannot find a manufacturer's name on the product so can't call to verify correct installation. Does anyone have an opinion on this or know who the manufacturer might be?