Customer Reviews

Construction Waterproofing Handbook

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book does not contain much information on wood-framed buildings. It focuses primarily on concrete and masonry structures, with some information on EIFS systems. As an architect, I bought the book as a resource for drawing construction details. I found that the index was hard to use (sparse) and it was difficult to find specific information on certain building transitions (window flashings, for example). I'm sure the book would be helpful to someone looking for information on large-scale commercial waterproofing solutions, or in-depth discussions regarding sealants. I needed a book that was a bit broader in scope.

This book could make a waterproofing expert out of anyone! It offers complete and detailed information on every imaginable topic about waterproofing, restoration and even testing for leaks. The best part about the book's structure is that it provides answers and information for the simplest to the most difficult of waterproofing situations. The author has made great use of details from manufacturer's detail drawings and job site photographs to explain how to properly install and inspect waterproofing systems. I got to this page through his web site that even lets you ask questions if the book hasn't answered them - what a GREAT IDEA!

This is the first book that offers a complete guide to any waterproofing related subject. Even better it offers a great chapter on finding and resolving leaks when they occcur. THIS CHAPTER IS WORTH THE PRICE OF THE BOOK ITSELF! Anybody in the design, engineering or construciton fields needs this book on their bookshelf. Finally somebody has got this subject right!

While too many other books present only a portion of information on the topic, in this book it is obvious that the author has extensive experience in the field and leaves no topic regarding waterproofing untouched. What makes this book a great resource is ability of the author to associate the text with sufficient detail drawings or photographs for each of the waterproofing areas presented. Waterproofing is not a topic that can be described in words only and this book is the only one that makes sure a reader at any level of knowledge in the waterproofing field can understand the necessary concepts involved. This book has been a great resource for the maintenance work of building management whenever we have a waterproofing related issue arrise. I imagine that if architects or engineers would make better use of such a book in the design phases of a project, buiding owners wouldn't have so many related problems while operating the facility. The chapters on leak repair have saved us many headaches and dollars!

The table of contents of this book is extraordinarily helpful when deciding about its purchase--both regarding what is and is not within it--leaving no room for complaining about the nature of its contents. The copy is far better than the photos: they are helpful yet unattractive . . . and well compensated by excellent diagrams. (So much for other reviews.)

I'll make statements about personal experiences (and feelings) with this book, as reviews of that sort are often well received. Allow me to say that if there is ever water in or on soil surrounding or under your building, then waterproofing is a major consideration.

Although I have been a owner/general, I know little about grading and concrete work. Weather forced me to do remedial waterproofing of a residence impacted by huge quantities of surface and soil water. I live in a small city in California that does not offer many skilled tradesmen (and basement construction is virtually unheard of--eliminating a valuable source of waterproofing tradesmen). You can readily hire someone to waterproof your deck here; however, that has little to do with my project.

For practical and economic reasons I had to educate myself from general concepts to specific materials. CONSTRUCTION WATERPROOFING served me well to make decisions and contend with construction and sales people of mediocre experience and knowledge.

A book written for the 2000's decade, addressing many common materials found in waterproofing below and above grade, how they should be installed, and how they fail. Lots of illustrations and photos of proper installation.

This was a much better buy than from the other centers. This saved us several bucks so we could spend it on something better :)

I bought this thinking since it was a 2008 edition it would be up-to-date on the latest materials and techniques. Not. This is essentially the year 2000 edition and does not address the composite bentonite-hdpe systems that are common today. I was also looking for some technical details on how a bentonite system should work but only a few overview-type comments were in the text.

Most of the drawings are clear and useful, but the black and white photos are small and sometimes hard to discern what is being depicted.

All in all, this book is a useful resource but not worth the high price being charged.

EDIT: On Page 2.58, author states: "Clay swells 10-15 percent of its dry volume under maximum wetting." This is incorrect, should be 10-15 TIMES, not percent. At 10-15 percent, bentonite would not work.