For Architects

Why specify the HouseGuard™ Waterproofing Membranes or System?

HouseGuard™ TruDry™ and TruDry XG™ Membranes are fluid applied polymer modified asphalt emulsions that cure to a tough, elastomeric and monolithic waterproof membrane. Their tough elastomeric films provide superior moisture and water resistance with a rubber like membrane which bridges cracks which form in both masonry and concrete walls to prevent water from penetrating into the living area. As a waterbased alkaline resistant system, it can be applied to green concrete walls within hours of the forms being removed. They are also friendly for the user, owner, and environment containing no hazardous solvents like some competitive products which evaporate into the air, absorb into the wall structure, or penetrate into the soil and groundwater. TruDry™ carries the ICC Evaluation BOCA Legacy Report 94-66, ensuring that you can rely on getting a superior product for your project need.

The HouseGuard™ Waterproofing System™ combines the ICC evaluated polymer modified asphalt emulsion membrane with a non-absorptive extruded polystyrene insulation drainage board to provide a long lasting, drainage promoting, insulating waterproofing system. The Dow Perimate® insulating drainage board does not absorb water keeping it away from the building wall while maintaining its R-value insulating properties unlike cheap the fiberglass board which are sometimes used. The System comes with an enhanced flexible limited warranty program which provides added protection and comfort for the structure and owner.

Comfort Dry® WB and Comfort Dry® LC are UV Resistant, Pigmentable, elastomeric waterproofing membranes which can be applied both above and below grade. For many structures, waterproofing the below grade walls is not enough. Masonry structures many times have porous block which when left exposed above grade provide an open path for moisture to penetrate into the living space areas. Concrete poured walls as well can absorb moisture as well as crack allowing moisture and water to infiltrate damaging interiors and providing a source for mold growth and unhealthy environments. Comfort Dry® is also suitable for application at lower film thicknesses to inner cavity walls as a vapor and moisture barrier system. Unlike wraps which are many times torn or non-continuous, Comfort Dry® when spray applied provides a continuous monolithic film which resists water and moisture infiltration yet stays elastomeric to expand and contract with temperature and the building structure.

How is the HouseGuard™ Waterproofing System Applied?

1. The HouseGuard™ waterproofing membranes are applied by trained, authorized applicators by spraying a minimum of 40-60 mils cured film thickness onto the exterior of the foundation walls to provide a continuous, monolithic membrane. Inner cavity walls require only a 10-20 mils cured film to provide protection as a vapor barrier material.
Dow® Perimate Styrofoam® insulation drainage boards are placed over the cured membrane and bonded in place to provide both a protective, insulating barrier to protect the elastomeric membrane and also a drainage channel to duct water away from the foundation and into the drain tile along the footer.
2. HouseGuard™ approved drainage barrier systems may also be applied in areas not requiring insulating properties to provide the System enhanced protection warranty.

How does it work?

We’ve formulated TruDry™ and Comfort Dry® membranes as environmentally-friendly, water-based emulsions that make them easy-to-apply, quick to cure, and free of flammable, fume-producing solvents that can compromise worker’s safety and comfort. Excessive personal protective equipment is not needed, but normal good safety practices should always be followed. The TruDry™ water-based emulsions bond well to damp and uncured walls, can many times be applied immediately after the forms are removed from poured walls, and can be applied at ambient temperatures, as low as 20º F and rising. TruDry™ is designed to be applied to achieve a minimum cured membrane thickness of 40-60 mils. The applied film provides a continuous elastomeric membrane which can expand and contract with thermal expansion as well as bridge cracks, which may develop in the foundation wall, maintaining the barrier against moisture infiltration. Moisture infiltration into homes can cause thousands of dollars in damage to interior structures and furnishings. Moisture intrusion is also leading contributor to the growth of mold and mildew and an unhealthy home environment.

You can rely on the ICC evaluated TruDry™ emulsion, see BOCA Legacy Report 94-66. The International Code Council (ICC) is the leader in evaluating building products for compliance with building codes. The nonprofit, public-benefit corporation does technical evaluations of building products, components, methods and materials. ICC evaluation of a product requires a rigorous inspection and documentation of product quality and demonstrated commitment to quality control. We are proud to provide you with an ICC evaluated waterproofing membrane whose quality you can trust.

Dow® Perimate Styrofoam® Rigid Insulating Boards.
The Perimate® water-draining insulation panels provide protection to the membrane and an additional barrier to the foundation against infiltration of water and ground moisture with the added bonus of R-value insulating properties.
Styrofoam® Perimate® brand insulation was awarded "Best In Class" in the rigid insulation category of a 2006 survey conducted by Custom Builder Magazine. The insulating board has patented, specially designed drainage grooves which are aligned during installation to channel ground water quickly down to the drain tile and wick moisture away from foundation walls. Unlike conventional bead board insulation, which has voids among the many Styrofoam beads pressed into a continuous form, Dow Perimate® insulating drainage board uses a closed cell extrusion process to form a solid, impervious board, which highly resists moisture absorption and acts as a continuous solid barrier against water. Competitive fiberglass insulation used buy some others, crushes easily when backfilled, absorbs water and allows moisture against the membrane and foundation wall, and quickly loses its R-Value rating when crushed and wet. The Dow Perimate® board resists crushing and moisture maintaining its R-Value while providing the stronger HouseGuard™ Waterproofing System™. See the Dow test comparisons for actual R-Value retention and drainage comparison measurements.

Trained, Qualified Professionals

The HouseGuard™ Waterproofing System is applied only by authorized contractors who pride themselves on quality work and professionalism.
We require all HouseGuard™ Authorized Applicators to meet specific quality and professional qualification requirements. We provide hands-on training for HouseGuard™ waterproofing installers and technicians as well as a series of checklists and follow-up procedures for each job in order for our applicators to do it right the first time, every time.

The Flexible Limited Warranty Program

Like our products and services, our flexible warranty program allows you to give your customer more than the standard home construction product. We can tailor a specific warranty plans to your unique application and construction requirements, from 5-30 years. During the first year, our applicators are directly responsible to correct any warranty issue and repair any leakage problems should they occur. These services are provided according to the terms of the limited warranties, showing their dedication to a job well done. Thereafter, HouseGuard™ has got you covered for the remainder of the multi-year warranty term. Certain restrictions and limitations apply.

The HouseGuard™ Waterproofing System works for you!

The polymer modified asphalt membrane, the grooved, insulating drainage boards, the application methods, and our qualified professional contractors are all key elements in the HouseGuard™ Waterproofing System. You can relax as it protects your project with a proven waterproofing system backed up by a flexible warranty program. A system which you can offer to your customer as a value added upgrade that continues to add value to them for years.

What kind of support can I expect?

We believe in win-win-win solutions for homeowners, architects, builders and contractors. Our business practices are targeted at developing long-term relationships, not here today and suddenly gone when a problem arises. You can rely on our authorized applicators to be efficient, on-time, knowledgeable and professional on the building site. We market nationally at trade shows, with promotional literature and also through our website to applicators, architects, homebuyers and builders. HouseGuard™ and its authorized applicators can provide specifiers with marketing literature and brochures for the HouseGuard™ products and product training to help your professionals sell the value added benefits of a quality waterproofing system. We also offer builder incentive programs to those meeting qualification requirements.

Our parent company is the world leader in asphalt emulsion production and technologies for highway, industrial and commercial applications. We participate with them to bring you the latest discoveries and the best new technologies. We are committed to providing eco-friendly and environmentally safe products and processes. Our technical staff is on call for your technical support.

We believe the best way to grow and succeed is to satisfy both the project owner and the builder – well beyond our product warranty. Contact us for more information on how we can satisfy you

There are lots of waterproofing products in the market. There is only one HouseGuard Waterproofing System™. Can you afford to be without it?