Solutions

    Remedial: Negative Side Waterproofing

    In below-ground environments such as basements, lift pits, service tunnels, and retaining walls, water ingress commonly originates from the external soil side of the structure. Groundwater and retained moisture exert continuous pressure against the concrete or masonry, placing the internal face of the wall or slab under negative hydrostatic pressure.

    Unlike positive-side waterproofing, where a membrane prevents water from entering the structure – negative-side applications require the system to resist water that has already penetrated the substrate and is being forced toward the internal surface. This creates a fundamentally different performance demand.

    In these environments, correct substrate preparation, crack treatment, and joint detailing are critical to ensure long-term performance and protection of the occupied space.

    View Solutions
    https://envirosystems.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/banner-icon.png
    Solutions

    Advanced Remedial Solutions

    Durable and reliable remedial solutions for every application.

    Enviro Hydrostatic 1

    Enviro Hydrostatic 1 is specifically suited to negative-side waterproofing applications where groundwater pressure is acting from the outside of the structure toward the internal surface.

    In basements, lift pits, retaining walls, and underground service areas, water can migrate through porous concrete or masonry and exert sustained hydrostatic pressure on the internal face. In these situations, traditional surface coatings can blister or delaminate. Hydrostatic 1 is formulated to resist this pressure by bonding integrally with the substrate and forming a dense, watertight barrier.

    • Resists sustained hydrostatic pressure from behind the coating

    • Integrates with concrete and masonry substrates, reducing the risk of debonding

    • Compatible with damp surfaces, common in remedial environments

    • Breathable yet waterproof, allowing vapour transmission while blocking liquid water

    • Suitable for active seepage management when combined with crack and joint treatment

    Hydrostatic 1 is particularly effective in remediation projects where external excavation is not feasible. When applied to properly prepared substrates and detailed around construction joints, penetrations, and movement interfaces, it provides a durable internal waterproofing solution designed to manage ongoing groundwater exposure.

    In negative-side conditions, performance is defined by bond strength and pressure resistance and Hydrostatic 1 is engineered to meet those demands in below-ground structures.

    View Products
    Enviro Shield

    Enviro Shield can play a valuable role in negative-side waterproofing, but its function differs from that of a primary hydrostatic barrier.

    In below-ground environments experiencing negative hydrostatic pressure, Enviro Shield is typically used as a penetrating primer and bonding enhancer rather than the standalone waterproofing system. Its purpose is to stabilise and prepare the substrate prior to the application of a cementitious or resin-based negative-side membrane.

    • Penetrating substrate consolidation
      It strengthens friable or porous concrete surfaces, reducing surface dusting and improving cohesion before membrane application.

    • Adhesion promotion
      Enhances bond performance of subsequent coatings, particularly in damp or moisture-affected conditions common in basements and lift pits.

    • Moisture-tolerant application
      Suitable for substrates that cannot be fully dried — a typical constraint in negative-side remediation works.

    • Capillary reduction support
      Assists in limiting absorption and improving overall system integrity when used within a layered waterproofing build-up.

    View Products
    For applicators

    Access the Applicator Portal for Ordering and Project Support

    Trusted by industry leaders, delivering high-performance construction solutions with sustainability at the core.

    Contact Us