Waterproofers describe a basement wrapped continuously under the slab and up all the walls as a bathtub, and a deck that holds water above its membrane the same way. A good tub has no gaps between underslab and wall membranes. The word also warns of the downside: water that gets inside the tub, or on top of a membrane with blocked drains, has nowhere to go.
Underslab and blindside tie together at the footing, so it's a full bathtub, no breaks.
Also heard as
- tub
- full wrap
Related terms
Blindside
Waterproofing installed on the shoring or soil face before the wall is poured against it.
Hydrostatic pressure
Pressure from standing groundwater against a wall or slab, rising with the depth of water above that point.
Positive side
The face of a wall or slab that touches the water source, where waterproofing works best.
Plaza deck
A waterproofed structural slab over occupied space, topped with pavers, soil, planters or a wearing slab.