Application
Below-Ground Waterproofing Systems for UAE Commercial & Infrastructure Projects
Seamless spray-applied waterproofing systems for foundations, basements, podium decks, retaining walls and buried concrete structures — supporting commercial and infrastructure projects across Dubai, the UAE and wider GCC markets.
Commercial Challenge
The Below-Ground Waterproofing Challenge
Below-ground structures — foundations, basements, podium decks, retaining walls and buried concrete — are exposed to groundwater, hydrostatic pressure, salts and substrate movement throughout their operational life. Failure to provide adequate waterproofing at construction stage is among the most costly structural defects to remediate, with significant implications for building performance, occupant safety and long-term asset value.
Traditional sheet membrane systems require laps, mechanical fixings and complex detailing that introduces vulnerability at joints and junctions. Spray-applied seamless systems eliminate these failure points — providing continuous waterproof coverage across complex geometries and irregular substrates without the joint vulnerability inherent in sheet-based alternatives.
Operational Challenges
Common Project Considerations
- Hydrostatic pressure from groundwater on buried concrete structures
- Salt and chemical exposure from saline groundwater across GCC environments
- Substrate movement and thermal cycling in large concrete structures
- Joint and lap vulnerability in conventional sheet membrane systems
- Below-ground access limitations affecting application methodology
- Programme continuity on large-scale commercial and infrastructure projects
- Long-term membrane integrity in aggressive subterranean environments
- Complex geometries including podium decks, retaining walls and penetrations
Dubai, UAE & GCC Relevance
Why Below-Ground Waterproofing Matters in UAE & GCC Infrastructure Projects
Large-scale commercial and infrastructure development across Dubai, the UAE and wider GCC region involves significant volumes of below-ground construction. Foundations, basement car parks, podium decks, retaining walls and buried utility structures are prevalent features of major mixed-use, commercial and infrastructure developments — each requiring long-term waterproofing performance against the specific groundwater and soil conditions present across GCC environments.
GCC groundwater frequently carries elevated salt concentrations from coastal proximity and arid soil conditions — placing additional durability demands on below-ground waterproofing systems. BelowGrade's spray-applied seamless membrane, 850% elongation, salt resistance performance and cold-applied VOC-free formulation make it well-suited to the practical and performance requirements of below-ground waterproofing on commercial and infrastructure projects across the region.
Key Advantages
Why Specify These Systems
Seamless Waterproofing
Continuous spray-applied membrane with no joints, laps or mechanical fixings — eliminating common failure points and providing uniform waterproof coverage across complex below-ground geometries.
Cold-Applied Application
No heat, no flame, no solvent — enabling safe and practical application in confined below-ground environments including basements, service ducts and buried structures.
Rapid Cure
Touch-dry within approximately 1 minute at 20°C. Additional protection or insulation can typically be applied around 20 minutes after application — supporting programme efficiency on large-scale projects.
Flexible Membrane
850% elongation and recovery above 90% — enabling the membrane to accommodate substrate movement and thermal cycling across the full operational life of the structure.
Salt Resistance
Salt resistance performance passed at over 1,200 hours — specifically relevant for below-ground applications where saline groundwater is a consideration across GCC environments.
Technical Support
Manufacturer-backed specification assistance, training support and project consultation for below-ground waterproofing projects across Dubai, the UAE and wider GCC markets.
Relevant Sectors
Sector Coverage
Technical Considerations
Project & Specification Considerations
Substrate Preparation
Correct substrate preparation is essential for effective adhesion and long-term membrane performance in below-ground applications. Surface condition, moisture content and surface profile should all be assessed prior to application. Technical guidance is available from our team.
Membrane Thickness Selection
BelowGrade is available in different membrane thicknesses depending on the level of waterproofing protection required — from airtight membranes at approximately 1.35 kg/m² (1mm) to watertight membranes at approximately 2.7 kg/m² (2mm). System specification should be based on hydrostatic pressure, exposure conditions and project requirements.
Programme and Coverage
Spray application enables output of 600m²+ per day depending on project conditions, access, preparation and trained application setup — supporting large-scale infrastructure and commercial project programmes where below-ground waterproofing forms a critical path activity.
Why Work With Us
A Specialist Systems Partner — Not Just a Supplier
Liquid Coatings by Forti Nova supports Dubai, UAE and GCC commercial project teams with specification guidance, technical consultation, training support and manufacturer-backed system expertise from enquiry through to project completion.
Discuss your project requirementsFAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Below-ground waterproofing refers to the application of waterproofing systems to foundations, basement structures, podium decks, retaining walls and buried concrete elements to prevent water ingress, hydrostatic pressure penetration and moisture migration through below-grade building fabric.
Below-ground waterproofing refers to the application of waterproofing systems to foundations, basement structures, podium decks, retaining walls and buried concrete elements to prevent water ingress, hydrostatic pressure penetration and moisture migration through below-grade building fabric.
Yes. BelowGrade is specifically designed for basement waterproofing applications. The seamless spray-applied membrane provides continuous waterproof coverage of basement walls, floors and slab-to-wall junctions without the joint vulnerability of sheet-based systems.
Yes. BelowGrade is specifically designed for basement waterproofing applications. The seamless spray-applied membrane provides continuous waterproof coverage of basement walls, floors and slab-to-wall junctions without the joint vulnerability of sheet-based systems.
Yes. Spray-applied below-ground waterproofing systems are well-suited to large-scale infrastructure applications where high-output coverage is required across complex geometries, irregular substrates and large buried concrete surfaces. BelowGrade's capability of 600m²+ daily output supports large infrastructure programme requirements.
Yes. Spray-applied below-ground waterproofing systems are well-suited to large-scale infrastructure applications where high-output coverage is required across complex geometries, irregular substrates and large buried concrete surfaces. BelowGrade's capability of 600m²+ daily output supports large infrastructure programme requirements.
Yes. BelowGrade is designed for application to buried concrete structures including foundations, retaining walls, buried service structures and infrastructure elements. Its 850% elongation and recovery performance addresses the substrate movement inherent in large concrete structures over time.
Yes. BelowGrade is designed for application to buried concrete structures including foundations, retaining walls, buried service structures and infrastructure elements. Its 850% elongation and recovery performance addresses the substrate movement inherent in large concrete structures over time.
Yes. Liquid Coatings by Forti Nova provides technical guidance, specification assistance, training support and project consultation for below-ground waterproofing projects across Dubai, the UAE and wider GCC markets. Contact our team to discuss your project requirements.
Yes. Liquid Coatings by Forti Nova provides technical guidance, specification assistance, training support and project consultation for below-ground waterproofing projects across Dubai, the UAE and wider GCC markets. Contact our team to discuss your project requirements.
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Discuss Below-Ground Waterproofing for Your Dubai, UAE or GCC Project
Contact our technical team for specification guidance, system selection support and project-specific technical assistance for commercial and infrastructure projects across Dubai, the UAE and wider GCC markets.