What is the purpose of sealing the membrane to foundation walls according to SGM standards?

Sealing the membrane to foundation walls is primarily aimed at maintaining waterproofing. This practice is essential to prevent water intrusion from the outside environment into the building structure, which can lead to various issues such as mold growth, structural damage, and compromised indoor air quality. By creating a tight seal at the foundation walls, the waterproofing system can effectively block moisture from penetrating the walls and floor, thus protecting the interior space.

This sealing is a critical component of a comprehensive radon mitigation strategy as well, as it helps to contain radon and other harmful gases within the sub-slab area, allowing the mitigation system to effectively extract them from beneath the foundation and vent them safely outside. Without proper sealing, the effectiveness of the waterproofing and radon control systems would be significantly diminished, potentially leading to health risks and increased maintenance costs for the building owner.