Posted by Spycor Building on Apr 23rd 2025
Watch the video to check the step-by-step installation guide for the Platon® Foundation Wrap and ensure a successful waterproofing installation. In this post, we’ll walk you through the essential steps, materials, and techniques to install the Platon® Foundation Wrap, providing your foundation with the ultimate protection against moisture. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, this guide covers everything you need to know to get the job done right.
Material Requirements for Installing Platon® Foundation Wrap
Before starting your installation, gather all necessary materials to ensure a smooth process. Below are the required materials and tools:
- Platon® Membrane: One roll for every 19 meters (62 feet) of foundation. The membrane allows for joint overlap and can be overlapped horizontally by 15 cm (6”) for deep foundations.
- Caulking: Minimum of two tubes per roll, with specific recommendations based on foundation type:
- For concrete or wood foundations, use butyl rubber or asphalt-based roof cement.
- For Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), use foam panel adhesive.
- Avoid silicone, latex, or polyurethane.
- Platon® Speedclips and/or Plugs: 65 Speedclips per roll of membrane, or one bag of Platon plugs per 3 rolls of membrane.
- Platon® Moulding: 198 cm (72”) lengths, typically five pieces per job.
- Fasteners and Tools: Fasteners and fastening tools vary based on the type of foundation. For block and cured concrete, use concrete nails; for ICF and PWF, use corrosion-resistant deck screws. A nail gun is ideal for block and cured concrete, while a cordless drill/screwdriver works best for ICF and PWF.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Foundation Surface
Start by breaking off any ties and projections on the wall. Clear away stone and debris from the footing, and seal tie rod holes with mastic. If you’re working with ICF walls, no surface preparation is needed. For parge block walls, smooth out any rough spots.
Step 2: Chalk and Caulk
Chalk a line around the foundation at the finished grade level. Run a generous bead of caulking 25mm (1”) below the chalk line. If using Speedclips, apply caulking between the smooth tab and the wall to prevent dirt from entering the air gap. When using Speedclips and Platon® Moulding, caulking is not necessary.
Step 3: Roll Out the Platon® Membrane
Unroll the membrane along the foundation from left to right, ensuring the dimples face the wall and the smooth tab is at the top. Use Speedclips to fasten the membrane in place. The Platon® membrane must wrap from the top of the footing to the finished grade.
For sloped foundations, start with the tapered sections. If the roll height permits, crease the membrane sharply at the foundation/footing joint or fold excess membrane over the footing edge.
Step 4: Fasten the Membrane
Fasten the membrane using Speedclips, placed 30 cm (12”) apart along the top of the membrane. The Speedclips mesh with the dimples and press the smooth tab tight to the wall. Alternatively, you can use Platon® Plugs with nails spaced 20 cm (8”) to 30 cm (12”) apart.
For tall walls or heavy clay soil, install a second row of Speedclips halfway up the wall. Secure the smooth tab with Platon® Moulding strips along the top.
Step 5: Seal the Top with Platon® Moulding
Platon® Moulding seals any open areas where dirt could enter and clog the air gap. It provides a continuous seal when used with Speedclips, eliminating the need for additional caulking.
Step 6: Special Applications
- Corners: Bend and crease the membrane to ensure the best fit.
- Windows: Cut Platon® membrane flush with the side and 8 cm (3”) below the window opening. For Speedclips, move the cutout piece down to seal the horizontal cut.
- Sloped Grades: Install Platon® starting at the lowest elevation, then work your way up the slope.
- Tear Repair: If you encounter a tear, caulk around it and patch it with a 61 cm (24”) wide piece of Platon® membrane.
CLICK HERE for other special applications like pipe projections, window wells, and jump walls, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the membrane is properly sealed and fastened
Common Issues and Solutions
- Flood Boot Installation: If you're dealing with a high water table or special foundation conditions, apply a "peel and stick" or rubberized liquid waterproofing to cover the footing and wall.
- Backfilling: Use clear stone over the footing drain and compact each layer carefully to prevent damage to the Platon® membrane.
CLICK HERE to check the best Platon® Foundation Wrap based on your needs and ensure your foundation is fully protected from moisture damage. Whether you're building a new home or retrofitting an existing foundation, this durable and easy-to-install membrane provides long-lasting protection against water infiltration, mold, and mildew. Choose Platon® for peace of mind and superior moisture control, so you can safeguard your investment for years to come.