Waterproofing bidding requires specialized knowledge of building envelope systems, substrate conditions, and application methods. This guide helps waterproofing contractors win profitable commercial projects.
Understanding Waterproofing Bid Documents
Architectural and Structural Drawings
Key Drawing Types
- Foundation plans
- Building sections
- Wall sections
- Waterproofing details
- Plaza deck plans
Information to Extract
- Waterproofing areas
- System types
- Detail conditions
- Substrate types
- Drainage requirements
Specifications
Division 07 Sections
- 07 10 00 - Dampproofing and Waterproofing
- 07 13 00 - Sheet Waterproofing
- 07 14 00 - Fluid-Applied Waterproofing
- 07 16 00 - Cementitious Waterproofing
- 07 18 00 - Traffic Coatings
Critical Details
- System specifications
- Substrate requirements
- Detail requirements
- Warranty requirements
- Testing requirements
Waterproofing System Types
Below-Grade Waterproofing
Sheet Membranes
- Self-adhered sheets
- Torch-applied
- Mechanically attached
- Bentonite clay
Fluid-Applied
- Hot rubberized asphalt
- Cold-applied polymers
- Spray-applied systems
Cementitious
- Crystalline systems
- Modified cementitious coatings
- Slurry systems
Plaza Deck Waterproofing
Systems
- Hot fluid-applied
- Sheet membrane
- Traffic coating
- Protected membrane
Components
- Waterproofing membrane
- Protection board
- Drainage layer
- Wearing surface
Foundation Waterproofing
Applications
- Foundation walls
- Elevator pits
- Mechanical pits
- Tunnels
Systems
- Positive-side (exterior)
- Negative-side (interior)
- Blindside
Above-Grade Systems
Applications
- Deck coatings
- Balcony waterproofing
- Planter waterproofing
- Mechanical room coatings
Takeoff Methods
Area Measurement
Categories
- Horizontal surfaces
- Vertical surfaces
- Detail areas
- Transition zones
Calculations
- Measure gross areas
- Add detail allowances
- Apply waste factors
Linear Measurements
Detail Items
- Termination bars
- Reglets
- Drains
- Penetration flashings
- Corner treatments
- Control joints
Accessory Quantities
Include
- Primers
- Adhesives
- Protection board
- Drainage mat
- Fasteners
- Sealants
Pricing Components
Materials
Major Items
- Waterproofing membrane
- Primers and adhesives
- Protection materials
- Drainage components
- Detail accessories
Considerations
- Manufacturer pricing
- Volume requirements
- Lead times
- Storage requirements
Labor
Major Activities
- Surface preparation
- Priming
- Membrane application
- Detail work
- Protection installation
- Quality control
Productivity Factors
- Substrate condition
- Weather conditions
- Access limitations
- Detail complexity
- System type
Equipment
Common Equipment
- Kettles and applicators
- Spray equipment
- Surface prep equipment
- Safety equipment
Cost Factors
- Equipment type
- Duration
- Fuel/power
- Operator requirements
Substrate Preparation
Concrete Substrates
Requirements
- Curing time
- Moisture content
- Surface profile
- Defect repair
- Cleaning
Common Issues
- Fins and protrusions
- Honeycomb
- Cracks
- Form tie holes
- Surface contaminants
Metal Substrates
Preparation
- Cleaning
- Rust removal
- Priming
- Surface profile
Coordination
Responsibilities
- Substrate responsibility
- Defect repair
- Acceptance criteria
- Documentation
Common Bidding Mistakes
Scope Gaps
Frequently Missed
- Detail work allowances
- Protection board
- Drain installation
- Tie-off conditions
- Testing costs
- Warranty registration
Labor Underestimation
Watch For
- Detail complexity
- Weather days
- Access limitations
- Coordination time
- QC requirements
Specification Oversights
Check Carefully
- Warranty requirements
- Testing requirements
- Detail requirements
- Termination conditions
- Manufacturer requirements
Quality Control
Application Standards
Requirements
- Thickness verification
- Adhesion testing
- Holiday detection
- Visual inspection
Documentation
- Application records
- Test results
- Photographs
- Certifications
Flood Testing
Procedure
- Test plan
- Water depth
- Duration
- Leak detection
- Documentation
Cost Factors
- Preparation
- Monitoring
- Duration
- Remediation contingency
Inspection
Stages
- Substrate acceptance
- Application inspection
- Detail inspection
- Final inspection
Weather Considerations
Temperature Limits
Typical Requirements
- Minimum application temp
- Maximum application temp
- Substrate temperature
- Cure temperature
Cost Impact
- Season scheduling
- Temporary heat
- Extended schedules
- Limited windows
Moisture Conditions
Requirements
- Dry substrate
- No rain forecast
- Humidity limits
Planning
- Weather monitoring
- Protection measures
- Contingency time
Warranty Requirements
Manufacturer Warranties
Types
- Material warranty
- System warranty
- NDL warranty
- Extended warranty
Requirements
- Certified applicator
- Approved details
- Inspection requirements
- Documentation
Contractor Warranties
Typical Terms
- Workmanship warranty
- Duration
- Exclusions
- Response obligations
Working With Other Trades
Coordination
Key Interfaces
- Structural contractor
- Concrete contractor
- Drain installers
- Landscape contractor
- General contractor
Schedule
- Substrate readiness
- Access periods
- Protection duration
- Follow-on work
Protection
Requirements
- Traffic protection
- Storage staging
- Follow-on damage
- Warranty maintenance
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Classifications
- Waterproofers
- Roofers
- Laborers
Compliance
- Correct rates
- Certified payroll
- Documentation
Documentation
Submittals
- Product data
- Shop drawings
- Manufacturer letters
- Test reports
- Warranties
Technology in Waterproofing
Application Technology
Advances
- Spray-applied systems
- Self-healing membranes
- Composite systems
- Monitoring systems
Digital Tools
Applications
- Digital takeoff
- Documentation
- Quality tracking
- Warranty management
Competitive Strategies
Differentiation
Beyond Price
- Technical expertise
- Warranty backing
- Quality record
- Response capability
Value Engineering
Options
- System alternatives
- Detail simplification
- Construction sequence
- Protection methods
Conclusion
Successful waterproofing bidding requires understanding of multiple systems and detail conditions. Measure areas accurately. Include all detail work. Account for substrate preparation. Plan for weather impacts.
The waterproofing contractors who win profitable work demonstrate technical expertise, quality installation, and reliable warranty backing.
ConstructionBids.ai helps waterproofing contractors find commercial opportunities for foundation, plaza deck, and building envelope projects.
