Project Overview
Location: Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles
Project Type: Below-grade basement waterproofing
Structure: Multi-level residential basement constructed into a hillside
System Used: Voltex bentonite waterproofing membrane
Luxury homes built in hillside areas such as Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood often require deep basements carved directly into the hillside. These projects present unique waterproofing challenges because hydrostatic pressure, soil movement, and groundwater infiltration can all compromise the structure.
Our team at Surfacing and Waterproofing was hired to resolve a complex below-grade waterproofing challenge during the construction of a hillside residence.
The Problem
The basement structure was built partially below grade and partially against a hillside slope, creating several critical waterproofing risks:
• Constant hydrostatic pressure from groundwater moving through the hillside
• Multiple construction joints and cold joints between foundation pours
• Limited exterior access after backfill
• Risk of long-term water intrusion into the basement living spaces
The project required a waterproofing system that could:
• Self-seal around penetrations
• Resist high hydrostatic pressure
• Maintain performance even if minor cracks develop in the concrete.
The Waterproofing Solution: Voltex Bentonite System
To address these challenges, we specified Voltex, a sodium bentonite waterproofing membrane designed for below-grade structures.
Voltex consists of natural sodium bentonite clay encapsulated between geotextile layers. When the material comes into contact with water, the bentonite expands and forms a dense waterproof barrier.
This property makes Voltex particularly effective for:
• Basement waterproofing systems
• Below-grade foundation walls
• Underground parking structures
• Retaining walls in hillside construction
Installation Process
1. Substrate Preparation
The concrete surface was inspected and prepared to ensure the membrane would achieve full contact with the structure.
Surface preparation included:
• Removing debris and sharp projections
• Filling voids and honeycombing in the concrete
• Preparing all construction joints.
2. Membrane Placement
The Voltex sheets were installed directly against the structural concrete, creating a continuous waterproofing layer.
Key installation steps included:
• Overlapping seams to ensure continuity
• Securing the membrane before backfill
• Sealing all penetrations and tie-backs.
Because Voltex expands when exposed to water, it creates a self-sealing barrier around penetrations and small cracks.
3. Protection and Backfill
After the waterproofing membrane was installed, protection layers were placed to prevent damage during backfilling. Proper backfill practices are critical in below-grade waterproofing projects in hillside properties such as those commonly found in Pacific Palisades and Beverly Hills.
Results
The completed waterproofing system provided a durable barrier against groundwater infiltration.
Key benefits achieved:
• Long-term basement waterproofing protection
• Resistance to hydrostatic pressure from hillside groundwater
• Self-sealing protection around penetrations
• Reduced risk of leaks or moisture intrusion.
Today, the basement space remains fully protected and dry despite seasonal groundwater movement common in hillside neighborhoods like Bel Air and West Hollywood.
Why Below-Grade Waterproofing Is Critical in Los Angeles Hillside Homes
Luxury homes in areas such as:
• Bel Air
• Pacific Palisades
• Beverly Hills
• West Hollywood
often include large basements built below grade.
Without proper waterproofing systems, these structures can experience:
• groundwater infiltration
• structural damage
• mold and indoor air quality issues.
Professional waterproofing using materials such as Voltex bentonite systems helps ensure long-term protection.
Need Basement Waterproofing in Bel Air or Pacific Palisades?
If you are building or repairing a below-grade basement, our team specializes in complex waterproofing systems including:
• bentonite waterproofing
• foundation waterproofing
• retaining wall waterproofing
• swimming pool waterproofing
• hillside waterproofing systems.
We provide waterproofing solutions throughout Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood.
Contact Surfacing and Waterproofing to discuss your project. Call (323) 508-4033