Waterproofing Contractor Bidding: Complete Guide to Government Contracts 2025
Win waterproofing and below-grade construction contracts. Learn about membrane systems, foundation waterproofing, plaza deck systems, and how to bid on commercial, institutional, and government waterproofing projects.
Waterproofing Market Overview
Waterproofing Market Quick Facts
US Market:
$8B+
Annual installation
Growth Rate:
5-7%
Annual increase
Warranty Period:
10-20 yrs
Typical coverage
Remediation:
$3B+
Annual repairs
Waterproofing is a critical specialty trade protecting buildings from water intrusion. The market includes new construction waterproofing and a significant remediation segment for failed systems. Success requires understanding various membrane technologies and proper application techniques.
Below Grade
Foundation walls, slabs, tunnels, and underground structures. Highest value segment with critical performance requirements.
Above Grade
Plaza decks, parking structures, balconies, and horizontal surfaces. Traffic-bearing and pedestrian applications.
Remediation
Repair of failed waterproofing systems. Injection grouting, interior drainage, and system replacement.
Waterproofing System Types
Types
- • Self-adhering modified bitumen
- • Torch-applied membranes
- • HDPE/composite sheets
- • Bentonite clay panels
- • PVC/TPO membranes
Applications
- • Below-grade walls and slabs
- • Plaza decks
- • Blindside applications
- • Split-slab construction
- • Green roof assemblies
Types
- • Hot-applied rubberized asphalt
- • Cold-applied elastomerics
- • Polyurethane systems
- • Polyurea coatings
- • Cementitious waterproofing
Advantages
- • Seamless application
- • Irregular surface coverage
- • Variable thickness control
- • Penetration detailing
- • Vertical surface capability
Types
- • Polyurethane traffic coatings
- • MMA (methyl methacrylate)
- • Epoxy overlays
- • Polyaspartic systems
- • Hybrid systems
Applications
- • Parking structures
- • Vehicular ramps
- • Pedestrian plazas
- • Stadium seating decks
- • Industrial floors
Systems
- • Crystalline waterproofing
- • Injection grouting
- • Joint sealants
- • Expansion joint systems
- • Waterstop systems
Applications
- • Concrete treatment
- • Crack repair
- • Construction joint sealing
- • Movement accommodation
- • Active leak sealing
Common Applications
Foundation Waterproofing
Below-grade walls and foundations. Sheet or fluid-applied systems with drainage boards and protection course.
Plaza Deck Systems
Horizontal waterproofing under pavers, landscaping, or traffic surfaces. Complex drainage and flashing details.
Parking Structure Coatings
Traffic-bearing waterproofing for parking decks. Protects structural concrete from chloride intrusion.
Tunnel/Infrastructure
Tunnels, underground transit, and heavy civil applications. Often specialized sheet or spray-applied systems.
Critical Details
Penetrations
- • Pipe penetrations
- • Electrical conduits
- • Structural connections
- • Drain assemblies
Transitions
- • Wall-to-slab transitions
- • Changes in plane
- • Material transitions
- • Inside/outside corners
Terminations
- • Top-of-wall terminations
- • Edge conditions
- • Counterflashing
- • Expansion joints
Specifications & Standards
ASTM Standards
C836 (below-grade sheet), D6083 (liquid-applied), C898 (above-grade masonry). Material and application standards.
NRCA Waterproofing Manual
Industry guidelines for waterproofing systems, details, and installation procedures.
Section 07 Specifications
07 10 00 (Dampproofing), 07 11 00 (Below-Grade), 07 14 00 (Fluid-Applied), 07 18 00 (Traffic Coatings).
Manufacturer Warranties
- • Material-only warranties
- • Labor and material (L&M)
- • NDL (No Dollar Limit)
- • 10-20 year terms typical
- • System-specific requirements
Applicator Requirements
- • Manufacturer certification
- • Training documentation
- • Project history
- • Insurance requirements
- • Inspection protocols
Finding Waterproofing Projects
General Contractors
Waterproofing is typically subcontracted. Build relationships with commercial and institutional GCs.
Building Envelope Consultants
Consultants specify systems and recommend contractors. Build relationships for bid invitations and referrals.
Property Managers
Direct relationships for remediation work. Building owners experiencing water intrusion issues.
Government Procurement
Federal, state, and local projects for building maintenance and new construction.
Winning Waterproofing Bids
Manufacturer Certifications
Certified applicator status with major manufacturers. Warranty issuance capability.
Project Experience
Document completed projects by system type. Show successful warranty performance.
Quality Control
Documented QC procedures. Flood testing protocols. Third-party inspection capability.
Safety Program
Working with hot materials, confined spaces, and heights. Documented safety training.
- Not verifying substrate readiness and cure time requirements
- Underestimating detail work at penetrations and transitions
- Missing weather windows for application
- Inadequate protection during backfill or overburden installation
- Not accounting for coordination with other trades
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