Roofing mastic
Several waterproofing methodologies are employed to keep the house dry. The first line of defense against moisture penetration is roofing mastic. This was applied to all buried walls, cold joints, the overhang, and the inside of the parapet walls.
Vertical plastic
To further protect the bermed walls, plastic sheeting is hung.
Footing drain
A 4" sleeved & perforated pipe is placed in a bed of drainage rock surrounding the perimeter of the house.
Bentonite clay
The entire top surface of the house is covered in a heavy layer of bentonite clay.
Horizontal plastic
The bentonite clay layer is protected from disruption during backfill by a layer of horizontal plastic.
First layer of earth
An initial layer of earth is placed to create an even layer among the domed and flat roofs.
Insulation
A 6" layer of polystyrene insulation is laid in an umbrella fashion over the entire structure.
Second layer of earth
The insulation is covered with a protective layer of earth.
Pond liner
The roof is covered with a heavy pond liner, draped over and secured to the parapet walls.
Parapet drain
Running over a protective layer of earth on the pond liner, a 4" sleeved & perforated pipe is bedded in drainage rock around the perimeter of the parapet walls.
Final earth layer
The last layer of earth is placed to complete the backfill of the structure.