Built an ICF basement and put dimple membrane on the outside. Standard weeping tile with cloth. Soil is clay. I was wondering if I should put some sort of damp proofing on the inside for extra security (bitumen based peel and stick or more dimple membrane). I have read that this can seal the moisture into the concrete and not let it breathe (so is not recommended). Any thoughts. Thanks

Damp proofing inside won't stop moisture from the outside.

Make sure the outside is WATERPROOF. Use a good dehumidifier inside to reduce natural humidity.

Greenbuild,
If your outside work is done correctly, you should not need anything on the inside.
As long as the dimple membrane and draintile are working properly, moisture intrusion will be insignificant.
Leave the inside unsealed to allow for natural moisture movement.

There is nothing to do on the inside. Damp-proofing and water-proofing must be done on the outside. In clay you need multiple membranes; a peal and stick or spray on membrane under your dimple board would be best.

But since the dimple board is already done, you should put a protectant board over it, such as extruded polystyrene, and back-fill with well compacted gravel, compacted in 12" max, lifts.

Posted By Robbie245 on 16 Feb 2010 05:38 AM

Make sure the outside is WATERPROOF.

A bit of knowledge and wisdom from buildingscience.com.

Making a surface waterproof is almost impossible. The goal is to make it very effective in shedding water, not keeping it out by sheer force of design and material. Making the design and application shed water allows gravity to pull the water down and out in a controlled and harmless fashion. Think old fashioned wood shingle roofs. There was no way they were water proof, but they kept the water out. A subtle, but very important, difference.