Architects and Engineers
Your Guide for Residential and Commercial Applications.
Architects and Engineers
Architects and engineers work together to design foundations. As a group they are often referred to "Consultants".
What We Mean by “Consultants”
In construction, consultants refers to all design-side professionals who influence what products get specified. This is primarily Architects and Engineers. These groups work together and determine the waterproofing, drainage, and moisture-protection systems used on residential, commercial, and deep foundation projects.
Architects: create designs that are functional, safe, and visually appealing. They plan the layout, space use, and aesthetic of residential, commercial, and public buildings.
Engineers: ensure those designs can be built safely and efficiently. Structural engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers each contribute to the strength, systems, and sustainability of the project.
For every residential, commercial, and deep-foundation project, consultants determine how water will move around the building and which waterproofing system is required. This includes choosing the correct foundation wall materials, drainage mats, coatings, dimpled membranes, perimeter drain layouts, and protection methods based on soil type, depth of excavation, building height, and local code requirements.
What is the role of Engineers in construction?
Engineers calculate loads, pressures, soil conditions, and structural forces so the building won’t crack, sink, flood, or fail over time.
- They make sure every part of the project meets building codes and safety standards. Design the Structure and Foundations
- Manage Water, Drainage, and Ground Conditions.
- Lay Out Roads, Utilities, and Site Access
- Coordinate All Technical Disciplines
- Prepare Permits, Reports, and Approvals
- Inspect the Work During Construction
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What Is an Envelope Consultant?
Envelope consultants are specialists who make sure a building stays dry, sealed, and protected from the outside environment.
They focus on the building envelope — walls, roofing, waterproofing, drainage, sealants, and transitions between materials.
Design Waterproofing & Drainage Systems
They choose or approve the materials that protect the building, including:
- Waterproof coatings
- Dimpled drainage membranes
- Filter fabrics
- Protection boards
- Flashings and sealants
- Roofing and wall systems
Prevent Leaks and Moisture Problems
Envelope consultants make sure water cannot enter the building through:
- Foundations
- Walls and roofs
- Windows and doors
- Penetrations and joints
- This prevents mold, rot, and structural damage.
Review Construction Drawings
Before construction starts, they review the plans to confirm:
- Waterproofing details are correct
- Drainage paths are continuous
- Flashings and joints are properly designed
- Materials are compatible with each other
This avoids expensive problems during construction.
Inspect During Construction
They visit job sites to check:
Membrane installation
- Drainage mats and filter fabrics
- Backfill and protection layers
- Flashings and sealants
- Roof and wall components
They make sure everything is installed properly and won’t leak later.
Troubleshoot Problems
If a building has leaks or moisture issues, they are often called to investigate:
Foundation leaks
- Roofing failures
- Window and door leaks
- Condensation problems
They recommend repairs and long-term solutions.
Why They Matter
Envelope consultants protect buildings from:
- Water damage
- Mold and decay
- Warranty issues
- Costly repairs
They help ensure the building remains safe, durable, and weatherproof for many years.
What is a Structural Engineer?
Structural engineers make sure buildings stand safely, stay strong, and handle real-world forces like weight, wind, soil pressure, water, earthquakes, and snow. They calculate how much weight each part of a building can carry so the building is safe and sturdy.
This includes:
- Beams
- Columns
- Floors
- Walls
- Foundations
- Roof systems
What is a Geo-Technical Engineer?
Geo Technical engineers study soil, rock, groundwater, and earth conditions to make sure a building or structure can be built safely. They create the excavation strategy for the foundation. Their work determines whether the site is safe and what foundation system is required. This includes::
- How strong the soil is
- How deep the foundation should go
- How water behaves in the ground
- What risks exist (settlement, shifting, sliding, flooding, etc.)
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What is a Civil Engineer?
Civil engineers design and oversee the construction of the infrastructure that keeps communities working.civil engineers focus on everything that connects and supports those buildings. Civil engineers plan and design the site layout for a project, including:
- Roads and driveways
- Stormwater drainage
- Water supply and sewer systems
- Site grading and elevations
- Parking lots
- Sidewalks, curbs, and site access
- Retaining walls and slopes
- Erosion control and flood protection
What is an Envelope Consultant
An envelope consultant is a building expert who focuses on the building envelope — the outer shell of a structure that keeps water, air, moisture, and temperature under control. They help prevent mistakes before construction begins.
1. Design Waterproofing & Drainage Systems
They choose or approve:
- Dimpled drainage membranes
- Waterproof coatings
- Foundation protection boards
- Drainage mats
- Geo-fabrics
- Sealants & flashing systems
2. Prevent Leaks and Moisture Problems
Their work protects buildings from mold, rot, and major repair costs.They ensure water cannot enter the building from:
- Rain
- Groundwater
- Hydrostatic pressure
- Improper drainage
- Window/door openings
- Roof edges and wall joints
3. Review Construction Drawings
They check the architectural, structural, and civil plans for:
- Proper detailing
- Correct drainage paths
- Proper flashing layouts
- Air and vapor barrier continuity
- Suitable waterproofing materials
4. Inspect Waterproofing During Construction
Envelope consultants visit the job site to confirm:
- Membranes installed correctly
- Drainage mats placed properly
- Foundations protected consistently
- Flashing's and sealants are installed right
- Back fill doesn’t damage the waterproofing
- They verify the building will stay dry for decades.
5. Troubleshoot Leaks and Failures
They recommend repairs and long-term solutions.If something goes wrong, they diagnose issues like:
- Foundation leaks
- Window leaks
- Roof failures
- Condensation or mold
- Poor drainage or grading
SUPERSEAL products are chosen based on guidance from:
- Architects
- Structural, Civil, and Geotechnical Engineers
- Building Envelope Consultants
SUPERSEAL Waterproof Coatings, SUPERSEAL Double Drain with Geo, and Dimpled Foundation Membrane, provide drainage and waterproofing for all four types of construction. are the most recommended products for all building applications.