Main Types of Construction

Your Guide for Residential and Commercial Applications.

Main Types of Construction

The 4 main types of construction vary depending on the project. Engineers and architects use these categories to prepare designs, specifications, and material requirements.

Knowing the type of construction helps ensure the right design, planning, and building materials are used.

The four primary types are:

Residential construction,
Commercial construction,
Industrial construction,
Infrastructure construction.

Residential Construction

Residential construction focuses on creating spaces where people live. This includes everything from single-family homes to large apartment complexes.

This Condo towers, even when they include multiple levels of underground parking, are still considered residential construction because their primary purpose is housing. In mixed-use projects (e.g., retail or office space on the lower levels with condos above), the residential portion is classified as residential, while the commercial space is classified separately as commercial construction.

Projects must balance comfort, durability, and efficiency, while meeting local building codes.

Examples:

Single-family houses,
Duplexes and townhouses,
Condominiums and apartments,
High-rise condo towers (often with underground parking)

Commercial Construction

Commercial construction involves creating buildings and spaces intended for business use. This includes everything from office spaces and retail stores to warehouses, storage facilities, and hotels. Projects often require strict building codes, zoning regulations, and accessibility standards.

Examples:

Shopping malls,
restaurants,
condo towers,
office towers,
warehouses.

Industrial Construction

Industrial construction is highly specialized and focuses on facilities that produce goods or provide essential services. These structures must meet strict safety and efficiency standards to support heavy machinery, large-scale production, and complex systems.

Examples:

factories,
power plants,
refineries,
large warehouses,
processing facilities.

Infrastructure Construction

This includes transportation networks, utilities, and public works that keep cities and towns running smoothly.

Examples:

Highways,
bridges,
railways,
pipelines,
water supply systems,
tunnels, and dams.

SUPERSEAL Waterproof Coatings, SUPERSEAL Double Drain with Geo, and Dimpled Foundation Membrane, provide drainage and waterproofing for all four types of construction.

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

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.)

.

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.

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