CPD Seminar: Basement Waterproofing Standard Between Hong Kong and China

Date: 18 December 2025 (Thursday)

Time: 7pm - 8:30pm

Language: Cantonese supplemented with English

CPD Hours: 1.5

Admission fee: Free

Quota: In person: 80 persons; Zoom: 500 persons

Delivery: Hybrid

Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/g2VX1L5FjW

Overview:

Hong Kong and Mainland China have distinct standards and requirements for basement waterproofing, reflecting differences in regulatory approach, material preferences, and construction practices. Hong Kong regulations emphasize detailed waterproofing strategies, while China's standards rely more on national codes and traditional materials.

Hong Kong Basement Waterproofing Standards

Hong Kong adopts a regulatory approach centered on detailed building codes and guidelines:

- Both private and public sectors require comprehensive waterproofing for basements, specifying that suitable materials and membrane systems should be chosen based on location and topography

- The waterproofing membrane and waterproofing concrete must protect the entire basement structure and is considered an integral part of the building envelope, with tanking (full-area waterproofing) commonly specified for basements, especially when structures are exposed to sub-soil water

- High standards for system continuity, membrane upturn heights, and sequential construction practices are mandated, with proprietary coating systems often recommended for additional protection (Internal tanking)

- Specifications highlight monolithic construction (minimizing joints) and require specialized solutions for sunken slabs and pipe penetrations

China Basement Waterproofing Standards

 Mainland China adopts national codes and predominantly uses traditional waterproofing methods:

- The standard waterproofing method for basements is the application of bituminous membrane materials, with more recent transitions towards SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) sheet membranes.

- China’s main waterproofing standards are defined by GB (National Standards), such as GB55030-2022 General code for waterproofing for building and municipal engineering.

GB/T18243-2008, which specify technical data for SBS and other membrane types, including elongation, heat resistance, and permeability requirements.

- Basement waterproofing in China generally focuses on material performance benchmarks rather than detailed installation methodology or topography-specific adaptations.

- There is less emphasis on proprietary detailing and drainage system integration compared to Hong Kong, with bitumen remaining the default unless higher specification membranes are required by the client.

Speakers:

Mr. Desmond CHAN 

Sales Director

Denka Construction Solutions

Ms. Peko WONG

Specification Manager

Denka Construction Solutions

Moderator:

Ar. Cindy YAU

Member

CPD Office

HKIA