top of page
CMSA logo-01.jpg

Thermal & Moisture Protection

AWD American Wick Drain Logo

AWD
Residential Solutions

ABOUT RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS

AWD Prefabricated Soil Drains: SITEDRAIN™ Sheet Series prefabricated single-sided drains combine a formed polymeric drainage core with a filter fabric bonded to one side. The filter fabric is bonded to each dimple to prevent soil intrusion into the core flow channels while allowing water to freely enter the drain core. The core provides an uninterrupted path for water to flow to designated drainage exits. In addition, the thinner drainage layer also provides more head-room of the basement.

Building on this continuous flow mechanism, SITEDRAIN™ for Residential & Commercial Development is highly effective for subterranean structures and deep basement excavations in dense urban areas. In these projects, managing high lateral water pressure against shotcrete and screen walls is critical to structural safety. Installing these Prefabricated Soil Drains directly against the shoring wall before pouring concrete ensures that groundwater is collected and routed away efficiently. For high-rise developments built on reclaimed land, using SITEDRAIN™ for building developments prevents hydrostatic pressure buildup, protecting the structural integrity of basement walls where traditional aggregate drainage layers are too bulky or difficult to install.

For transport infrastructure projects, such as highway embankments and bridge abutments across Hong Kong and Macau, Prefabricated Soil Drains offer a lightweight, high-performance alternative to conventional gravel drains. When dealing with soft, compressible subgrades, engineers must specify SITEDRAIN™ for building developments to accelerate consolidation and prevent long-term settlement under heavy traffic loads. These Prefabricated Soil Drains are particularly vital in coastal roadworks where tidal fluctuations constantly alter groundwater levels, requiring a highly reliable, clog-resistant drainage path. Properly integrating these systems into the design ensures that subgrade soils remain stable, making SITEDRAIN™ for building developments a standard specification for modern regional infrastructure.

AWD SITEDRAIN prefabricated sheet drain with filter fabric for residential basement soil drainage and foundation protection.

ABOUT WATERPROOFING MANUAL

BENTOFIX® is a concrete sealing system which efficiently protects reinforced concrete structures, preventing the penetration of water and providing protection to the structure from being attacked by aggressive chemical substances present in the local surrounding soil.

In Hong Kong and Macau, the BENTOFIX ® Geosynthetics Clay Liner (GCL) Waterproofing System is increasingly recognized as a reliable solution for protecting underground structures against water ingress. Its prefabricated bentonite geosynthetic clay liner with a high density polyethylene (HDPE) lamination design ensures consistent performance in basements, tunnels, and screen walls retaining walls, where hydrostatic pressure can compromise long‑term durability. By incorporating the BENTOFIX ® Geosynthetics Clay Liner (GCL) Waterproofing System into foundation works, contractors achieve both efficiency and sustainability, reducing the need for chemical sealants while maintaining structural integrity. This neutral, proven technology is now a standard in urban projects where space constraints demand dependable waterproofing solutions.

Equally important, the BENTOFIX ® Geosynthetics Clay Liner (GCL) Waterproofing System is widely applied in reclamation and coastal developments across major cities, where saline groundwater poses unique challenges. Its self‑sealing properties provide resilience under fluctuating water conditions, making it suitable for high‑density residential complexes, transport hubs, and public infrastructure. The system’s adaptability ensures that construction teams can meet strict regulatory requirements while minimizing environmental impact. With the region’s ongoing expansion, the BENTOFIX ® Geosynthetics Clay Liner (GCL) Waterproofing System continues to play a vital role in safeguarding investments and ensuring long‑term project success.

BENTOFIX geosynthetic clay liner concrete sealing system for below-grade waterproofing and chemical protection.
NAUE Logo, BENTOFIX ® Waterproofing System

BENTOFIX ®
Waterproofing System

Case Review
REALFORAM Logo, rigid and extruded polystyrene

REALFOAM

ABOUT REALFOAM

REALFOAM is a rigid, high performance, extruded polystyrene and closed-cell cores board for insulation. The cells have consistent thickness without any voids inside and thus REALFOAM gives a lightweight, high insulating abilities, excellent moisture resistance and high compressive strength for the long-term and permanent uses.

In the subtropical, high-humidity climate of Hong Kong and Macau, specifying the correct insulation for flat roofs and podium decks is critical to long-term thermal performance. REALFOAM serves as a highly effective rigid insulation barrier, specifically engineered to resist moisture absorption in these high-exposure urban environments. Because the production of this extruded polystyrene (XPS) material gives the product a closed-cell structure which maintains its thermal resistance even when submerged, it is best utilized in protected membrane roofing systems where the rigid boards are placed directly above the waterproofing layer, protecting the structure from extreme temperature fluctuations and mechanical damage.

For below-grade applications and basement retaining walls in the coastal zones, managing high hydrostatic pressure requires materials with exceptional compressive strength. Utilizing REALFOAM extruded polystyrene (XPS) board also provides a protective cushion against backfill soils while ensuring long-term structural integrity. Engineers must specify this high-density extruded polystyrene in areas subjected to heavy loads, such as under-slab insulation for cold storage facilities, where REALFOAM acts as a durable, rigid thermal break that prevents ground freezing and subsequent slab heaving.​

REALFOAM rigid extruded polystyrene XPS insulation board showing high-performance closed-cell structure.
Modern Building Entrance

FAQ

Understand more about Thermal & Moisture Protection products and their usage

1. What is REALFOAM: Extruded Polystyrene Insulation (XPS) Board used for in Hong Kong and Macau construction sites?

REALFOAM XPS board is widely used in Hong Kong and Macau construction sites for thermal insulation in rooftops, walls, and floors. This insulation board helps reducing energy costs and improves building comfort.

2. Why choose REALFOAM XPS insulation board over other materials?

REALFOAM XPS board offers high compressive strength, moisture resistance, and long-term excellent thermal performance, making it ideal for Hong Kong and Macau’s humid climate.

3. Any other applications of REALFOAM beside thermal control?

 

Yes, REALFOAM XPS board could also be used in-between concrete slabs which acts as a light-weight structure deck. This would dramatically reduce the overall weight of the structures whereas provide capable compressive strength for support.

4. Does REALFOAM XPS board assist client to comply BEAM Plus requirements of new developments in Hong Kong?

Yes, due to the production base and process, REALFOAM XPS board comply with BEAM Plus requirements of new developments in Hong Kong.


5. What is Bentofix ® Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) and where is it applied?

Bentofix® Thermal Lock geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) - also known as geosynthetic clay barriers (GBR-C) - are needle-punched, reinforced composites that combine two durable geotextile outer layers and a uniform core of high-swelling powder sodium bentonite clay. Bentofix ® geosynthetic clay liner is used in Hong Kong construction for landfill base-line and capping, pond lining, and containment projects. It provides a natural clay barrier for effective waterproofing and leakage of hazardous gases.
 

6. How does the Bentofix® Waterproofing System work?

Thanks for its unique design, this forms a uniform, multi-directional, shear-resistant hydraulic barrier with self-sealing and re-healing characteristics. It’s popular in Hong Kong construction for basements, tunnels, and landfills.  Besides, Bentofix could also be used together with AWD SITEDRAIN panels to form a “Drain & Dry” system and provides an excellent protection of basement structures to prevent any water leakage.

7. What is the Bentofix ® Irrigation-Free Planting System?

Bentofix ® could be used in irrigation-free planting system to retain moisture in soil, reducing the need for watering. In Hong Kong, this system is widely used in green roofs and landscaping.

8. What is the Carbofol ® HDPE Geomembrane Lining System used for?

The Carbofol ® HDPE geomembrane lining system is mostly in construction for landfills, lagoons, and artificial lakes. It provides a durable, chemical-resistant barrier to prevent leakage.

9. How is Huitex ® Waterproofing Membrane used in different projects?

Huitex ® waterproofing membrane could be used in tunnel lining, construction for roofs, basements, and wet areas. It offers strong adhesion, flexibility, and long-term waterproof protection.

10. What is the Huitex ® Gas Barrier?

The Huitex ® Gas Barrier is a high-performance, impermeable geomembrane designed to block hazardous underground gases, such as methane (marsh gas), radon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from seeping into a building's substructure.

Get an estimate for your upcoming project

bottom of page