Foundation installation resource
A practical foundation-wrap installation guide organized from Dörken's official instructions, with the materials, measurements and special details installers need on the job.
System overview
DELTA®-MS is a high-density polyethylene dimpled membrane used for below-grade foundation protection. Installed with the dimpled side toward the foundation, it creates an air gap that allows incidental water to drain by gravity toward the footing-drain system.
The membrane forms a capillary break, helps keep soil moisture away from the wall, bridges foundation cracks and protects the foundation from damage caused by backfill.
Before you begin
The manufacturer instructions are a guide. The final application and details remain the responsibility of the project's design authority.
Confirm local building-code requirements, the footing-drain arrangement, foundation conditions and any required dampproofing or waterproofing components before installing the membrane.
Jobsite checklist
Installation process
Use these steps with the official Dörken installation instructions and the project-specific details supplied by the design authority.
Snap a chalk line at the expected final-grade line. Sweep gravel, dirt and loose debris from the top of the footing so the membrane can sit tightly and evenly against the foundation.
Place the dimpled side toward the foundation wall. The flat tab and orange stripe must remain at the top of the installation and face the installer.
Option 1: Place the bottom of the roll on top of the footing and install from the footing to grade.
Option 2 - recommended best practice for foundation-wall drainage: Run the membrane continuously and drape it over the top of the footing so drainage can reach the footing-drain area.
Use the option required by the project design, approval and local code.
Work with two people when possible. Roll out approximately 10 feet along the wall, keeping the membrane tight and even while the second installer anchors it with DELTA®-FAST'ners according to Detail 3.
Install DELTA®-FLASH along the flat tab with concrete nails. The top must be mechanically fastened and closed against the foundation so soil particles cannot enter the air gap.
Apply DELTA®-SEALANT wherever the gap between the DELTA®-FLASH and foundation wall is greater than 1/8 inch. Dörken identifies completely sealing the top with no visible gaps as best practice.
Walk the entire foundation and confirm that the membrane, top flashing, fasteners, joints, openings and special details have been installed correctly. Repair any damage before backfill and remove excess materials from the excavation.
Conditions that need extra detailing
These instructions do not apply to every job. Use the relevant detail when the condition occurs.
At window wells, walkouts, vertical terminations and other below-grade cuts, cut the membrane back 3 inches from the opening and finish it with DELTA®-FLASH or DELTA®-MOLD STRIP anchored 8 inches on center.
Use DELTA®-FLASH or DELTA®-MOLD STRIP anywhere the membrane is cut on a slope so the air gap remains protected from soil and debris.
Cut a patch extending at least 6 inches around the damaged area. Apply DELTA®-SEALANT around the tear, align the dimples and secure the patch tightly with FAST'ners.
Fit the membrane snugly around the penetration, apply DELTA®-SEALANT behind the cut area, interlock the overlapping dimples and treat the cut as a vertical lap with the required 6-inch overlap and fastening.
Install the bottom course first. Overlap the next course at least 6 inches over the lower sheet and shingle the horizontal joint downward.
Additional cold-joint protection is recommended in the specific water-table, drain and slab conditions listed in the official Dörken instructions. Have the design authority confirm the required detail.
Official installation video
This Dörken Systems Inc. video demonstrates the DELTA®-MS installation process. Use it together with the current written instructions and project-specific requirements.
Watch on YouTubeFinal check
Complete the system
Use the products specified for the installation detail rather than substituting components that may not close, fasten or seal the system correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Install the dimpled side toward the foundation wall. Keep the flat tab and orange stripe at the top and facing the installer.
Use a minimum 6-inch overlap at vertical joints. If a horizontal course is necessary, overlap the lower course by at least 6 inches and shingle the joint downward. Follow the official fastening requirements for each joint type.
Not automatically. The complete wall assembly depends on the application, local building code, project specifications, foundation conditions and drainage design. Confirm the required assembly with the project's design authority.
Dörken shows installation on top of the footing and an option draped over the footing. Draping over the footing is identified as the recommended best practice when DELTA®-MS is used as a foundation-wall drainage membrane. Use the approved detail for the project.
At below-grade cuts, openings, walkouts and vertical terminations, cut the membrane back 3 inches from the edge and finish it with DELTA®-FLASH or DELTA®-MOLD STRIP anchored 8 inches on center.
Use a DELTA®-MS patch extending at least 6 inches around the damaged area. Apply DELTA®-SEALANT around the tear, align the patch dimples and secure it tightly with DELTA®-FAST'ners.
It is not designed for permanent UV exposure. Dörken instructs installers to cover the membrane as soon as possible.
Keep the current Dörken manual available for measurements, diagrams and project review.
Basement Supply can help you identify the membrane sizes and installation accessories available for your project. Final installation details must still follow the design authority, manufacturer instructions and local code.
Important: This page is an organized field reference based on Dörken's DELTA®-MS Foundation Wrap Installation Instructions. It does not replace the manufacturer's current documentation, approved construction details, local building-code requirements or the direction of the project's design authority. DELTA® is a registered trademark of Ewald Dörken AG.
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