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DIN 18533 Guide & Solutions

The DIN 18533 standard defines requirements for the waterproofing of components in contact with the ground, including categories for water loads as well as crack and space utilization classes.

What does DIN 18533 regulate?

DIN 18533 defines requirements for the planning, selection and execution of waterproofing for non-watertight components in contact with the ground - e.g. plinths, basement walls, floor slabs and ceilings covered with earth. The selection is based on the water exposure classes (W1-W4), crack classes (R1-R3) and room utilization classes (RN1-RN3).

Note: The standard consists of three parts:

  • Part 1 (requirements/planning),
  • Part 2 (waterproofing materials in sheet form) and
  • Part 3 (liquid applied waterproofing materials).
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Brief overview of classes

Class Description
W1.1-E Soil moisture and non-accumulating seepage water in highly permeable soil
W1.2-E Soil moisture & non-pressing water with drainage (e.g. in less permeable soil)
W2.1-E Moderately pressing water up to 3 m water column (HGW/HHW ≤ 3 m)
W2.2-E Highly pressing water over 3 m water column
W3-E Non-pressing water on earth-covered ceilings
W4-E Splash water at the base and capillary water in/under walls in contact with the ground

Crack & utilization classes

Crack classes (R-E)

  • R1-E ≤ 0.2 mm crack width change (low)
  • R2-E ≤ 0.5 mm (moderate)
  • R3-E ≤ 1.0 mm (high)

Space utilization (RN-E)

  • RN1-E low requirements for dryness (e.g. open storage, TG)
  • RN2-E normal requirements (recreation rooms, cellars in residential/office buildings)
  • RN3-E high requirements (e.g. server rooms, archives)

The combination of water exposure, crack and service class determines the type of waterproofing and, if necessary, the minimum layer thicknesses.

Planning & execution (Essentials)

  • Substrate load-bearing, level, free of hollows; gradient/flute formation per detail
  • Layer thicknesses for liquid construction types depending on load case (wet/dry control)
  • Details (connections, penetrations, joints) according to the material-specific part of the standard
  • Coordinateprotective layers and drainage (no damage to the waterproofing)
  • Documentation (protocols, photos, measured values) for quality & warranty

Note: Official standard texts are protected by copyright. For binding planning, obtain the originals (DIN 18533-1/-2/-3) and manufacturer's documentation.

Situation Suitable designs / notes
W1.1-E
Soil moisture / non-accumulating seepage water, permeable soil
  • Membrane waterproofing (e.g. bitumen/polymer bitumen membranes)
  • Liquid applied systems (e.g. PMBC, flexible mineral systems) - note the substrate
  • Details: Form movement joints/connections in accordance with standards
W1.2-E
Non-pressing water with drainage
  • As W1.1-E, plan drainage according to rules and regulations
  • Avoid exposure to water from the rear during the construction phase (intermediate waterproofing may be required)
W2.1-E
Pressing water ≤ 3 m
  • Sheet waterproofing or suitable PMBC systems (observe minimum dry film thicknesses)
  • Combination with waterproof floor slab proven; plan detailed connections
W2.2-E
Pressing water > 3 m
  • Membrane systems (e.g. polymer bitumen, plastic/elastomer membranes)
  • PMBC not permitted according to standard
W3-E
Non-pressing water on earth-covered ceilings
  • Structure with functional drainage; avoid water accumulation
  • Form penetrations according to W2.1-E if necessary
W4-E (base)
Splash & capillary water
  • Splash protection + capillary barrier; materials and heights according to standard
  • Waterproof the plaster/facade transition

The standard is geared toward new buildings. Its principles can be adopted for renovation projects; additional regulations (e.g., WTA information sheets) must be observed. Individual assessment required.

Yes, up to W2.1-E (≤ 3 m water column) for standard-compliant products and designs. PMBCs are not permitted for W2.2-E – sheet-shaped systems must be used in this case.

The space utilization classes RN1-E to RN3-E describe the requirements for dryness and reliability—they influence the choice of waterproofing design.