Waterproofing for Buildings – The Methods and Types of Waterproofing
Choosing the right waterproofing technique
according to the needs and requirements of the situation is one of the most
common construction woes. At the very least this waterproofing method should be
able to deliver for a long period of time.
The most common areas that require
waterproofing include:
- Wall-floor crevices
- Water featured in landscaping
- Foundations of basements
Waterproofing for buildings involves the creation
of impervious barriers over the surface of foundation, walls, roofs, and any
other areas of the structure of your building. This is done to prevent water
from penetrating through these surfaces and causing damages. With the help of
waterproofing, building surfaces are either made water resistant or even
completely waterproof.
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| A roof appearing over a house after rain and after treatment by waterproofing membrane products. |
The most commonly used materials for
waterproofing constructions is polyurethane liquid membrane, liquid waterproofing membrane,
bituminous material, and cementitious material. Waterproofing structures and
buildings is typically required for swimming pools, water tanks, green roofs,
roofs or terraces, decks, balconies, kitchens, bathrooms, walls, and, of course,
basements of structures.
What Are the Different Types of Waterproofing Methods for
Buildings?
The most common types of waterproofing
methods used in construction include:
1. Polyurethane Liquid Membrane
2. Bituminous Coating
3. Bituminous Membrane
4. Liquid Waterproofing membrane
5. Cementitious Waterproofing
What is the Cementitious Waterproofing Method?
Cementitious waterproofing is among the
easiest methods of waterproofing for construction. You’ll find that the
materials used for cementitious waterproofing are quite easily available if you
know a few masonry product suppliers. Once you have gotten your hands on these
products, they will be ready to simply mix and apply on to the intended area.
Cementitious waterproofing is generally
used in areas that are internally wet like toilets. The type of waterproofing
used in this method can be described as semi-flexible or rigid and the
materials won’t be exposed to weathering or sunlight. Cementitious
waterproofing, therefore, does not work with expansion or contract processes.
The Applications of Cementitious Waterproofing
- Tunnels
- Parking lots and structures
- River channels/locks and concrete dikes
- Marine cargo docks and ports
- Subway and railway systems
- Dams
- Bridges
- Sewage treatment plants
Water treatment plants
What is the Liquid Waterproofing Membrane Method
Liquid membranes are thin coatings that
typically consist of primer coats and 2 coats of top coatings. These are
applied with the help of either trowels, rollers, or even sprays. The liquid waterproofing membrane
method is known to provide a little more flexibility as opposed to cementitious
types of waterproofing.
In this method, the liquid would cure into
what would seem like rubbery coatings on the wall. These rubbery coatings can
even reach as high as about 280% their original size. The durability of these waterproofing membrane
coatings will, however, depend on the types of polymers being used by the
manufacturers in the value chain of their products.
Liquid water proofing membranes are usually
found as spray-applied products and are mostly composed of asphalt that has
been polymer-modified. Polyurethane liquid membranes, on the other hand, can be
purchased in separate forms other than sprays such as for rollers or even
trowels.
What is the Bituminous Coating Waterproofing Method
Bituminous coating refers to types of
coating that are used for flexible protective coats and in accordance to the
polymerization grader or formulation. Its protection and flexibility against
water is highly influenced by its grade of polymer used alongside the
reinforcements of the fiber.
Bituminous coating is also known as asphalt
coating. These products work as excellent protective coatings and waterproofing
agents – especially in the case of foundations made of concrete.
This type of waterproofing coating is made
from materials that are bitumen-based and aren’t quite suitable for areas that
will be exposed to sunlight. This is so because the substance becomes quite
fragile and brittle after it has been exposed to sunlight. This won’t be the
case, however, if the product has been modified to work more flexibly such as
acrylic or polyurethane based polymers.
The flexibility of the finished products of
bituminous coating waterproofing will always depend on the bitumen and the
amount of solid contents of polymer that were added by the manufacturer.
What is the Bituminous Waterproofing Membrane Method?
The bituminous waterproofing membrane method is quite a
popular method that is used mostly for roofs that are low-sloped. This method
has been proven to be effective for such roofs for quite some time now and this
waterproofing membrane
method works either like a self-adhesive membrane or a torch-on membrane.
The self-adhesive compounds typically
consist of fillers, polymers, and asphalt. Other than this, they consist of
some oils and resins that are added to improve the product’s adhesive characteristics.
Those types of products that work like self-adhesives have low-shelf lives as
their bonding properties will begin deteriorating after some time.
Torch-on membranes, on the other hand, have
covered or exposed types. Exposed membranes often use mineral granular
aggregates in order to withstand the wear and tear they experience due to
weather. Covered types of waterproofing
membranes, will work if the contractor applies a protective screen onto
the surface in order to prevent the membrane from getting punctured.
What is the Polyurethane Liquid Membrane Waterproofing
Method?
Polyurethane liquid membranes are used for
waterproofing flat roof areas which may be exposed to harsh weather conditions.
This particular method of waterproofing is found to be quite expensive but also
offers its users with higher levels of flexibility.
Polyurethane has been found to be quite
sensitive to the moisture content present over its surface. This is exactly why
contractors need to be careful in evaluating the moisture contents in the
concrete slabs before application. If contractors aren’t careful, then the
de-bonding of these membranes will begin shortly after the application.
Are You Looking for Waterproofing Products?
Visit our website to browse waterproofing and tiling products along with the right tools and accessories for the job. You may also contact us by calling (02) 8119 6410 or visit our main website to check our portfolio at http://www.mrwt.com.au
