Waterproofing for Buildings – The Methods and Types of Waterproofing

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. 

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