Waterproofing is one of the crucial and most important stages in construction work. It ensures the building’s reliability and durability and protects it from water penetration and the damaging effects liquid can cause. Concrete structures, pitched and flat roofs, foundations, drinking water reservoirs, toilets and showers, bridges, and other buildings are all waterproofed.
The necessity and importance of waterproofing are out of the question. However, for every specific performed different techniques and materials.
Types of Waterproofing of Buildings
The types of waterproofing are different depending on the material used, the technology, and the field. Let’s consider the types of waterproofing according to the materials used.
- Waterproofing with cream coating. Most often are used either mastic based on bitumen or polymer. There are two types of bituminous mastics: cold and hot. As a result, an almost uniform coating is created without seams and folds, which perfectly fights against corrosion and moisture.
- Adhesive waterproofing. These are bitumen-polymer rolls that are glued to the outer walls of the base or directly to the mastic using a special gas burner. In this case, it is impossible to avoid seams or folds.
- Modern polymer films. The most current is PVC (plasticized polyvinyl chloride), TPO (a mixture of rubber and polypropylene), and EPDM (synthetic rubber) membranes. They are installed in the same way as rolls, with a welded or glued seam. But these have higher resistance to weather conditions and UV radiation.
- Penetrating waterproofing. If used correctly, these materials can penetrate deep into stone and concrete, creating a monolith. It is used in both external and internal works. In addition to the fact that penetrating waterproofing protects against moisture, it is also strong against various mechanical effects, because the surfaces treated with these materials also resist mold and fungi.
- White bathroom. This latest technology is water-resistant reinforced concrete construction (water-resistant concrete). It can be used in basements to protect against groundwater and seepage.
- Spray polyurea (penetron). This is a universal waterproofing material with a range of advantages:
- the absence of seams and folds allows this option to be used for waterproofing tunnels, bridges, and artificial reservoirs
- it is safe. since there are no solvents and plasticizers, polyurea is allowed to be used for waterproofing drinking water reservoirs
- speed and high productivity (the surface is ready for use after 15-20 seconds);
- reliability. polyurea can stretch, masking base deformations.
Selection of Waterproofing Materials
Since the structures of the buildings, conditions, and effects of natural factors are different, therefore the range of materials used is also diverse. To make the right choice, the following characteristics of waterproofing materials should be considered:
- Elasticity
- Durability
- Stability to moisture
- Vapor permeability
- Stability to chemicals
- Heat resistance and cold resistance
Can Waterproofing be Overlooked?
Some people underestimate the importance of waterproofing, seeing it as an unnecessary waste of money and time. Is that so? What are the consequences? If you ignore this most important stage, you can end up ruining the entire construction. Finally, the lack of waterproofing can lead to the corrosion of metal structures. Mold and fungus can appear on the surface of the walls, which affects the health of the residents and the strength of the structure in general, which will eventually lead to collapse.
Advice: If you want to start construction, you should first contact skilled specialists who will skillfully handle the issue of waterproofing and free you from unnecessary problems.
