Types & Methods of Waterproofing

What is Waterproofing?

Waterproofing is the technique of preventing water from entering civil constructions. Water infiltration results in water leaks into a building’s structure, ultimately deteriorating its aesthetics, functionality and infrastructure.

Water leakage is a major concern for structural parts that come into direct touch with water. Water exposure might occur as a result of rainfall, a high water table, malfunctioning conduits,
or stagnant water located in a secluded area.

Oftentimes, structural features such as roofs, kitchens, bathrooms, exterior walls, balconies, basements, and swimming pools need waterproofing.

Learn the many kinds and techniques of waterproofing for houses, buildings, roofs, and walls, among others.

The Benefits of Waterproofing

The following are some of the many benefits of waterproofing:

The structural integrity of the building is preserved;
Corrosion protection is provided for the steel rebars;
The wooden furniture and structural components life – doors and windows – is extended;
The paint on the walls/roof stays intact;
Waterproofing prevents pest invasion;
Because the environment within the building stays dry, electronic equipment like TVs, ACs, and PCs is safe from moisture-related harm;
The plaster does not swell or peel away as a result of water leaks;
Due to the leak-proof construction, the property’s value grows;

The promotion of sanitary living circumstances.

Waterproofing Types and Techniques

Waterproofing may be completed concurrently with or after construction. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at each of these waterproofing methods.

Integral Waterproofing

Integral waterproofing refers to waterproofing that occurs during construction. This waterproofing approach is usually beneficial as well as affordable.

The integrated technique relieves the owner of any leaking sources. Integral waterproofing solutions require the addition of chemicals to green concrete to reduce its permeability.

Concrete contains one of three kinds of chemicals:

Densifiers – to obstruct the water route, silica fumes or silicates are utilized to plug the pores.
Water Repellent – hydrophobic polymers fill the pores and prevent water from flowing through them.
Crystalline – when the chemical reacts with water, it forms insoluble crystals. The crystals completely fill open pores.

Prior to installation, you ought to determine the compatibility of integrated weatherproof solutions with the concrete. Additionally, the chemical volume used should be decided based on necessity.

Integral waterproofing is faster and cheaper than other methods on this list. It’s also more reliable, requires no skills to implement or install, and doesn’t get damaged due to external works, like backfilling.

Finally, the approach does not wear out and is super-convenient for deep foundations, tunnels, etc.

Non-integral Waterproofing

Following construction, non-integral waterproofing technologies are often used for prevention. Generally, these solutions are remedial in nature and tackle current or ongoing leakage issues. The following techniques of non-integral waterproofing are available.

Cementitious Waterproofing

Cementitious waterproofing is a simple procedure to tackle. It is a cost-effective and viable approach for areas that are always damp or submerged in water. Due to the cement’s lack of elastic properties, it is incapable of elongation or expansion.

As a result, dry weather may cause cracks in the concrete, defeating the aim of waterproofing. Chemical components are added to the cement to enhance its waterproofing and durability properties.

Bituminous Coating Waterproofing

Bituminous coal is a petroleum industry byproduct. It becomes softer when heated and harder when cooled. It is the least expensive technique for waterproofing a structure. Bitumen is sprayed on the surface to form a thin film that restricts water infiltration.

Without treatment with polymers, bitumen coatings are not acceptable for direct solar exposure. As a result, it is often utilized as a foundation material.

Additionally, it is an excellent choice to use under the screed. Additionally, it is a highly dependable means of waterproofing a basement. But, this method has been mostly phased out.

Bitumen Sheet Waterproofing

Chemically modified bitumen sheets are made using jute cloth or fibreglass matting. On the roof, bitumen sheets are put over a bitumen base. A heated torch is used to fuse the two layers together.

Bitumen sheets are not an option for concrete roofs since they are also airtight. As a result, the concrete’s ability to breathe is harmed, resulting in blisters that degrade the concrete’s quality. They are, nevertheless, an ideal option for asbestos cement and zinc sheets.

Polyurethane Waterproofing

Polyurethane waterproofing is based on two main steps and two main chemicals – a base and a reactor. A polyol is used as the base, while isocyanide is used as the reactor. The two chemicals combine to produce a liquid film on the surface.

The application procedure needs acid cleaning of the concrete followed by torching so it can thoroughly dry the surface.

Due to the technique’s multistage implementation, it is a costly method. Additionally, the process has failed since it develops fractures when exposed to intense sunshine.

Peeling of the polyurethane is a frequent occurrence when the concrete has not been fully cured. The approach has been stopped due to its shortcomings.

Traditional Waterproofing Techniques

Apart from the approaches listed before, numerous more have seen considerable usage in the past, such as:

Brick Bat Coba Method
Metallic Sheet Wrapping
Epoxy Based Waterproofing
Box Type Waterproofing

These approaches have been phased out owing to the availability of more advanced and cost-effective materials and procedures.

Consider the Following When Waterproofing

There are several things to bear in mind while waterproofing houses, buildings, and roofs:

The drainage system should be cleaned prior to the monsoon to ensure uninterrupted water flow;
Water leakage must be found and corrected promptly, whether it be a building joint, leaky conduit, or concrete fracture;
Integral water methods are cutting-edge, affordable, dependable, and easy, and as such, they should be used throughout construction. Waterproofing costs around 1% of the total cost of the project;
Joints in the construction should be meticulously designed and addressed immediately upon completion.
Always contact an expert before selecting a waterproofing system for material method and contractor selection.
Make sure that the waterproofing ingredients have not been tempered throughout the packaging process. The material may lose its waterproofing characteristics when exposed to the elements.

Supervise the project and verify that materials are utilized according to the manufacturer’s requirements.

EPDM Rubber

Flat roofing and waterproofing solutions must be as resistant to wear as possible. The list of conditions it needs to withstand are endless: evolving environments, streak floods, brutal, unforeseen climate, and physical and mechanical impacts. Conventional roofing solutions may rapidly progress in years because of this steady wear and strain.

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) is significantly more sturdy and adaptable than customary roofing frameworks because of its sub-atomic cross-connected structure. A Nobel Prize in Chemistry was issued in 1963 for the process of making EPDM.

There are many advantages of taking on and utilizing EPDM, frequently known as “rubber waterproofing.” This sort of roofing offers a ton of benefits for the climate and your business or flat-roof property that range from physical to financial. Give us a call today to find out more!