What Are The Types Of Waterproofing Methods For Buildings?

Waterproofing is the method used to make an object or surface watertight. Although buildings are the most common targets of waterproofing treatments, the process is not limited to them. Waterproofing a building can be done in a number of ways, each of which is influenced by the specifics of the project at hand in terms of the materials to be used and the quantity of labour expected to be expended.

Waterproofing refers to the process of creating a watertight barrier across the exterior surfaces of a building's foundation, roof, walls, and other structural components. Waterproofing works to seal off these areas so that water can't sleep in. This is why it's important to make sure the building's outside is water-resistant and, ideally, waterproof.

Concrete, bitumen, polyurethane liquid membranes, liquid waterproofing membranes, and other materials are widely used in the waterproofing process.

Basements, walls, bathrooms, balconies, green roofs, decks, terraces, water tanks, kitchens, roofs, and swimming pools are just some of the places where waterproofing is required in buildings and other structures.

What Is Waterproofing?

When applied to the context of building construction, the term "waterproofing" refers to the process of sealing a building or other structure to prevent water from penetrating it. Important because it helps to prevent water from entering the building in the first place, waterproofing also helps to keep the interior dry. More than that, it helps reduce the humidity inside the building, which in turn protects the furniture and other items inside from being damaged by the damp.

In areas that get a lot of rain every year or experience flooding every once in a while, waterproofing is a must. Waterproofing a basement or foundation is especially important in areas with a high groundwater table. If the water table is high, the basement's floor and walls may be subject to hydrostatic pressure. Because of this, water can seep into the crevices, causing structural damage and moisture-related problems like mould, mildew, and rot.

All of us will be familiar with the dampness and water seepages that accompany the monsoons. The poor quality of the waterproofing is to blame. Waterproofing your house can save you money in the long run by preventing damage caused by moisture and water to your home and its belongings.

Why Is Waterproofing Important?

Waterproofing is an important construction process stage that helps a building last for many years. However, it is utterly disregarded, and not even given the attention it deserves as a serious issue. Allowing water seepage into your business building is a major risk to its structural integrity.

Waterproofing not only helps your commercial building to last longer but also has many other benefits. Read on for a summary of the most important arguments and benefits.

For Safety Reasons

Never put water and electricity in the same container. When wire is not properly protected from water leaks, it poses a substantial risk of electrocution and fire. When water seeps into a building, mould and mildew can flourish, posing health risks to the facility's occupants in the form of allergies and respiratory issues. The building may possibly fall apart due to water damage.

More Energy Efficient

Water and moisture can easily seep inside a building that hasn't been properly waterproofed. As a result, there will be temperature swings. To maintain a comfortable environment, the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system will have to work harder, resulting in higher energy costs. Your electric bill will get up accordingly.

Increases Lifespan

The long-term stability of the building materials employed in the structure may be jeopardised by the extensive water damage that can be produced by water seepage in a building. Waterproofing plays a crucial role in keeping water out, which in turn extends the life of your commercial space and improves the quality of life within it.

Maintain Your Property's Value

The damage caused by water entering your building would be extensive and costly to repair. If structural damage isn't spotted in time for adequate repairs to be completed, it might significantly lower the value of your property. With a proper waterproofing system in place, the likelihood of water seepage is greatly reduced.

Advantages Of Waterproofing

• Protects the building's integrity by keeping it from collapsing.
• Prevents the spread of fungi, mildew, and degradation
• Used on metals and wood to prevent rust damage.
• It seals the roof and walls so that no water may seep in.
• Keeps things dry on the inside of the building
• Property value increases.

Property Value

Damage to the home's foundation or the presence of potentially dangerous materials in the home's interior can significantly reduce the property's value. One of the most important advantages of waterproofing is that it can boost a building's resale value. Investors and homebuyers almost never consider purchasing a home that lacks waterproofing.

Many people keep living in houses with wet and leaky basements because they can't afford to have them waterproofed. But if you take the time to accomplish this vital work, you'll see a better return on your investment. The basement of a house that has been waterproofed becomes habitable, expanding the home's square footage while removing a potential source of structural failure.

Techniques & Methods for Waterproofing

Brick Bat Coba Method

When it rains, water can enter through cracks in RCC slabs that have developed over time. Thus, it is crucial to build watertight roof slabs that can supply a dry, leak-free environment inside the building. In this method, the roof surface must be slanted to allow for proper drainage and to facilitate the sealing of any cracks and seams. The RRC flat roof type is used in areas that receive an average to below-average amount of rain. Coba treatment can be done on raw materials such as RCC or stone slabs.

Brick Bat Coba

• To prepare the roof slab for the first course, it must be washed down and dried properly.
• A fresh slurry can be created by mixing cement with between 1% and 2% super seal powder (acrylic-based acrylonitrile chemical)
• The slurry is made by first combining the dry ingredients and then gradually adding water until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
• This freshly mixed slurry is then applied to the cleaned roof surface in order to create a uniform, thin layer.
• Mortar made from 1:5 cement and sand dry mix should have 1-2 percent super seal powder added to it. In this way, the mortar can be made ready
• The addition of water transforms the mortar into a flexible substance.
• To get a cement mortar layer that is 20 centimetres in thickness, this cement mortar is put on top of the thin slurry layer.
• By stacking brickbats 20 millimetres deep into a bed of cement mortar, one can create a brickbat layer 100 millimetres to 150 millimetres in depth.
• After the brickbat layer has been laid down, the cement-sand mortar will be used to grout the joints. Nothing is missing; all seams and cracks are sealed. Maintain a flat and even slope above the brickbat layer.
• After the brickbat layer has been grouted, new mortar is applied on top of it. This mortar is constructed from plastic cement and sand.
• Waiting two or three days after grouting helps prevent cracks on the surface.
• A second batch of mortar made of cement and sand with 1-2% super seal powder is blended (one part cement to five parts sand). The amount of water supplied depends on the desired consistency of the final product.
• It is put in a 20 mm thick layer on top of the brickbat mortar.
• Trowels are commonly used for final touches. Square lines on the ground can be drawn using string or a trowel. This is done so that the surface doesn't crack when the temperature changes and the material expands or contracts.
• Another two weeks are allotted for the curing process.

Different Building Waterproofing Techniques

The following waterproofing methods are widely used in the building trade:

• Bituminous Membrane
• Coating Made of Bitumen
• Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
• Polyurethane Liquid Membrane
• Waterproofing Using Cementitious Materials

Method of Cementitious Waterproofing

Cement is typically regarded as one of the most efficient materials for waterproofing a building. The materials required for masonry work should be readily available from any company offering such services. Not only that, but they're also easy to put together and wear.

Wherever there is a high likelihood of condensation forming, such as in and around wet areas like bathrooms and showers, this is the material to go with. This solution is highly robust because it does not expand or shrink in response to changes in its surroundings; hence, it is best implemented internally for optimal results. However, because cementitious waterproofing is not resistant to UV rays, an additional safety coating that is also essential.

Among all the methods available for addressing this problem in construction, cementitious waterproofing stands out as the simplest. Cementitious waterproofing relies on materials that are not only easily sourced from masonry supply stores, but also require little in the way of preparation time.

This tactic is commonly used in indoor wet areas like locker rooms and showers. Waterproofing of this type is typically applied in a rigid or semi-flexible fashion. However, it is not affected by the effects of sunlight and deterioration because it is used indoors in places like bathrooms. Cementitious waterproofing, in contrast to other waterproofing methods, does not experience a process of contracting and expanding.

Cementitious Waterproofing Applications

Most often, cementitious waterproofing is used in the following types of buildings:

• Bridges
• Tunnels
• Dams
• Parking Garages and Surface Lots
• Wastewater Treatment Facilities
• The Railway and Subway Networks
• Treatment Facilities for Water
• River Locks and Channels, as well as Concrete Dike Systems
• Marine Freight Docks and Port Facilities

Method of Liquid Waterproofing Membranes

Three coating layers are used in a liquid waterproofing treatment, with each layer providing an extra degree of protection in combination with highly flexible membranes. Compared to cementitious waterproofing, this method proves to be more useful, especially for outdoor applications.

This has the potential to greatly extend the useful life of the materials it is applied on. The versatility of this coating allows it to be sprayed or rolled over a broad variety of surfaces, giving you a lot of choices when it comes to waterproofing your structure.

When applied with a spray, roller, or trowel, a liquid membrane is a thin covering that consists of a primer coat and two topcoats. The coating can be applied using one of these three techniques. It offers more adaptability than cementitious types of waterproofing.

The liquid dries to a rubber-like layer on the wall. There is a maximum elongation capacity of 280 percent for the coating. The longevity of a liquid waterproofing coating is directly proportional to the type of polymer used in its manufacturing.

One type of liquid membrane that can serve as a waterproofing barrier is a polymer-modified asphalt liquid membrane. Several manufacturers offer polyurethane liquid membranes in a wide range of grades; they can be spread using a roller, trowel, or spray.

Method of Bituminous Coating Waterproofing

Another frequent approach to waterproofing a building is to cover it in a bituminous layer. Asphalt coating is another common term for this type of surface treatment. It has the same malleability as the liquid membrane but uses a different formulation that makes it more effective at sticking to certain substrates. Exactly like a liquid membrane, I suppose. The method is widely used while dealing with concrete slabs.

When subjected to the sun for an extended period of time, the coating will dry out and become brittle. Modifications to this coating are required for use in places that are frequently exposed to direct sunlight. If you plan on using the modified form in regions that require a high degree of flexibility, keep in mind that it can be combined with polyurethane or acrylic acid-based polymers.

Bituminous coating can serve as both a waterproofing and a protective covering due to its formulation and polymerisation grade. Both its pliability and its ability to repel moisture can be modified by varying the polymer grade and the type of fibre used for reinforcement.

Bituminous coating and asphalt coating mean exactly the same thing. As an example of a common application, bituminous coatings are often applied over wet screed. For surfaces like concrete foundations, it is especially helpful as a protective coating and a waterproofing agent, and it comes in a wide range of colours.

Bituminous coating should not be exposed to direct sunlight due to the bitumen-based components it contains. Furthermore, it will become highly brittle and weak if kept in the sun for a lengthy amount of time without being treated with a more flexible material, such as polyurethane or acrylic-based polymers.

One of the most influential aspects in determining how malleable the final goods will be is the amount of solid polymer that is added to the bitumen.

Method of Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing

Self-adhering membranes are a type of waterproofing material that have traditionally been used on roofs with gentle slopes or no slope at all. Self-adhesive compounds, such as polymer, asphalt, and fillers, are examples of this type of substance. If you experiment with different resins and oils, you can enhance the quality of the glue.

Similar to cementitious waterproofing, a bituminous membrane requires additional protection from the sun's rays before it can be installed. Without regular upkeep, cracks might form just a few years after treatment, necessitating pricey fixes.

Waterproofing with bituminous membranes is a common practice for low-slope roofs because of the method's proven efficacy. Bituminous waterproofing membranes feature a torch and a self-adhesive membrane that are both built in.

Self-adhesive compounds typically include polymers, asphalt, and filler as their primary components, with optional resins and oils further improving their adhesive properties. However, the bonding qualities of the membrane weaken over time, resulting in a short shelf life for the self-adhesive type.

Torch-on membrane comes in both an uncovered and a protected variety. In order to prevent punctures in exposed membranes, contractors must first apply a protective screed. In order to withstand the stress and wear that the elements and the different types of membranes can generate; it is common for exposed membranes to have a granular mineral aggregate.

Method of Polyurethane Liquid MembraneWaterproofing 

Using a polyurethane liquid membrane, we were able to successfully waterproof an area with a flat roof that was otherwise exposed to the weather. While this sort of water resistance is effective, it does not come without a price.

Polyurethane liquid membrane allows for greater adaptability. Nonetheless, the level of moisture already present has a major impact on polyurethane. Therefore, it is important to assess the level of moisture in the concrete slab before applying polyurethane. Failure to do so increases the risk of the membranes detaching or peeling.

This technology offers a great deal of adaptability, making it useful in a wide variety of contexts. Its widespread adoption might be attributed to the fact that it functions superbly on low slope roofs. It's worth noting, though, that such flexibility is not free.

Since polyurethane membranes are often damaged by damp environments, it is important to have a professional assess the level of moisture in concrete floors before installing the membranes. As soon as a few months have passed without proper care and application, the coating may peel off and cause debonding.

Commercial buildings in Australia need to be protected from the extreme weather conditions that are common there, therefore waterproofing is an essential precaution to take.

Waterproofing your commercial buildings is achievable using any of the aforementioned options, all of which have their own advantages. Select the appropriate waterproofing measures for your structure, and then have them implemented by a painting service that is convenient for you.

Conclusion

"Waterproofing" seals a building's exterior from the elements by covering the floor, ceiling, and walls in a water-resistant compound. Waterproofing uses concrete, bitumen, polyurethane liquid membranes, or liquid membranes. Leaks in commercial buildings threaten their stability. Waterproofing keeps commercial buildings dry longer. In addition, it seals all potential access spots to prevent water from entering the roof or walls.

Coba can cure RCC and stone slabs. RRC flat roofs are commonly installed in normal to below-average precipitation conditions. This allows for proper drainage and easier opening sealing. Any mason should have easy access to tools and supplies. Any masonry supply store sells cementitious waterproofing.

This waterproofing is usually stiff or semi-flexible. Primer, topcoat, and sealer are applied in thin layers using a spray, roller, or trowel. It makes a waterproofing agent when combined with polyurethane or acrylic acid-based polymers. Bituminous membranes come with a torch and self-adhesive membrane. Bituminous membranes work well on low- or no-slope roofs.

Resins and oils can increase glue quality. Australia's commercial buildings must be waterproofed to withstand extreme weather. Choose the best waterproofing measures for your building, then choose a painting company.

Content Summary

• Waterproofing is the method used to make an object or surface watertight.
• Waterproofing refers to creating a watertight barrier across the exterior surfaces of a building's foundation, roof, walls, and other structural components.
• This is why it's important to ensure the building's outside is water-resistant and, ideally, waterproof.
• When applied to building construction, the term "waterproofing" refers to sealing a building or other structure to prevent water from penetrating it.
• Important because it helps to prevent water from entering the building in the first place; waterproofing also helps to keep the interior dry.
• Waterproofing a basement or foundation is especially important in areas with a high groundwater table.
• Allowing water seepage into your business building is a major risk to its structural integrity.
• Waterproofing not only helps your commercial building to last longer but also has many other benefits.
• The long-term stability of the building materials employed in the structure may be jeopardised by the extensive water damage produced by water seepage in a building.
• Waterproofing plays a crucial role in keeping water out, which extends the life of your commercial space and improves the quality of life within it.
• With a proper waterproofing system, the likelihood of water seepage is greatly reduced.
• One of the most important advantages of waterproofing is that it can boost a building's resale value.
• When it rains, water can enter through cracks in RCC slabs that have developed over time.
• Thus, it is crucial to building watertight roof slabs that supply a dry, leak-free environment.
• To prepare the roof slab for the first course, it must be washed down and dried properly.
• This freshly mixed slurry is applied to the cleaned roof surface to create a uniform, thin layer.
• To get a cement mortar layer that is 20 centimetres thick, this cement mortar is put on top of the thin slurry layer.
• Square lines on the ground can be drawn using string or a trowel.
• Different Building Waterproofing Techniques The following waterproofing methods are widely used in the building trade: Cement is typically regarded as one of the most efficient materials for a building.
• Cementitious Waterproofing Applications Most often, cementitious waterproofing is used in the following types of buildings: Three coating layers are used in a liquid waterproofing treatment, with each layer providing an extra degree of protection in combination with highly flexible membranes.
• This method is more useful than cementitious waterproofing, especially for outdoor applications.
• When applied with a spray, roller, or trowel, a liquid membrane is a thin covering that consists of a primer coat and two topcoats.
• The longevity of a liquid waterproofing coating is directly proportional to the type of polymer used in its manufacturing.
• One type of liquid membrane that can serve as a waterproofing barrier is a polymer-modified asphalt liquid membrane.
• Another systematic approach to waterproofing a building is to cover it in a bituminous layer.
• Due to its formulation and polymerisation grade, the bituminous coating can serve as both a waterproofing and a protective covering.
• Bituminous coating and asphalt coating mean the same thing.
• Method of Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing Self-adhering membranes is a type of waterproofing material traditionally used on roofs with gentle slopes or no slope.
• Waterproofing with bituminous membranes is a common practice for low-slope roofs because of the method's proven efficacy.
• Bituminous waterproofing membranes feature a torch and a self-adhesive membrane that are both built-in.
• Using a polyurethane liquid membrane, we successfully waterproofed an area with a flat roof that was otherwise exposed to the weather.
• Polyurethane liquid membrane allows for greater adaptability.
• Nonetheless, the level of moisture already present has a major impact on polyurethane.
• Therefore, it is important to assess the moisture level in the concrete slab before applying polyurethane.
• Since damp environments often damage polyurethane membranes, it is important to have a professional assess the level of moisture in concrete floors before installing the membranes.
• Commercial buildings in Australia need to be protected from the extreme weather conditions that are common there. Therefore waterproofing is an essential precaution to take.
• Please select the appropriate waterproofing measures for your structure and then have them implemented by a painting service that is convenient for you.