Since the early days, immediately after food man started finding shelter and they tried out means for protection from natural elements especially water. Since then, even after huge technological advancement, waterproofing still remains a serious issue for construction industries. Here we discuss the reasons why waterproofing is important for concrete.
One should also not forget that the Repair and waterproofing of a structure are two sides of the coin. Leaking water leads to the formation of cracks. In repair, if waterproofing is not considered then it will not be long-lasting work and it will fail, soon. The gravity force, surface tension, and capillary action control the movement of water, into the body mass of a structure. One, therefore, has to have sound knowledge of building physics. Waterproofing is very important to form the point of stability of the structure.
The bathroom is one space in your house that has to be waterproof. This is a fundamental requirement when building or renovating your bathroom space. Bathrooms are obviously wet spaces by their very nature, so to avoid the horror of leaks and excess moisture build-up, make sure you don’t cut corners and ensure you waterproof your bathroom floor properly.
However, the problem can be avoided or reduced to the minimum if proper attention is paid in the material and construction procedure. Everything should also be done keeping in mind the maintenance aspect. Our (iCloudHome’s) construction team ensures quality during construction at the initial stages itself. I.e. Investigation Stage, Planning Stage, and Construction Stage, rather than taking it as-a repair work or defect attending work.
Why Waterproofing Is Necessary
Concrete is a highly-porous material subject to water damage and deterioration without waterproofing. Water rusts the chloride ions found within reinforced concrete structures, which causes the ions to expand and the concrete to spall, or crumble.
The liquid enters buildings via other access points, such as roof deck insulation that traps moisture. Without waterproofing, roof insulation is subject to decay because it rusts the steel supporting a roof’s carrying beams and relieving angles. Waterproofing also prevents structural building damage that can result in plasterboard swelling, ceramic tile debonding, paint blistering, power source short-circuiting, and damage to beams, floors, skirting, studs, and frames.
Additionally, the decision to waterproof a building keeps mold growth from becoming severe. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, moisture-rich conditions. It can cause an array of allergic reactions and other health problems, particularly if exposure is long-term. Mold also affects a building’s structural integrity if left unchecked because the fungus consumes cellulose materials such as wood, drywall, and plywood.
- · Prevents The Onset Of Health Problems
When water and moisture find its way and seep to your ceilings and walls, it can result in the buildup of mildew and mold. This mold and mildew growth will create spores which can result in various health problems.
- · Risk prevention
In preventive risk management of any structure, it is important to have the right waterproofing solutions to protect assets as well as its occupants. If not done correctly, it can result in damage to the property, valuables, and health risks to people.
- · Prevent unnecessary cost
It is wiser to invest in preventive risk measures than to pay for damage repairs. Any building requires regular maintenance to protect it from damage caused by water, roof waterproofing is an effective preventive measure.
- · Promotes Long-Term Comfort
Waterproofing a home helps in sealing a new construction site early which promotes long-term comfort for you. With measures taken to the damage-prone areas, waterproofing can help reduce moisture to your home’s interior.
Therefore, it makes your home more comfortable to live in as well as providing a strong foundation you can rely on. Waterproofing your home as soon as possible can help prevent headaches and problems about this matter later.
Types
There are different types of waterproofing. like. Sheet membrane, liquid, Bentonite, cementations. Therefore choosing the best method waterproofing is quite pivotal. Given below are some of the waterproofing types.
1. Sheet based waterproofing membranes
These are membranes that arrive at the site in the form of rolls. These are then unfurled and laid on a firm surface. The most common type of sheet based membrane is a bituminous waterproofing membrane. This type of membrane is stuck to the substrate with a hot tar-based adhesive using blowtorches.
Self-adhesive compounds comprise asphalt, polymers, and filler; additionally, certain resins and oils may be added to improve adhesion characteristics. The self-adhesive type has low shelf life as bonding properties of the membrane reduces with time.
2. Cementitious Waterproofing
Cementitious products are probably the easiest waterproofing materials to use. They’re readily available from suppliers of masonry products, and they’re easy to mix and apply. If you plan to use this material, a long-handled brush will make your life easier. Also, spend the extra money to buy acrylic additives (a white, milky liquid) to mix in with the cement product. You’ll get better bonding and a more solid, durable coating.
The chief disadvantage is that cementitious products have no give to them probably because cement just doesn’t stretch to any degree worth mentioning. They will stand up fine to a head of water but will tolerate almost no joint or crack movement.
3. Liquid waterproofing membrane
Liquid Roofing is the process of waterproofing a roof by the application of a specialist liquid roof coating. It is suited to all types of roofs, including flat, pitched, and domed. Liquid roofing involves the application of a monolithic, fully bonded, liquid-based coating to a roof. The coating cures to form a rubber-like elastomeric waterproof membrane, capable of stretching and returning to its original shape without damage. Such coating systems are usually reinforced with secondary materials such as glass-reinforced plastic to provide additional tensile strength. The coatings can be applied over most traditional roofing materials, including felt, asphalt, bitumen, and concrete.
The process of liquid roofing provides a cost-effective method of making a new or existing roof waterproof. It can deliver up to 25 years performance depending on the coating system employed.
4. Bituminous waterproofing
Bituminous waterproofing systems are designed to protect residential and commercial buildings. Bitumen (asphalt or coal-tar pitch) is a mixed substance made up of organic liquids that are highly sticky, viscous, and waterproof. These systems are sometimes used to construct roofs, in the form of roofing felt or roll roofing products.
5. Polyurethane Waterproofing
Polyurethane is made up of two components, base, and reactor. Polyol acts as the base, while isocyanide is the reactor component. The combination of both these in a specific design ratio creates a liquid coating for waterproofing applications. Polyurethane is a rather popular choice due to its ease of installation. Unlike other waterproofing systems like sheet membranes and liquid applied membranes, this polyurethane application requires comparatively less skill and supervision. Application is fast and this type of treatment can be used for post-construction applications as well.
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Just like how you take supplements to maintain your health, you need the right waterproofing works to secure the health of your building. It is more expensive to repair a damaged part of a building than to do proper waterproofing.
