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Writer's pictureKiera Peterson

Know the Advantages of Using Waterproof Coatings in Construction

Updated: May 15

The waterproof coating is a fluid or semi-fluid substance that is coated and spread on the surface of the base layer and it is done to prevent the leakage of rainwater and underground water. It is a method that keeps the house dry by the application of waterproof coatings to the concrete. This can prevent water passage and the hydrostatic pressure. Advance technologies and materials have come up that can work towards preventing water passage from both sides.

Advantages of waterproof coatings

  1. The one main benefit that waterproof coatings provide is that it prevents the indoors from getting damaged from water infiltrations. It provides protection from all-weather elements including sun and rain. Walls, foundation, floors and insulation all are protected from cracks and seepage.

  2. Prevention is always better than cure. Waterproofing can be a daunting task which can prevent the even more frightening task of repairing water damages. So you can save money from spending on repairing by investing a long term waterproofing work.

  3. Water infiltration can lead to the growth of molds and mildew. The spores projected in the air can travel through the lungs when you breathe and cause serious health problems. When you use waterproof coatings on the walls and floors, you can ensure there is no water penetration. So now you can prevent the onset of health problems among the people.

  4. Another advantage of waterproofing is that you get a long term comfort indoors. The moisture inside the house can cause discomfort and headaches. With waterproofing, the presence of moisture inside can be removed thereby giving you a comfortable indoors.

  5. Unwanted moisture can cause damages to the property and can lead to the growth of molds and mildew. Water seepage can damage the wood, metal and concrete which can weaken the foundation and structural integrity of the building. So it is possible to increase the value of the property by using waterproof coatings.

Methods used in waterproofing

There are many waterproofing methods that are used commonly in the construction. Some of them are:

  1. Liquid waterproofing membrane method: As the part of liquid membrane method, a primer coat and two coats are applied using a roller, trowel and spray. The durability of the waterproof coatings can depend on the type of polymer used.

  2. Cementitious waterproofing: This method is the easiest and can be used for internal areas like the bathroom. The cementitious waterproofing material is mixed with the concrete and applied. This type of waterproofing can be rigid or semi-flexible in nature which is why it is not suitable for exposure to sunlight and weathering.

  3. Bituminous coating: Bituminous waterproof coatings are also known as asphalt coatings and are great solutions for concrete foundations. These are great for flexibility and protection from water. However, the basic bitumen-based materials can become brittle when exposed to sunlight.

  4. Bituminous membrane: This is one popular method used commonly for low sloped roofs. The bituminous membrane can have self-adhesive and torch on the membrane.

  5. Polyurethane liquid membrane: This is one expensive method that is ideal for flat roof area. It is important that one evaluates the moisture content of the concrete before starting as polyurethane is highly sensitive to moisture.

A boundary between the structure membrane and environment outside is created when you waterproof the building. This barrier can prevent the water from entering the interiors through the surfaces and thereby protecting the indoors from various damages. It is hence very vital to ensure waterproofing is done to the basement, indoor and outdoor walls, bathrooms, kitchen, balconies, roofs, etc.

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