Construction industry

Waterproofing in Building Construction: Types, Advantages, and Application

Dec 29 2022

Debadrita

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Waterproofing is a procedure implemented to stop water from entering a building structure. Waterproofing is typically done in layers and stages to establish several barriers that prevent water from entering the structure. Membranes and coatings are used to waterproof a structure, and it also safeguards the structural integrity and the contents underneath and within.

Waterproofing is necessary for basements, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, terraces, balconies, decks, green roofs, water tanks, swimming pools, etc.

In a nutshell, waterproofing prevents water from penetrating interior and external building components like toilets, swimming pools, water tanks, walls, and ceilings. Waterproofing acts as a barrier that stops water from penetrating through the material, preventing flooding and dampness in structures.

Waterproofing reduces the humidity in the house's interiors, preventing damage to our indoors from being exposed to dampness or water.

Importance of Waterproofing

Waterproofing the house is very important as it helps to protect the integrity of the building structure. Some of the significant importance of waterproofing are as follows:

  1. Waterproofing helps to protect the walls of your house from creating a seepage. It will also help prevent water damage and promote a healthy, strong start for your newly constructed building.
  2. The walls and ceilings of the house become damp when moisture enters and thus leads to the spread of mould and mildew. This produces spores, which once more result in several health issues. It's always advisable to get your home waterproofed to protect you and your family from such unforeseen health issues.
  3. The cost of waterproofing often appears to be a blow to your budget, and you find it daunting to waterproof your house. However, it is ideal to consider it a long-term investment that generates money during the building's lifetime.
  4. It has been found that waterproofing helps to seal a new construction site early, which promotes long-term comfort. The steps are conducted to assist in lowering the amount of moisture inside the building.

Types of Waterproofing

Waterproofing is the process of preventing the entry of water and vapor. It helps in filling the structural crack. Therefore, choosing the finest waterproofing technique takes a lot of work. Some of the waterproofing types are listed below:

Cementitious Waterproofing: Cementitious products are usually the most accessible waterproofing materials that can be used. They are readily available with masonry product vendors and are simple to mix and apply. Cementitious waterproofing materials are usually rigid or semi-flexible and are hence used in interior spaces like bathrooms and other places that are shielded from the sun and weathering. This kind of waterproofing can be used in a variety of concrete applications.

Polyurethane Waterproofing: The base and reactor are the two elements that make up polyurethane. When combined in a specific design ratio, both result in a liquid coating for waterproofing applications. Polyurethane is a fairly common choice due to its ease of installation. This polyurethane application requires considerably less skill and supervision than other waterproofing technologies like sheet membranes and liquid-applied membranes. This waterproofing material can be applied quickly and is also useful for post-construction applications. As polyurethane is very sensitive to moisture content, it must be used in evaluating moisture before application, so that membrane peeling or de-bonding does not occur.

Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing: Bituminous coating is a flexible protective coating that is used for waterproofing. It works very well as a waterproofing and protective coating, especially on surfaces such as concrete foundations. The mixed substance is typically composed of sticky organic liquids. Additionally, they are vicious and long-lastingly waterproof. This makes the material extremely useful for this particular purpose. Bituminous membrane waterproofing is frequently used in the construction of roofs.

Liquid Rubber Waterproofing: A liquid membrane is a thin covering applied with a spray, roller, or trowel with a primer and topcoat and provides more flexibility than cementitious waterproofing. The surface elongation qualities of the liquid depend on the manufacturer's type, and the liquid is usually cured in a rubber coating on the wall.

PVC Waterproofing: This is a common roofing material that is made of polyvinyl chloride. The main application for it is to waterproof roofs. This type of waterproofing material will have a base that is reinforced. Typically, the base is constructed of polyester mesh or glass fiber. Most of its applications are for roofing, but it's also frequently used for underground buildings, swimming pools, and tunnels.