Introduction
Waterproofing in the Construction industry is a process that requires incorporating a range of methods that prevent water from entering an unwanted place in a building. Waterproofing is offered for any required place interior or exterior. It is one of the essential tasks in a construction phase that is considered necessary for maintaining the integrity of an infrastructure.
Overlooking waterproofing may have catastrophic consequences resulting in huge financial losses. Recently, authorities have made it mandatory to include waterproofing in structures to save lives and finances. We request our esteemed writers to keep reading the blog till the end to gain a complete knowledge of waterproofing.
How Does Water Enter a Construction Site?
Water enters a construction site from several sources into an infrastructure such as ground, runoff, and rain. Here it is significant for our readers to know that mostly rain is the most common cause of seepage in buildings.
After the rain, the water seeps into the ground and from there into the pillars and foundation. If the base of a structure is not waterproofed then that water will seep into the structure and affect the integrity risking loss of life and resources. The effects of water seeping into a structure could cause huge hazards.
What is the Difference Between Waterproofing and Water Resistance?
Waterproofing and water resistance are two different features but with the same function. Both are incorporated to keep the water away from engrossing inside the structure.
However, it is significant to mention that waterproofing products are a little bit different from water-resistant products. Water-resistant products stop the water but cannot be submerged within the water.
| Waterproofing | Water Resistance | Water Repellent |
| Highest level of 100% guaranteed waterproofing | Resists water seepage to a certain level | Specific types of hydrophobic coatings repel the water from contacting the original surface of the structure |
| Permanent condition | Lowest level of protection | Middle level of protection |
| Durable material against water | Materials are porous/breathable | Materials are completely repellent to the water but not for very long |
| Materials can be 100% submerged in water | Materials cannot be 100% submerged in water | Materials cannot be 100% submerged in water |
Understanding Areas Requiring Waterproofing
There are certain areas in a building or structure which require waterproofing for longevity, such as:
· Foundation and Walls
The foundation and walls of your house are the first lines of defence against water incursion. However, it is important to note that poor construction, cracks, exposed or untreated areas, and faulty drainage could lead to seepage and ultimately damage the structure.
Thus, waterproofing the foundations and walls of your structure is of utmost importance.
· Basement and Cellars
Cellars and Basements are known to be welcoming water seepage due to their location situated under the ground. This area is quite prone to water ingress and factors including insufficient drainage, cracks, and hydrostatic pressure make a structure prone to water infiltration.
Thus, waterproofing in these areas is highly recommended for solid durability.
· Bathrooms and Kitchens
Kitchens and Bathrooms are also considered prone areas for dampness due to being in frequent contact with water. Insufficient waterproofing in these areas can lead to serious and long-term damage to these and associated areas.
Slopes, cracks, poor paint, poor tiling, and improper drainage could be reasons for causing water seepage, moulds, and damage.
· Roofs and Terraces
Terraces and Roofs are areas that are also exposed to harsh weather conditions and face wear and tear.
Uneven slopes, poor drainage, vulnerable areas, and cracks must be treated for durable waterproofing.
Common Causes of Water Seepage and Damage
Understanding the common causes of water seepage is necessary to locate the areas requiring immediate waterproofing attention:
- Poorly built gaps and joints
- Tiny or large walls or foundations
- Poor plumbing such as faulty fixes or pipes
- Poor terraces, roofs, slopes, or drainage systems
How to Identify Water Seepage and Damages
Looking for a prone area for seepage is necessary in the first place to go with the waterproofing, such as:
· Water Meter Test
This is one of the easiest and foremost tests to check for water seepage. First of all, switch off all the faucets and then check if the water meter is still running then you can tell that there is some leak in your building.
Even a minor change in the reading of the water meter could click a hint in the leak.
· Put your Ears to the Running Water
This is a traditional method requiring you to listen to the walls or enclosed areas that may give off a leaking water sound.
If you listen carefully while closing down all the faucets then chances are that you may hear out some leakages.
· Visual Appearances
You can see the visual signs of potential leakages such as stains, dampness, paint peel, and wall swellings.
· Check Water Bills
This is quite important to know that if your water bill is being charged more than usual then do call a professional to check the meter or check for leakages.
A Guide to Waterproofing in Construction Practices
The utilization of liquid waterproofing membranes, Polyurethane, cementitious, and bituminous materials is necessary for waterproofing.
It is deemed necessary for areas like water tanks, swimming pools, green roofs, terraces, roofs, decks, kitchens, balconies, walls, foundations, and pillars.
Now, let`s move on to discussing Waterproofing Methods.
Waterproofing Methods
Waterproofing methods are necessary to understand as these are crucial to the process.
1. Bituminous Coating Waterproofing
Also known as Asphalt, Bituminous Coating is a widely used method of waterproofing. As its name suggests, Bitumen-based material is used to spray on the required surfaces.
It is a strong yet flexible coat with polymerization grade. The protection and flexibility against water make it a highly attractive waterproofing method.
Bituminous waterproofing Application:
- Roofs
- Pillars
- Foundations
2. Cementitious Waterproofing
Cementitious waterproofing is easy and also widely used by builders during the process of construction. It is also a favourite of constructors because the materials in this process are easily available and can be purchased from masonry shops. The materials are also easy to mix and use immediately.
This is mostly used in areas such as toilets, roofs and terraces where water contact is in abundance and thus requires waterproofing.
Cementitious waterproofing Application:
- Dams
- Bridges
- Tunnels
- Parking spaces
- Water treatment plants
3. Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
Liquid waterproofing membrane is carried out in three coats with 1 primer coat and two secondary also called topcoats. It is also known as the acrylic-based membrane. The membrane is applied using a spray, a trowel, or a roller. It is a very thin yet flexible layer.
It is durable and requires less maintenance, but its effectiveness depends upon the type of polymer used in the manufacturing process. It is also pertinent to mention that this coating can only be used and applied on flat surfaces without any big cracks.
Liquid waterproofing membrane Application:
- Walls
- Roofs
- Bridges
- Terraces
4. Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing
Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing is famous to be an effective measure, which is mostly used for low-sloped surfaces such as roofs. The self-adhesive membrane is bonded with the required surface with a gas torch that heats up the sticky membrane and sticks to the surface.
The materials of the membrane comprise fillers, polymers, and asphalt. The characteristics of these materials make them highly durable for exposed surfaces.
Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing Application:
- Roofs
- Walls
- Bridges
- Terraces
- Wet areas
- Basements
- Slabs or foundations
5. Polyurethane Liquid Membrane Waterproofing
Polyurethane Liquid Membrane Waterproofing is used for exposed areas such as roofs, walls, and terraces. However, these membranes could be applied on flat surfaces. It must be kept in mind that this method is expensive due to its high level of waterproofing.
As it is moisture sensitive, so highest degree of precaution must be observed before applying the membrane. The surface must be completely dry and clean of any debris. If such measures are not observed then effectiveness may be affected.
Polyurethane Liquid Membrane Waterproofing Application:
- Walls
- Roofs
- Terraces
Factors to Consider While Choosing a Waterproofing Method
These are some of the factors that must be kept in mind while considering the waterproofing methods:
- Area of application must be dry and clean
- Cause of any seepage must be addressed in advance
- Durability and life of waterproofing must be kept in mind
- The membrane must be compatible with the building materials
Benefits of Waterproofing Method
Several benefits of waterproofing are mentioned as follows:
- Durability and longer life-span for structure
- Helps in adjusting the inner temperatures
- Resistance to water damage and seepage
- Enhance property resale value
FAQs – Waterproofing in Construction Practices
Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Waterproofing in Construction Practices:
Q1: What is waterproofing?
Ans. Waterproofing is a method of making a structure water-resistant.
Q2: What is Basement Tanking?
Ans. It is the application of a membrane or coating to the inside or outside of a structure to prevent water seepage.
Q3: What are the types of waterproofing?
Ans. There are several types of waterproofing:
- Cementitious
- Bituminous
- Polyurethane
Q4: Where is waterproofing used?
Ans. The waterproofing is carried out in areas like basements, pillars, foundations, kitchens, washrooms, balconies, terraces, roofs, and water tanks.
Q5: What are the benefits of cementitious waterproofing?
Ans. The application for cementitious waterproofing involve:
- Sewage treatment facilities
- Water treatment plants
- Bridges
- Dams
- Tunnels
- Parking areas
- Ports
- Railway and subway areas
Q6: What is liquid membrane waterproofing?
Ans. The liquid membrane comprises a primer coat and two topcoats. It is carried out by trowel, roller, or spray.
Q7: What are the most used waterproofing materials?
Ans. There are several waterproofing materials used for waterproofing including cementitious coatings, liquid membranes, bituminous coatings, and acrylic coatings.
Q8: What are the signs that a house needs waterproofing?
Ans. Several signs may involve dampness, seepage, paint peel, stains, and discolouration.
Q9: What precautions must be observed in the process of waterproofing?
Ans. Several precautions could be followed while waterproofing such as using protective gear, working in a ventilation area, allowing curing and drying, and most importantly consulting professionals for big projects.
Conclusion
Waterproofing is a pinnacle of the modern construction industry. It ensures longevity for a building`s life. It is necessary to prevent water intrusion, moisture, and mould. Sufficient consideration of these measures could save you financial damages and hassle.
If you want to know more about such measures, or looking for a trusted contractor who can offer tension-free construction services then visit Fuldax Marketing or CALL US NOW at 080000800/03005550291.