Waterproofing refers to the art of preventing the ingestion of water into a structure or material and therefore making it resistant to water or making it impervious to water. These materials can be used on the outside of buildings or in wet conditions, like underwater, to specified depths. There are many forms of waterproofing. In fact, the practice has become so widespread that there is now such a thing as waterproof paint and the industry is referred to as ‘waterproofing’.
Generally, waterproofing begins with the application of a protective coating to the material. This protective coating is usually a rubberized paint or a synthetic compound, like PVP. These materials can be sprayed onto a building or their surface, applied to a piece of metal, or rolled on using a roller to create a film. If the protective coating is a liquid, as in the case of PVP, the film can be saturated before the application of the waterproofing compound, but in the case of a powder coating, a dry coating is required.
Concrete is one material that forms the basis of many structures, both home, and commercial. As such, it is one of the most susceptible to liquid spills. Also, certain areas like basement floors and countertops take a particularly long time to waterproof. Therefore, to make these areas safe for human habitation and various uses, it is often necessary to employ waterproofing methods that include concrete bitumen and concrete waterproofing membranes. A cementitious waterproofing membrane is basically a membrane, which is sprayed onto the exterior of the structure and acts as a layer of liquid protection. The concrete bitumen or concrete waterproofing membrane is then left to dry and harden while it protects the external portion of the structure from liquid spills.
Another commonly used waterproofing method is a bituminous waterproofing system. This system uses a combination of synthetic rubbers and granulated asphalt to create a film that will form a seal against moisture. The advantage of this form of waterproofing is that it seals cracks, penetrates, and dries very quickly. However, it can damage concrete surfaces by causing cracking and expansion.
A crystalline admixture is a mixture of Portland cement, granular silica, and other materials. It forms a protective layer on concrete surfaces that prevents liquid from penetrating the surface. Most crystalline admixtures contain an aluminum binder to bind the admixtures together. The Portland cement and granular silica will harden once they are exposed to the air so that they will not expand during cold weather. They will also resist stains and odors, which make them ideal for use as waterproofing materials.
A liquid membrane is applied to a wet or dry area. It will form a barrier that will stop moisture from getting into the surface. It can be applied to most concrete surfaces, such as patios, walkways, driveways, and pool fencing. However, before it can be applied, it must undergo several chemical reactions. During those reactions, the cementitious coating will become rigid and will prevent liquids from penetrating.
An elastomeric membrane is a liquid membrane that contains a liquid adhesive component. This type of membrane is usually applied to a bare concrete surface to fill cracks and to prevent slippage. It is often mixed with a silicone compound that serves as an adhesive. These types of membranes are often applied to roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and other wet or dry surfaces to protect them from liquids.
These four types of membranes are excellent choices for sealing and protecting concrete surfaces. They have superior tear resistance, excellent abrasion resistance, water-proof properties, and excellent water penetration properties. When choosing a membrane for any application, it is important to consider the function it is intended to perform and the environment in which it will be installed. If you think you need to have these services, Waterproofing can help you with that.