Brian’s Industrial Supply Blog

Posted on: 30 November 2020

Water is essential for making the right concrete mixtures when you start a construction project. However, the dynamics change when the structure starts to cure and becomes ready for use and occupation. You need to keep water away from penetrating the cured building materials to prevent damage. Water enters the heart of the structure by seeping through walls, lintels, cladding, beams and sills. It can also find its way by capillary rise via the foundation, columns, wall-floor joints and external walls. Buoyancy and up-thrust action can also push water through basements and floor. Waterproofing is your go-to solution when you want to keep your buildings safe from damage by water. Here is a discussion that will teach you more: 

Water Resistant Versus Water Proof

It is critical to understand the difference between water-resistant and waterproof material before you take on a waterproofing project. The common assumption is that the materials have the same qualities, which is not true, and that will affect the outcome of your project. Water-resistant materials can stand up to wet weather but perform poorly when you keep them submerged in water. Waterproofing materials can prevent the ingress of water even when submerged in water. Your attention here should be on the rating of the product as it dictates how much penetration the material can prevent. 

The Process Involved

Builders take on waterproofing in multiple layers. The materials are laid down to create several barriers while retaining the breathing qualities of the walls and panels. Essentially, the waterproofing material repels the water content internally while forming a protective layer around the material itself. In this way, your waterproofing materials stop the ingress of any water present while maintaining its structural integrity. 

Water Proofing Methods

There are several waterproofing methods you can use for your building. These methods include:

• Cementitious Waterproofing — cementitious waterproofing is a straightforward waterproofing technique that uses special waterproofing cement products. It is ideal for internally wet areas of the building such as toilets. The technique employs a semi-flexible and/or rigid waterproofing because the lack of exposure to weathering and sunlight means that the layer does go through contraction and expansion.
• Liquid weatherproofing — liquid weatherproofing involves the use of thin coatings applied using rollers, sprays or trowels. Usually, the membrane comes with one primer coat followed by two topcoats tasked with preventing the penetration of water. These coatings have a wide array of elongation properties. This allows them to expand and contract significantly for areas that experience lots of temperature changes.