Waterproofing with polyurethane membrane: The method of waterproofing with liquid polyurethane membrane is generally used for the flat roof area and is exposed to the weather. This type of coating uses one coat of primer and a couple of top coats applied with a roller, spray or trowel. Compared to cement waterproofing, it offers more flexibility. This is because it becomes a rubbery coating on the wall when the liquid heals.
In fact, one of the main causes of property deterioration is the abundance of moisture, and its consequences branch out in the form of wet, black mold and even rot. With all of this in mind, it may be important to learn about the different types of waterproofing services available and how they could protect your property from water ingress and the damage caused by them. The first type of waterproofing that most people enter with is type A. As stated above, type A is also commonly known as barrier protection, but it can also be referred to as “tanker”.
Installing a 100% defect-free Type A waterproofing solution only becomes more difficult if you understand that, in humid climates or poor groundwater conditions, the application can be even more difficult. Installation is undoubtedly the most difficult and vital part of any type A waterproofing solution, and ensuring that the installation is flawless is crucial for its future performance. Another problem that a type A waterproofing solution could pose is the displacement and movement of existing water surrounding the property. The natural soil drainage channels surrounding your property may be hampered by a type of waterproofing solution A.
The point here is that a properly installed Type A waterproofing system could displace water around your property and cause problems you didn't have before. Don't forget either that this is a system designed to keep water out of your property. Type B waterproofing systems differ from the other two types of waterproofing in that waterproofing is managed exclusively according to the design and materials of the property itself. You'll usually find type B waterproofing systems in newer buildings. Usually, type B waterproofing is done with materials such as a concrete bonding membrane.
This membrane acts exactly as you would expect, with the waterproof concrete forming a seal both on the floor and on the walls of the property itself. Materials, such as waterproof concrete, will be used throughout the underground structure, along with the implementation of the design, such as water stoppers. One thing to keep in mind with type B waterproofing solutions is that they are usually only available in new construction properties and are often more popular in larger buildings, especially those with deep basements, for example, parking lots. There are many variables to consider during the construction process that could cause a failure in a type B waterproofing system.
The quality of the materials, the placement, and the actual installation must be perfect in the first place; otherwise, the waterproofing will not be effective. What makes this task difficult is that, as with type A waterproofing, the system cannot be tested at all while it is being implemented. Instead, you have to rely on the expertise of the engineers who install the system itself. It is also necessary to take into account the same factors as in the case of type A. Hydrostatic pressure can always cause possible failures, and within the joints of the building itself there is an area that is particularly susceptible to failures.
Always be sure to consider land drainage when waterproofing type B, as moisture build-up could be catastrophic and difficult to repair. Remember that type B waterproofing systems depend on the design and materials of the building itself, so if repairs are needed, this could involve excavating foundations and repairing vital structural elements, which involves hard and intricate work. Often, to take into account these potential problems, a separate waterproofing solution is adopted together with type B waterproofing, just to ensure that the building itself is fully protected from any water ingress. This may also involve the implementation of a type A system and a type B system, but either way it is the only way to guarantee protection against any form of water ingress.
This can be costly, but the final results are often worth it. Type C waterproofing, or waterproofing with drain protection, is the process of applying drainage membranes and drains with cavities within a property that collect water after it has passed through the walls of a property, before channeling it through installed drains to a sump pump system, which then pumps water safely and draws it from the property to the correct or safe nearby channels. The second reason that type C waterproofing is so popular is that it is easily installed, even on properties that have existing or faulty waterproofing solutions integrated. This is because type C waterproofing is installed on existing walls, forming a new, completely clean and dry surface on which a plasterboard can be placed and then decorated as usual. This makes the type C waterproofing solution especially popular with designers and restorers.
You'll also find that type C waterproofing is popular because it can be easily combined with another waterproofing solution to ensure full protection, or to complete a new construction as part of a combined solution. In this situation, the property will be protected both inside and out against the ingress of a large amount of water or a possible failure of a type A or B waterproofing system. This does not mean that it is not without potential drawbacks. You must ensure that qualified professionals install a type C waterproofing system to ensure its reliability.
Unlike other waterproofing systems, it is possible that it can be installed quickly, since adverse weather and weather conditions do not affect its installation, but if it is not installed by experts, a problem may arise quickly. Polyurethane is used as a waterproofing material due to its excellent water resistance properties. The material forms a protective barrier that prevents water penetration. The contractor will apply the polyurethane in liquid form, which hardens and becomes a flexible, durable, seamless membrane.
Polyurethane adheres well to surfaces such as concrete, metal and wood. The flexibility of the material allows it to adapt to the movements of the substrate without cracking. Polyurethane is also highly resistant to UV radiation and weather, ensuring long-lasting waterproofness. You can apply the material in a variety of ways, including coatings, sealants, and membranes.
Polyurethane provides reliable protection against water intrusion, preventing damage caused by leaks, moisture and the mold. However, polyurethane is prone to cracking and peeling off over time, especially in areas with a lot of foot traffic or structural movement. This can compromise its effectiveness as a waterproofing barrier and require costly repairs or replacements. Cement-based waterproofing materials can protect surfaces from water penetration.
They are used in construction to create a waterproof barrier. The contractor will mix these materials with water to form a pasty consistency. Then, they will apply the mixture to the surface they want to waterproof, such as concrete, masonry, or even wood. Once applied, the cement-based material forms a hard, durable layer that prevents water from seeping in.
It acts as a shield, keeping the surface dry and protected. However, cement-based waterproofing materials can be difficult to apply uniformly, especially on complex or uneven surfaces. This can cause inconsistent coverage and potential weak spots where water can penetrate. EPDM rubber is a versatile and popular waterproofing material.
They stand for ethylene-propylene-diene monomeric rubber. The material is a synthetic rubber that is widely used to seal and protect various surfaces from water damage. EPDM rubber is resistant to weather, UV radiation and extreme temperatures. When used as a waterproofing material, EPDM rubber forms a durable and flexible barrier against water.
EPDM rubber is easy to install and repair, making it the preferred choice for many contractors. EPDM rubber is highly elastic, allowing it to expand and contract with changes in temperature without cracking or tearing. This property ensures long-lasting waterproofing performance. It also has excellent resistance to chemicals, making it suitable for use in industrial and commercial environments.
However, EPDM rubber is prone to puncturing and breaking, which can compromise its effectiveness as waterproofing membrane. Even small punctures can cause water to seep in and cause leaks.
