Waterproofing is one of the most underappreciated building materials. It prevents moisture and vapor from entering the building, which can impact indoor air quality and damage objects inside.
Whether you’re building new or refurbishing an existing structure, there are several different waterproofing materials to choose from. Here are a few of them: Thermoplastics, asphalt, or specialized types of rubber might suit your needs.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are a versatile and flexible material that can be used in a wide variety of products. They can be formed into a variety of shapes using various methods such as extrusion, injection moulding, thermoforming and blow moulding. This allows them to be tailored to specific applications and needs. This makes them ideal for water management and fluid handling. They can also withstand harsh environments as they are highly resistant to corrosion.
This material is used to make pipes, containers and other items that require protection against chemicals and other harsh conditions. It is also used to line walls and roofs in industrial buildings. Unlike bituminous membranes, which can degrade over time, thermoplastics are durable and will continue to perform well for many years.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a common type of waterproofing material. This material is strong and flexible, but is also lightweight and affordable. It can be made into many different types of products, including drainpipes, gutters and roofing sheets. It can also be made into a more flexible form by adding plasticizers. It is known for its resistance to acids and bases. It is also impervious to fungi and bacteria, and offers high temperature stability. It is also used for coatings, sealants and electrical insulation.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber is another popular type of waterproofing material. It is a synthetic rubber that has very high tensile strength, making it resistant to tearing and cracking. It is also able to withstand very cold temperatures, making it an ideal choice for northern climates.
Asphalt
Waterproofing materials are needed because every building is susceptible to damage from liquids if not properly protected. While it is possible to repair minor leaks and dampness, it is far easier and more cost-effective to prevent them in the first place. The longer a leak is allowed to occur unchecked, the more extensive the underlying deterioration will become. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right waterproofing material for your building from a variety of different options.
Asphalt is one of the most common waterproofing materials available. It is a durable and flexible material that can be applied in various ways, including trowel, roller or spray. It is also relatively cheap and easy to install, making it a popular choice for buildings. However, it should be noted that the use of this product can cause environmental issues, especially in certain states.
Rubberized asphalt is a popular alternative to traditional asphalt. It is made from recycled crumb rubber, typically from automobile tires. The rubber is blended with asphalt to improve handling and workability, while reducing the risk of cracks in the final layer. This alternative is also better for the environment, as it saves more than 220 million pounds of rubber each year and reduces waste disposal.
Bituminous membrane waterproofing is another popular option. It is a waterproof coating that is primarily used on concrete surfaces, such as basements and foundations. It is made from bitumen, which is a hydrophobic substance that is derived from crude oil. However, it is important to note that this material does not last as long as other waterproofing materials, and it does not do well in areas with high temperatures.
Rubber
Waterproofing is an essential part of a building’s construction as it protects the building from harmful elements like moisture and humidity that can damage the structure and harm its occupants. However, choosing the right waterproof chemical and material is key to ensuring that the building stays healthy and strong for its entire lifespan.
One of the most common waterproofing materials is rubber. This material is a great choice for waterproofing roofs because it offers excellent durability and protection against the elements. It is also easy to apply and dries quickly. Rubberized asphalt is another good option for waterproofing buildings. This product is made from recycled automobile tires and is an environmentally friendly choice for waterproofing. It is also very durable and has low water vapor permeation.
Sheet membrane waterproofing is also a popular choice for waterproofing a building. It is available in a variety of thicknesses and models to suit different areas of a building. Sheet membranes are very easy to install and are ideal for retaining walls, terraces, sloping roofs, bathrooms, and kitchens. They are also very affordable and have a high adhesion factor.
Cementitious waterproofing is a very common method of waterproofing and can be used on walls, floors, and roofs. It is usually applied as a liquid epoxy or latex mix and provides a hard, durable seal when fully cured. Cementitious waterproofing is very effective for protecting concrete and is especially useful in coastal areas. It is also a good choice for structures with a high water table.
Polyurethane
Waterproofing materials such as rubber, asphalt or polyurethane provide important building functions and can help reduce the risk of damage. Without proper waterproofing, any building can be subject to moisture infiltration and structural deterioration. Fortunately, waterproofing materials can help prevent these issues and prolong the life of your building.
When it comes to choosing the right waterproofing material for your commercial construction project, you’ll need to consider the scope of use specified in the product’s technical data sheet (TDS). If your waterproofing needs to withstand foot traffic, certain chemicals or particular weather elements, it’s also important to choose a product that can withstand these conditions.
With these considerations in mind, you’ll want to choose a waterproofing material that can be used as an injection sealant to secure leaks and make damaged surfaces watertight again for the long term. It’s also helpful to select a product that is vapor permeable so it allows moisture to escape naturally, rather than trapping it in the structure.
Polyurethane based products, such as Baumerk’s ISOFLEX-PU 500 liquid membrane, meet these requirements and offer the benefit of being a one component waterproofing solution that can be applied to most substrates. It is a durable, elastic and easy to use waterproofing membrane that provides excellent adhesion to the substrate, high flexibility, resistance to standing water and UV radiation.