Water damage is not a joke. We’ve seen and experienced it in one way or another, especially if it lacks waterproofing solutions. Given the times we sometimes have to weather literal storms, which take a toll on us and, most of all, tend to take a toll on our property, we sometimes have to weather them.
Without waterproofing, there’s a huge potential for problems in your home. You can also use it not just at home but also in your car, vehicle, and even clothing items.
If you’re ever thinking about using waterproofing materials and what they entail, then you’ve certainly come to the right place! In this article, we’ll explain the different materials you will need for waterproofing.
Types of Materials For Waterproofing
Polyurethane
There are many waterproofing materials available on the market. However, they are all built differently. If you ask anyone, they will say that polyurethane is the best option due to its numerous benefits.
Polyurethane waterproofing, for one, has a seamless membrane—perfect for the task of protecting your project from water infiltration. This makes a big difference by reducing the water absorbency of concrete and filling in all the capillary cracks. Furthermore, the material sets pretty hard the topmost layer of the concrete – and it does very well, although it comes at risks.
When it comes to handling a crack repair for concrete, Polyurethane is also quite reliable. The method of fixing concrete cracks is through a Polyurethane injection. It sets quite fast and can expand 2-40 times its original volume.
The Perks:
- It can be utilized for many purposes and is quite versatile
- Has a long working life
- Is flexible
The Cons:
- Can be dangerous to handle without gloves
- More expensive than others
The Risks:
- The material is quite dangerous.
- If you touch it with your skin, you can suffer from short or long-term health problems.
- Dangerous when it is inhaled
This material is quite expensive and versatile. However, it has many benefits and may require caution when applied.
Cementitious Coating
Sand, organic and inorganic chemicals and silica-based substances comprise a cementitious coating. Upon application of lime on this, it creates a hydration reaction that is caused by the hydration reaction.
This coating is one of the most preferred ones by professionals due to its many uses and ease of use. This material can be used alongside a concrete binder. Cementitious coatings have the same binding principles as concrete. Meanwhile, a concrete binder is instrumental in producing new concrete mixes for repairs. Thus, if used together, they complement each other.
Many brands recommend mixing the coating with a bit of water before application. If you have an acrylic adhesive, you can add it after the cementitious coating. It helps create a more durable coating.
If you are interested in using cementitious waterproofing coating, make sure that it adheres to ANSI/NSF Standard 61 and determine the NSF 61 status.
The Perks:
- Easy application
- Makes for easy usage
- Has many uses
- Lasts for years
- Works for both large and small surfaces
- Comes in many forms
The Cons:
- The material is inert; it makes it hard to shape
- Most oils, gasoline, kerosene, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, and concentrated acids are incompatible with it
- Shrinks from aging, poor maintenance, and exposure to aging, poor maintenance, and exposure to direct sunlight
The Risks:
- It can cause ill health by skin contact, eye contact, or inhalation.
EPDM Rubber
EPDM Rubber is a versatile synthetic rubber produced from ethylene and propylene. Although it is usually linked to silicone, they are different. People use it to waterproof roofs and vehicles and seal windows and trunks.
The Perks:
- Helps repel water
- Recyclable
- Efficient
- Recyclable
- Flexible
The Cons:
- Is not as flexible for usage
- Can bend, flex and stretch to a minimal degree
- Are not resistant to cracking
- Primarily used for water-retaining structures
The Risks:
- It contains harmful chemicals as well as carbon black
Thermoelastic
Thermoplastic is also very popular because it is one of the strongest materials for waterproofing. It is an effective material for waterproofing because of its long lifespan, at fifty (50) years, and has elastomers.
If you plan to use it also for crack repair in concrete, then you have to be careful about material selection; choosing compatible thermoelastic properties with existing concrete will make a big difference in helping reduce stress and minimize future cracking.
The material has been used for:
- Fabrics and clothing
- Bladders
- TPU coating
- Split slabs
- Property lines
- Elevator pits
- Tanks
- Fountains
The Perks:
- Has many purposes and uses
- Provides up to fifty (50) years of usage
- Resists a lot of impact
The Cons:
- More difficult to deal with
- Not as affordable
The Risks:
- Dangerous if ingested
Bituminous Membrane
Bituminous Membrane, also called bitumen waterproofing, is often used for commercial and residential buildings; this substance requires that bitumen be mixed with another substance. Bitumen is asphalt or coal-tar and is made of sticky organic liquids.
The Perks:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Flexible
The Cons:
- More difficult to deal with
- Not as affordable
- Doesn’t work in extreme temperatures
- Made from crude oil
The Risks:
- Is not suitable for all areas
- Can cause health problems upon exposure
- Due to it being created from crude oil, it is not sustainable for the environment
- It can cause respiratory problems
PVC Membrane
Lastly, PVC membrane is a common roofing material that helps waterproof roofs. It has plenty of benefits. It requires a base produced from polyester mesh or glass fiber. You can see it in tunnels, swimming pools, and underground structures.
It can be used for integral waterproofing. Both serve the same purpose and can complement each other. When the PVC membrane is used for integral waterproofing, it has enhanced protection and is more economical because it helps reduce the amount of membrane required or helps prevent the need for membrane application in less critical areas.
The Perks:
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Long service life
- Water-resistant
- It is vapor-permeable
The Cons:
- More difficult to deal with
- Not as affordable
- The material doesn’t allow moisture to stay in the area of the building roof (if you install there)
- Isn’t good for colder climates
The Risks:
- Impacts environmental health due to its chemicals
- It is quite slippery; there is a risk of slipping and falling
Considerations For Waterproofing Materials
Costs
The costs of materials are quite simple. Only a few constructions realistically follow schedule and the established budget. Ergo, it is important to consider material costs—and their perks, benefits, and compatibility with the project. There are items that have higher prices at first, but over time, they do not have to be maintained as much.
Project managers should also consider whether they need layers or more structures for a waterproofing system. Suppliers may offer bulk discounts for some materials, which can be a crucial variable in the scale of a project.
Installation Ease
Easy-to-install systems have many advantages over more complex alternatives. The complicatedness of an installation influences its likeliness of incurring an error. Ergo, you can prevent errors by hiring someone who is more experience.
Material Quality
There are two to choose from: above-grade and below-grade. Above grade applications include rooftops and balconies and encounter variations of temperature; thus materials need to withstand them. Most of all, they need to resist UVs and be aesthetically pleasing.
Meanwhile, below-grade waterproofing is more complicated but doesn’t need UV protection, and temperature resistance. It needs to avoid sinking and keep out harmful solvents.
Environment Variables and Concerns
The temperature, weather, and environment of a site vary. Climate factors like heat and humidity affect the waterproof membrane’s efficacy. Thus, teams need to be flexible and adapt to the conditions.
Tips:
- Sunny areas need more UV resistance for above-grade waterproofing materials.
- Read up more and stay updated about what is happening with climate change.
Material Quality (Durability and Longevity)
Construction firms need to also be discerning about the quality of materials. Suppliers are not advertising for longevity. However, there are ways project managers can make their own decisions.
Waterproof membranes, for example, differ. Ones with fewer seams have a stronger chance of having more longevity because they have fewer weak points and are more durable than the ones that are solid, especially if the teams put up layers. If there is no redundancy for some materials that come in single layers, there is a chance that they may fail.
At the end of the day, the best materials are the ones that have initial higher costs. However, the quality is a payoff for the expenses over time – fewer repairs and less energy consumption.
Compatibility With Other Materials
Compatibility is crucial for any other project items, with binding the most important variable. The membrane must stick to the surface or become more susceptible to water damage.
You may want to think of how materials change long-term; this affects the efficacy of the product. You also have to consider how materials bind.
Local Regulations
The International Building Code (IBC) has set levels for dampproofing situations. You can also refer to local building codes and regulations. Thus, project managers need to be critical in making reviews. Projects aiming for industry standards and certifications must also fulfill additional requirements.
We recommend:
- Consulting legal experts
- Using a specialized software for auditing
- Taking the time before making a final decision
Noncompliance can result in more expenses and halt the project’s completion. Thus, we encourage you to take your time before acting.
FAQs
What material is used for waterproofing?
The following are used for waterproofing:
- Polyurethane
- Cementitious Coating
- Bituminous Membrane
- PVC Waterproofing Membrane
What is the strongest waterproofing?
Generally, Polyurethane is deemed the strongest waterproofing material, but it also depends on your project and whether it requires low-grade and high-grade materials.
What is the cheapest method of waterproofing?
Bituminous Membrane waterproofing is considered the most economical and cheapest method of waterproofing.
What is the best waterproofing for concrete walls?
Polyurethane is considered the best waterproofing for concrete walls due to its durability and ability to set and withstand many conditions.
Quality Waterproofing Materials With Sealbond
Choosing your waterproofing materials requires discernment and involvement. It can seem a lot more complicated than it might appear, especially on paper. However, by knowing and understanding these materials and the factors that can affect them, you will better understand what it means to choose the right materials for your project.
At Sealbond Chemical Industries Inc., we lead the market in specialty construction chemicals formulation and technology. Our products include tructural epoxy adhesives, marine paints, concrete admixtures, industrial coatings and waterproofing solutions, and more! Check out our products today!
