What are the Different Types of Waterproofing?
Water and moisture pose a serious threat to a building’s wall finishes, and can even affect a home’s structural integrity in extreme cases. That’s why it’s so important to use the correct waterproofing products and apply them correctly if you want to avoid reoccurring issues in the future. Here, we outline the different types of waterproofing products that are typically used in our industry, and share some tips on how to use them.
Bitumen-Torch on
Bitumen Torch-on is a rubber bitumen product that’s applied to the surface with the use of a gas torch, essentially melting it onto the slab. Torch-on is particularly handy when waterproofing large areas, as it’s pretty cost-effective.
Uses:
Mostly used on roofs
Maintenance:
Unfortunately, Torch-on is not UV stable, so it needs to be checked every 12-18 months. In addition to this, homeowners need to apply reflective silver paint at each inspection. If the product is applied correctly and maintained well, you should get around ten years of lifespan out of the product.
Cement-based Waterproofing
Cement-based waterproofing uses a chemical solution mixed with cement on site to create a sloppy slurry, which is applied to the slab with a block brush, in three or more alternating layers. A fabric membrane is embedded into the product during application.
Uses:
Of all the different types of waterproofing methods, cement-based waterproofing is best used when you plan to tile on top of the waterproofing solution. It’s the ideal solution for areas like balconies and showers. Some cement-based products can be used on a roof slab and painted with roof paint to protect the coat, but it’s not advisable to use this on slabs with high traffic.
Maintenance:
If applied under tiles, no maintenance is required! If applied to a roof or untiled slab, you would need to maintain cement-based waterproofing by applying a fresh coat of paint over it when you repaint your home at regular intervals.
Silicon-based Waterproofing
This is a solvent-based, silicon product that impregnates the plaster and forms an impenetrable watertight seal. This rubbery material’s high heat resistance and flexibility works well as a waterproofing method for more than just pipes and aquariums!
Uses:
Silicon-based waterproofing is applied to raw plaster – for example, at the bottom of a house – to prevent lateral damp (IE: moisture from the ground outside) from penetrating the home.
Maintenance:
None!
Spray-on Polymer products
Spray-on polymer waterproofing is rapidly replacing torch-on products, as it provides a seamless solution to waterproofing large areas and requires no maintenance. The sprayed waterproofing is applied between your primary and secondary concrete linings and develops high bond strength on both sides of the concrete.
Spray-on polymer is highly specialised and often applied with a pressure sprayer. Although it’s one of the more expensive waterproofing solutions out there, it does come with a 10-year guarantee – giving you great value for your money.
Uses:
Roofs, large surface areas
Maintenance:
None!
Acrylic Waterproofing
Acrylic waterproofing is what you’d typically find at your local hardware store. There are two types – fibre-reinforced and pure acrylic. The fibre-reinforced product has strands of fibre mixed into the product to provide strength and bond. The acrylic waterproofing product is used in conjunction with a white membrane, to form a resilient, flexible and waterproof barrier.
Uses:
Both types of acrylic waterproofing are used effectively for the tops of walls, parapets, windows sills, and various other areas where water may sit for short periods of time.
Maintenance:
We recommend that you recoat these areas once every 3-5 years, or when you notice deterioration occurring.
When to Look at Specialised Waterproofing Products
There are various specialised products which each serve a very specific purpose. Examples could include water tanking products which are applied to walls that are going to experience constant damp, like retaining walls. Another specialised method is waterproofing injection systems, which would be used where a wall is experiencing severe damp, but the problematic side of the wall is inaccessible.
Get Expert Advice on Different Types of Waterproofing
If walls, roofs or floors are not adequately protected from water at the beginning of your project, the odds are that you’ll experience endless damp issues. Likewise, using the incorrect types of waterproofing will perpetuate your troubles as well.
If you’d like to get an expert opinion on a damp problem or a new build that will require a little special attention to waterproofing, get in touch with Jukka. When it comes to something as essential as waterproofing, it’s best to do your homework and employ a professional team to repair any issues your house may have.
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