CONCRETE WATERPROOFING

Concrete Waterproofing

Waterproofing is the process of making an object or structure waterproof or water-resistant so that it remains relatively unaffected by water or resisting the ingress of water under specified conditions.Water-resistant and waterproof often refer to penetration of water in its liquid state and possibly under pressure, whereas damp proof refers to resistance to humidity or dampness.

Types Of Waterproofing

1. Cementitious Waterproofing
2. Bituminous Coating
3. Bituminous Membrane
4. Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
5. Polyurethane Liquid Membrane
6. Crystalline Admixtures

1. Cementitious Waterproofing

Cementitious waterproofing is the easiest method of waterproofing in construction work.The materials which are used for waterproofing of concrete are easily available in the market.This method is used in wet areas such as bathrooms and toilets.

2. Bituminous Coating

Bituminous coating is also called asphalt coating.It is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum.It is a very good protective coating and waterproof agent, especially on surfaces of concrete foundations.Bituminous coating is made of bitumen based materials and it is not suitable for expose to sunlight.It become very brittle and fragile when long exposure to the sunlight unless it is modified with more flexible material such as polyurethane or acrylic based polymers.

3. Bituminous Membrane

Bituminous membrane waterproofing is a popular method used for low-sloped roofs due to their proven performance.Bituminous waterproofing membrane have touch on membrane and self-adhesive membrane.This type of waterproofing is good for commercial and residential buildings.

4. Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

Liquid waterproofing membrane is a thin coating which consist of usually a primer coat and two coat of top coats which are applied by spray, roller or trowel.It offers more flexibility than the cementitious type of waterproofing. The liquid cures into a rubbery coating on the wall.It is suited to all types of roof including flat, pitched and domed.Such coatingare usually reinforced with secondary materials such as glass reinforced plastic to provide additional tensile strength.

The process of liquid roofing provides a cost efficient method of making a new or existing roof waterproof.It can deliver upto 25 years performance depending on the coating system employed.It is estimated that liquid roofing is 70% less expensive than overall roof replacement in refurbishment situations.

5. Polyurethane Liquid Membrane

Polyurethane liquid membrane method of waterproofing is used for the flat roof area and exposed to weathering.This waterproofing method is expansive.Polyurethane liquid membrane can offer higher flexibility.Polyurethane is very sensitive to moisture content present, therefore before application, one has to be very careful evaluating the moisture content of the concrete slab, otherwise peeling or de-bonding of membranes may happen after some time.