Waterproofing is crucial to preventing the long-term deterioration of building materials. Without this protection, exterior walls can suffer from structural damage and mould growth.
This article by Baumerk, a construction chemicals specialist, will discuss the different options for waterproofing buildings. We will look at the different materials available and how they work. Find out more at Pearland foundation inspection.
Waterproofing Membranes
Water leakage can cause a lot of damage to your home. This can include wet wooden furniture, cracking & peeling wall paints and even mold formation & vermin infestation. However, with the right waterproofing membrane in place you can ensure that this doesn’t happen.
Membranes are either sheet based or liquid applied. Sheet based membranes arrive on site in roll form and are stuck to the substrate using hot tar-based adhesives that are applied with blowtorches. The membranes must be joined and overlapped exactly to prevent any leaks.
Liquid applied membranes come to the site in liquid form and are sprayed or brush-applied onto the surface. They cure to create a seamless, joint-free membrane that is impermeable to water. The membranes can be made of a wide variety of materials including bituminous and PVC. They are also available in a range of thicknesses.
It is important to choose a waterproofing membrane that has high tensile strength, elongation and tear resistance. This will help to ensure that it resists the forces that can be exerted on it during construction and in its future use. It is also important to look for a membrane that has a high level of flexibility and resilience after curing to allow it to move with the structure.
Bituminous Coatings
Bitumen can be used to protect a variety of surfaces, including concrete, from the elements. Nurpaint Bituminous Paint from Bituroll is a great option for this purpose, as it offers outstanding weather resistance, far surpassing conventional paints.
It can be applied on steel structures, iron concrete masonry, metal sheets and water tanks to prevent corrosion. It is a black bitumen-based paint that can also be used to strengthen old waterproofing coatings. It is durable and economical, and can withstand harsh chemicals and UV degradation.
As the name suggests, bitumen is a petroleum-based product that has been used for waterproofing purposes for thousands of years. It is particularly effective in protecting road surfaces, preventing water from permeating the underlying layers and causing damage. Additionally, it can resist rutting, which is the formation of depressions on roads due to repeated vehicle loads. This helps to extend the lifespan of the road and ensure a safe driving experience for motorists.
Drainage Systems
Drainage systems prevent moisture from entering a building or structure and causing costly damage. They also reduce dampness, mold growth and improve indoor air quality, increasing resale value.
The drainage system can include eaves troughs (for collecting rainwater), gutters/diverters, basement drains, and window wells (to manage how water flows near a window).
When these systems are properly installed and maintained, they will keep moisture from penetrating into the walls and foundation of a home. If your home or basement has a masonry foundation, this system is especially important to help prevent ground water from seeping into the foundation.
Exterior drain tile prevents masonry wall leaks by redirecting ground water away from the walls. They are often placed in low-lying areas of the yard to prevent pooling and puddling, which can weaken foundation walls over time. They also work well for preventing basement leaks, which can lead to costly repairs and serious health risks. These drain tiles are prone to clogging, so it is important to keep them clear of debris and other obstructions.
Filling
Most buildings experience some sort of water related issue, ranging from a leaking roof to basement seepage and foundation wall leaks. Moisture has a wide range of effects on different construction materials, with wood prone to swelling and decay and concrete and masonry susceptible to cracking and efflorescence.
Exterior waterproofing is a big job that requires excavation around the perimeter of your home to expose bare foundation walls, then coating them with a membrane to seal any cracks or damage to the exterior of the building. In addition to this, a drainage system is installed and any gutter downspouts are directed away from the house to avoid excess moisture close to the foundation.
It’s important to choose a waterproofing product with a solid track record. Over time, manufacturers can change formulations for various reasons, and these changes could negatively impact your project. It’s also essential to follow the backfill requirements listed in the specification for your waterproofing system.