What are the advantages of liquid waterproofing?
Ease of application: As liquid waterproofing membranes are applied as any other paint, making it extremely quicker to apply, for example 1000 sq/m per day is achievable depending on weather conditions.
Appointed crew can cover a larger area in a day and if applied the next day can start overlapping the layer finished last day with spray liquid waterproofing membrane.
This especially becomes more pronounced when applying on complex spaces or spaces that require lots of detailing as it is significantly easier to waterproof pipes and other penetrations using a liquid substance than it is by cutting and placing sheet membranes.
Any type of repair can be done instantly.
Seamless: Liquid waterproofing membranes cures to form one solid and elastic protective film surface thus prevents the occurrence of seams and joints which are the most common areas where waterproofing tends to fail.
Flexibility: Top market quality liquid waterproofing systems have the flexibility to expand and contract as the temperature changes, and adapt to minor structural movements. Hence these products perform significantly better even under extreme weather conditions and/or when small fractures occur in the underlying structure that they are applied on.
Different products for different needs: Bitumen, acrylic, polyurethane based waterproofing membranes each offer different advantages hence can be used depending on the needs of the application.
Low Risk & Reduced Complexity: Since liquid waterproofing membranes are cold-applied, it removes the added risks and sometimes additional permit processes (depending on the region) of hot-applied membranes thus speeds the installation process.
Useful Life: As a result of its weather, chemical resistant qualities and to UV radiation regular maintenance is not necessary as with other solutions.
In what areas waterproofing is necessary?
Waterproofing is necessary for all structures and areas (both indoor and outdoor) where water penetration is possible. Wet volumes like bathrooms, laundry and kitchens may also require waterproofing to prevent mold, odor and structural damage. All areas that are subjected to outside effects(balcony, roof, terrace, etc.) such as wind, rain water, snow should be waterproofed to prevent structural and electrical damage.
Under what conditions waterproofing may fail?
Vast majority of failures occur due to poor workmanship. When waterproofing is not installed under proper conditions and without following the instructions given by the manufacturer leaks and seepages can happen. Those leaks and seepages can lead to structural damage and as a result structure being uninhabitable.
What are the downsides of not using waterproofing?
Water seepage in structural elements can lead to a number of problems. Water can rot timber, corrode steel and concrete and this will affect the structural integrity of the buildings that they are used in.
For example;
When water seeps into concrete, it will cause concrete spalling and corrode steel reinforcements causing structural failures. It can even lead to complete demolition of the structure.
How long does waterproofing last?
The life expectancy of waterproofing products may vary due to workmanship, application conditions, weather conditions and with that in mind waterproofing can last up to 20 years.
What are the typical application fields for liquid waterproofing membranes?
Basements, terraces, roofing, podium & bridge decks, water tank lining, car parks and wet rooms.
How do you know the pricing is competitive?
The cost of liquid applied waterproofing depends on the raw material costs thus it varies with regards to its ingredients as well as the current prices of the said raw materials. In order to make a serious assessment one should take into account the raw materials used, application time, application costs and the longevity of the materials used.
Can it be used for refurbishment/renovation projects?
Yes, numerous liquid applied waterproofing products can be used when refurbishing surfaces. This can come in handy when dealing with uneven surfaces, which are common in refurbishment projects.
Why should I choose cold applied liquid waterproofing over conventional waterproofing?
Using conventional waterproofing methods may cause workplace safety issues as it is done by using blowtorch and can lead to fire hazards compared to liquid applied waterproofing products.
Hot applied waterproofing no longer makes sense because now there are cold applied waterproofing options available that offer similar or better quality and properties. Using cold-applied waterproofing speeds up the installation process thus reducing the complexities and risks involved during construction and also reduces the cost of the application.
What other properties should I look for when evaluating liquid waterproofing products?
Every waterproofing product has different properties and use areas as they are manufactured for different purposes with different materials. The questions you should ask;
– What kind of preparations are needed before the application of the liquid waterproofing?
– Is the waterproofing membrane sprayable by machine or should it be applied by hand one coat or several?
– Does the waterproofing product require additional reinforcements such as mesh reinforcement, etc.
– Is the curing time acceptable for your requirement?(Faster cure time means faster completion of the project)
– Is the waterproofing product UV resistant?
– Is the operating and application temperature of the product suitable for the application area?
When will the application surface be ready for general use after application of waterproofing?
Curing times depend on the materials that are used to produce waterproofing products.
For example;
Bitumen based waterproofing products take around 2 to 5 days to dry.
Cement based waterproofing products take around 5 to 7 days to cure.
Acrylic resin based waterproofing products take around 4 to 6 hours to cure.
Elastomeric resin based waterproofing products take around 24 to 36 hours to cure.
Polyurethane-bitumen based waterproofing products take around 12 to 24 hours to cure.
Polyurethane based waterproofing products take around 12 hours to cure for light use and 7 days to cure for heavy use.
Epoxy based waterproofing products take around 12 to 18 hours to cure for light use and 36 to 72 hours to cure for heavy use.
How do you determine whether to use spray applied or hand applied liquid waterproofing?
For small jobs or in confined spaces, it is easier to apply liquid waterproofing by hand. For large jobs, it is best to use a spray to apply liquid waterproofing as it speeds up the process and requires less labor force. You can find more detailed information about application instructions and how to’s at the desired product’s technical data sheet.
How to make sure that the required film thickness is achieved during waterproofing application?
To achieve required thickness you should use notched trowels, squeegees or gauged rakes when you apply the waterproofing by hand. For more precise application you can use a spraying device to ensure each layer is evenly dispersed on every applied surface. An inspector should check and confirm the thickness by doing spot checks with a wet film thickness gauge during application.
What type of equipment should be used during liquid waterproofing applications?
A basic materials list usually includes mixers, trowels, squeegees and rollers. Depending on the product and application surface and its scope, spray equipment as well as rollers, paint brushes or trowels can be used to apply the products. However, we advise our customers to follow the product catalog instructions and/or consult with us before any particular application.
What type of training is needed to apply liquid waterproofing membranes?
Liquid waterproofing should only be applied by experienced, trained contractors. Effective liquid waterproofing application requires adequate surface preparation of the substrate. Failure to properly prepare the substrate will negatively impact the waterproofing performance.
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