Waterproofing: 7 types you need to know

BySmith

Everything you need to know about waterproofing

If you work with construction, surely you’ve heard of waterproofing, right? After all, it is an essential product to avoid problems with moisture and ensure the integrity of the pillars of the work.

And you probably know that it can be applied both inside and outside the environment, don’t you? But do you know all types of waterproofing, or what waterproofing systems are?

Well, that’s what we’re going to talk about in this article today: everything you need to know about waterproofing membrane and how they can help you ensure good results on the job. Come on!

What is a waterproofed and what is it used for?

Waterproofing products are products that form a protective layer against moisture in the places where they are applied. They can have different origins, among them are natural, synthetic, organic or inorganic origin, each with a specific characteristic.

These products contain substances that serve to prevent the passage of water and also protect the places against fungi and bacteria, keeping them dry and free from contaminating agents.

The waterproofing agent acts to eliminate, or reduce, the porosity of the materials used during the works, such as paints. This action makes the product fill the infiltrations and isolate moisture.

In the construction industry, waterproofing products are used in several places, more specifically in:

  • floors;
  • roofs;
  • foundations;
  • Reservoirs;
  • walls;
  • Pools.

Regardless of the work project, using waterproofing products will make the service and result safer.

How does waterproofing work?

Water has a great ability to move through underground areas, infiltrating anywhere and advancing by gravity or capillarity. It also manages to perform some positive functions, called thrust, and even negative functions in the elements that make up the structures, in which case infiltrations occur.

The waterproofing agent acts as a protector of the structural elements. The protection forms a safe path for the passage of water without damaging the materials used.

There are different categories of waterproofing products on the market. Liquids and emulsion, for example, are placed directly on surfaces and form a kind of protective film on the materials.

Waterproofing systems

Yes, there are two categories of waterproofing that can be used during the execution of the work, they are:

Rigid waterproofing:

This type of waterproofing makes the surface even more waterproof, as it incorporates different chemical additives in its formula. But, despite this, it does not work as well with other structural elements, so its application is not recommended in environments that have large temperature variations.

Its application must be done in environments that do not have cracks, such as basements and underground galleries, since in these places the temperature is always constant.

Flexible waterproofing:

Made with products and substances that contain elastomers and polymers, flexible waterproofing is recommended for environments subject to cracking.

That is, places where there are large variations in temperatures, such as roofs, balconies and slabs. The most common waterproofing agents, in this case, are blankets.

Each of these waterproofing systems must be applied following the application recommendations, otherwise the expected results may not be so advantageous.