Everyone dreams of having their own house and watching its foundation take shape. But a poor waterproofing job can turn this dream into a nightmare. Waterproofing is vital for a building; inadequate insulation can cause long - term problems affecting the structure's lifespan. If you're seeking info on the best waterproofing material for your dream home, read on.
Elastomeric Coating
Advantages: Durable Protection with Flexibility
Elastomeric coatings are strong candidates for the best waterproofing material. They offer a safe, long - lasting, and visually appealing way to protect concrete. Applied like paint and primer, two coats are usually enough. The polymer acrylic paint fills gaps, small cracks, and surface irregularities.
Elastomers have elastic properties, conforming to the applied structure to create an air and waterproof seal that lasts for years, regardless of temperature. About 10 times thicker than regular paint, it forms a thick yet flexible waterproof layer. It can seal even the tiniest gaps, suitable for plaster, concrete, and walls on both walls and roofs.
When applied, it's liquid, dries, hardens, and binds to the structure. As the structure moves, it remains flexible, protecting against damage. It can be colored and maintains color well, keeping the building's exterior attractive and preventing wear and tear, saving money for investors in the long run.
Silicone Sealant
Advantages: High Flexibility and Chemical Resistance
Silicone sealant is effective for waterproofing. It can protect concrete, fill cracks up to 0.6 cm thin, and is great for detailed work during construction and concrete structure renewal, like color correction in renovations.
In liquid gel form, it has a unique chemical structure compared to other adhesives. It stays flexible at high and low temperatures and resists chemicals, moisture, and weather, reducing the chance of failure.
It can be sprayed or extruded with a roller. But using it requires patience as the temperature should be between 4 °C and 37 °C, and humidity for hardening between 5% and 95%. Hardening can take 24 hours to several days depending on thickness.
Membrane Waterproofing
Advantages: Versatile Application and Effective Barrier
Membrane waterproofing is functional and commonly used. A liquid membrane is sprayed on concrete to start waterproofing, forming flexible, impermeable layers to protect the interior from external elements.
It can be applied in basements, foundations, substructures, large pipes, and ducts. A thin waterproof layer, it prevents water from passing through. On a flat terrace, it can be laid between the structural and top floor slabs to stop water from entering. Tiles and the membrane should be on a sloped filler for water to flow into drains, avoiding puddles that could seep in.
Crystallized Waterproofing
Advantages: Deep Penetration and Long - Term Concrete Care
Crystalline sealants are another option. They work through a catalytic reaction to hide cracks and irregularities in concrete, closing capillaries and pores and penetrating deep to seal natural cracks.
Crystallized waterproofing sand, combined with suitable cement, forms a durable, protected concrete surface. Understanding concrete's structure and composition is key as it's porous and can deteriorate in contact with water or pollutants. Crystalline sealants prevent such problems, ensuring long - term concrete integrity.
