waterproofing

What is waterproofing?

Waterproofing is the process of laying an insulating protection system, used to prevent leakage or penetration of fluids into or out of a structure.

The waterproofing of a building or structure must always be performed as part of a system using one or more products depending on the degree of protection required and the use of the structure or building itself.

The purpose of protecting structures and buildings from moisture is for hygienic and aesthetic reasons, to avoid rework and to extend their useful life.

All buildings have areas that must be waterproofed. Not only for the safety of the chassis, but for the health of its occupants.

The first thing that builders must determine is the areas that need waterproofing and choose the best type, but what is the best?

Contractors should be required to use the best system as per the needs, for example:

Indoor and/or outdoor waterproofing

Structures or buildings can be insulated inside or out or in both cases depending on the building conditions and the degree of protection required.

Structures and elements to be waterproof Structures and elements to be:

• Foundations and basements

• tiles

• Cisterns, tanks and swimming pools

• walls and facades

• Wet areas and flowerbeds

• Ceilings and roofs

Types of waterproofing

 Solid waterproofing: Classified as rigid because it uses materials that when completely dry, harden, or harden. Example: oblate or plaster.

Elastic insulation: It is classified as elastic because the materials used are very flexible or deformed, and are able to absorb movements. Example: acrylic waterproofing.

All structures or buildings have areas where rigid and flexible waterproofing systems or a combination of both must be used.

Types of waterproofing

Systems used in elements designed to have little movement are called rigid waterproofing, such as:

• Solid waterproofing

• tanks

• Swimming pools

• walls and facades

The materials of this type of system are as solid as:

• mortars

• Paints

It is called flexible insulation systems used in items that are subject to strong expansion and contraction movements or over large areas without control and expansion joints such as:

• Flexible waterproofing

• Bishop

• covers

• Terraces

The materials of this type of system are flexible such as:

Sika floor-to-ceiling solutions and systems

All elements and structures of the building must have at least one type of waterproofing system because moisture is its greatest enemy and the cause of its deterioration, in addition, rework and maintenance costs are very high and the useful life of the building is reduced.

Sika solutions and systems

Why waterproof?

The reasons go beyond preventing water from affecting the structure.

* Avoid loss of internal temperature: the air contained in the particles of building materials is an excellent heat insulator. Air is less conductive of electricity than water, so a wall that is only 7 percent wet on its surface loses 90 percent of its insulating ability.

data

* Negative water pressure: The pressure that is generated on the other side on which a paint or product has been applied.

* Maintain the aesthetics of the property: Dry walls, without dark spots or loose adhesives, will always look good. Many waterproofing not only take care of the walls, but also allow for a very aesthetic finish.

45%RH for indoor comfort. "Sika".

* Avoid damage and aging of the walls: moisture gradually destroys the properties of the material, due to physical and chemical actions. In addition, the water in the surfaces with heat turns into steam, expands and seeks to escape, which deteriorates the material and leads to the appearance of cracks and cracks.

* Disease prevention: Moisture can cause the formation of fungi, algae and bacteria. All of them attack building materials and can harm the health of residents of the house.

* Avoid Consequential Damage: You won't have to solve a whole series of moisture-caused problems and accidents over time. Introducing a waterproof property is to provide a solution to future problems related to common problems that arise due to moisture.

Ideally, waterproofing should be carried out during the construction phase of the building, but if this condition is not met, it is desirable to implement it as soon as possible, since the gradual seepage of water in a building with insufficient waterproofing can cause structural damage that can destabilize The stability of the foundations of the structure itself makes it unsafe. This is in addition to the serious health risks known to be caused by dampness and mold.

There are several types of waterproofing:

Cement waterproofing.

Water repellent liquid membrane.

Coating with bituminous materials.

Bituminous membranes.

Liquid polyurethane film.

Acriton water.

Asphalt insulation agent.

Acrylic.

· Reinforced.

· Prefabricated.

Environmental waterproofing.

Flexible waterproofing.

The importance of waterproofing cannot be underestimated. Damage to the building structure, along with the high cost of renovation is a big problem.

its benefits.

• Increase the value of the property.

• A structurally sound institution.

• A healthy living environment for the family.

• Warmer basement during winter.

• Enjoy more space.

• A more attractive and comfortable home.

The damage that water can cause.

• Decomposition of wood structures and finishes such as floor joints, beams, floors, columns, slabs, lintels, frames, etc.

• Corrosion of metals such as steel reinforcement in concrete, steel beams, lintels, metal door frames, etc.

• Swelling of plasterboard and subsequent detachment of ceramic tiles.

• Electrical hazards that could result from a possible short circuit of lighting and sockets.

• Formation of blisters in the paint.

• Deterioration of the facade of the building.

• Health problems due to humidity, which can lead to respiratory problems.

• Carpet decomposition.

The importance of waterproofing.

If we go back to defining waterproofing as a waterproof barrier designed to prevent water from entering.

or escape from building structures, we realize its importance when the consequences of lack of waterproofing become apparent.

Water entering a building's gutters can have effects we don't want, and aside from damage to the building's interior, structural damage can be inevitable.

Water damage is the second leading cause of deterioration in a building or home.

Most building materials have a significantly shorter life when exposed to moisture or water for an extended period of time.

Things that can happen with respect to waterproofing.

• Basement leaks, why do they exist?

They can be due to defects in floor tiles, lack of floor tiles, the presence of cracks in the walls, underground construction or stuck to walls with hydrostatic pressure, underground springs, or with high humidity.

This type of problem could be caused by a bad seal on the exterior walls.

• Having mold on the walls is bad.

It is a condition that can indicate moisture problems or water problems. To say the least, mold is a potential health risk that is becoming increasingly important these days, as scientists learn more and more about its effects on humans.