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Waterproofing
Waterproofing
is a leading cause of construction litigation, waterproofing
systems require proper installation by qualified people.
Every
building/structure needs waterproofing. The system of
waterproofing involves 'membranes'. This relies on the
application of one or more layers of membrane (available
in various types of materials: e.g. bitumen, silicate,
PVC, HDPE, etc) that act as a barrier between the water
and the building structure, preventing water ingress.
The membrane system relies on perfect application, which
has presented difficulties.
If the
membrane or application does not adhere properly to the
substrate can lead to leakages.
The new
technological advancements in waterproofing materials,
moving from membrane sheet applications to integral
waterproofing systems. These integral systems work
'within' the matrix of the concrete structure, giving
the concrete itself the waterproofing ability.
There are
currently two main types of integral waterproofing
systems:
the
hydrophilic and the hydrophobic systems.
The
hydrophilic system typically uses a crystallization
technology that replaces the water in the concrete with
insoluble crystals. Various brands available in the
market claim similar properties, but not all can react
with a wide range of cement hydration by-products, and
thus require caution.
The
hydrophobic system uses fatty acids to block pores
within the concrete, prevent water ingress. Again,
different brands and grades are available with different
levels of performance.
Water can
enter through joints or right through the walls or
floor. There are many systems available of varying
cost, effectiveness, and invasiveness of the
installation. |
