Infiltration of water or moisture into buildings over time due to seasonal changes (rainfall) or leakages in the plumbing system can cause short-term and long-term damage to the structure. Buildings and structures need waterproofing as concrete by itself is not watertight and loses its strength with the increase of moisture content. We at BUILDTECH® INDIA offer various methods of waterproofing solutions depending on the situation and the structure concerned. We aim to provide the most suitable and efficient method as required by the consumer amongst the following:
- Brick-Bat Coba waterproofing: Brick-Bat Coba method of waterproofing is an effective and efficient method of waterproofing suitable for roofs, terraces, and basements. In this method, all the existing treatment is removed and the surface is made free of oil, grease, dust or any other foreign particles. All the non-structural cracks are then filled with polymer modified cement or mortar. Above the mortar, a layer of brickbats, soaked overnight, is laid. The gaps between the bricks are further filled with cement and mortar. The surface should be covered with wet gunny bags immediately after finishing. Curing is then done for 7 days.
- Cementitious Waterproofing: This is probably one of the cheapest and easiest forms of waterproofing. The materials needed for this process are easily available with any suppliers of masonry and are easy to use and apply. This method is a rigid or semi-flexible type of waterproofing and is suitable for internal areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. There is also a variant of Box-type waterproofing method which is best suited for basements.
- Liquid waterproofing membrane method: In this method, a liquid membrane, which is a thin coating of usually a primer coat with two top coats is used. These layers are applied using either a spray, a roller or a trowel. It offers more flexibility than the cementitious type of waterproofing. The durability of this method depends on the choice of the polymer by the contractor.
- Bituminous coating waterproofing method: This is also known as asphalt coating. The most common application is in areas that are beneath screed wet. It is an excellent protective coating and waterproofing agent, especially on concrete foundations. One major disadvantage when using this method is that the coating becomes brittle and fragile when exposed to sunlight for long durations. It is usually further reinforced using more flexible materials such as polyurethane or acrylic based polymers
- Polyurethane liquid membrane method: This is one of the strongest and most expensive waterproofing methods. It offers higher flexibility and is suitable for surfaces exposed to greater wear and tear such as flat roofs. Polyurethane is highly sensitive to moisture content present before application hence before applying the contractor has to be very careful in evaluating the moisture content of the surface.
It is important to take into consideration all these waterproofing techniques during the construction of any structure as with time a tiny leak can lead to major structural damage over time. It is also important to keep in mind that preventive measures are always more cost effective and time efficient than curative, so don’t wait to get your building inspected. Summer is here now, monsoons, however, might be less forgiving.