Waterproofing in building construction
Ar. Pragyay Batta
Waterproofing is a process designed to prevent water
from penetrating into a structure.
Waterproofing is done in various layers and stages to create
multiple barriers so that water cannot penetrate the
structure.
A structure is waterproofed by the use of membranes and
Introduction coatings to protect contents underneath or within as
well as protecting structural integrity.
Outdoor weathering factors, of which rain water and
site drainage plays the major role. Thus, protection from
weather, seepages from ground and vertical travel of
water in a structure can be well protected by the correct
application of waterproofing system.
Natural factors like air, water, climate, wind and humidity
govern the life of building.
Water (through humidity and rains) is the prime source
of degrading or harming a structure, right from its
factors foundation to its plaster if the structure is not well
protected from it.
affecting a Water through its capillary action enters and hampers
building the strength of concrete, thereby making it susceptible
to corrosion.
This is observed in building through the development of
cracks on plaster, rot formation on walls and
presence of moisture on ceiling.
Some signs
that Some signs that there is a problem with the building
suggest waterproofing include:
there is a wet basement walls
problem the proliferation of Mold and fungi
signs of rot
with the Pooling water inside a structure.
building
waterproofi
ng
Seepages through walls, sills, lintels, claddings, extensions,
beam-brickwork joint.
Problems
due to
water Indication of Paints Peeling Off From the Roof Surface
External Surface
Indication of Cracks Developing On
Capillary rise through foundation, external wall, common walls,
exterior wall-floor joints, columns, Chejja.
Up thrust action and buoyancy in contours against
retaining wall, under reinforced basement flooring and
underground basement spaces.
It is the restriction of water (capillaries, vapours,
moisture) from entering into a structure,
solution- through formation of various layers around the
waterproofi structure.
It is done in a way, keeping the breathing property
ng of the building alive and screening the excess
gaps, holes and leakages.
Building waterproofing is a process which is designed to
prevent water from penetrating a building.
Usually extensive waterproofing measures are added to a
building at the time of construction, to provide moisture
control from the start, and waterproofing may also be done
after a building is built, to address problems as they emerge
or as part of a building retrofit.
importance Waterproofing is critical, for a number of reasons, and many
of contractors around the world specialize in building waterproofing,
providing maintenance, restoration, and new construction
services.
waterproofi From the point of view of its occupants, building waterproofing is
ng important because
It keeps a building dry.
It also reduces internal humidity, making a building more
comfortable to work in and protecting objects inside the
building from damage as a result of humidity and water
vapour.
Building waterproofing is also important to the integrity of
the building itself.
Waterproofing in buildings/structures is generally required for:
Basement
Walls
Bathrooms and kitchen
Balconies, decks
types of Terrace or roofs
Green roofs
waterproofi Water tanks
ng methods Swimming pools
The following waterproofing methods are commonly used in
construction:
Cementitious Waterproofing
Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
Bituminous Membrane
Bituminous Coating
Polyurethane Liquid Membrane
Cementitious waterproofing is the easiest method of
waterproofing in construction. The materials for cementitious
waterproofing are easily available from suppliers of
masonry products, and they’re easy to mix and apply.
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ous
waterproofi
ng method This method is often used in the internal wet areas such as
toilets.
This method is usually a rigid or semi-flexible type
waterproofing, but since it is used in internal areas such as
toilets, it is not exposed to sunlight and weathering. Thus
cementitious waterproofing does not go through contract
and expansion process.
Cementitious waterproofing is used in the following
type of structures:
applications Water Treatment Plants
of Sewage Treatment Plants
cementitiou Bridges
Dams
s Railway & Subway Systems
waterproofi Marine Cargo Ports & Docks
ng River Locks/Channels & Concrete Dykes
Parking Structures & Lots
Tunnels
Liquid membrane is a thin coating which consists of usually
a primer coat and two coats of top coats which are
applied by spray, roller, or trowel.
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waterproofi
ng
membrane
method: It offers more flexibility than the cementitious types of
waterproofing. The liquid cures into a rubbery coating on
the wall. The elongation properties of the coating can
reach as high as 280%.
The durability of the waterproofing coating depends on
what type of polymer the manufacturer use for the making of
the liquid waterproofing.
Bituminous coating is also called as asphalt coating. It is an
excellent protective coating and waterproofing agent, especially on
surfaces such as concrete foundations.
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s coating
waterproofi Bituminous coating is made of bitumen based materials and it
ng method is not suitable for expose to sunlight. It becomes very brittle
and fragile when long exposure to the sunlight unless it is
modified with more flexible material such as polyurethane or
acrylic based polymers.
The flexibility of the finished products always depends on the solid
content of the polymer added to the bitumen.
Its flexibility and protection against water can be influenced
by the polymer grade as well as reinforcement of fibre.
Bituminous membrane waterproofing is a popular method used for low-
sloped roofs due to their proven performance. Bituminous
waterproofing membrane have torch on membrane and self-adhesive
membrane.
Self-adhesive compounds comprise asphalt, polymers and filler;
additionally, certain resins and oils may be added to improve adhesion
characteristics. The self-adhesive type has low shelf life as bonding
properties of the membrane reduces with time.
bituminous
membrane
waterproofi
ng method
Torch on membrane are exposed and covered types. Exposed membrane
often has mineral granular aggregate to withstand the wear and tear
of the weathering and for other types of membrane, contractor need to
apply one protective screed to prevent the puncture of the
membrane.
Polyurethane liquid membrane method of waterproofing is
used for the flat roof area and exposed to weathering.
This waterproofing method is expensive.
polyurethan
e liquid
membrane
waterproofi
ng method Polyurethane Liquid Membrane can offer higher
flexibility. Polyurethane is very sensitive to moisture
content present, therefore before application, one
has to be very careful evaluating the moisture
content of the concrete slab, otherwise peeling or de-
bonding of membranes may happen after some time.
Water
proofing in
building
construction
