Cementitious Water Proofing

Cementitious waterproofing is the easiest method of waterproofing in construction. The materials used for cementitious waterproofing are cheaper and they are easy to mix and apply. However, cementitious coating has rigid or semi-flexible nature and hence used at interior places and areas which are not exposed to sunlight and weathering. To make it more flexible for outdoor applications, acrylic based additives are added in the cementitious material to avoid cracks in the coating when exposed to direct sunlight.  Cementitious coating is normally used in water treatment plants, sewage treatment facilities, bridges, dams and many other places.

Cementitious water proofing has both advantages and disadvantages. The biggest advantage of the product is that it offers an easy application. The biggest disadvantage is its lack of flexibility. This is probably because cement doesn’t have a lot of flexibility to begin with. While concrete does flex, bend, compress, and stretch. So, there are more chances of crack development and hence failure of the coating.

Liquid Water Proofing

Liquid Waterproofing method uses liquid coatings that are sprayed or brushed onto the surface. A liquid coating contains a primer coat and topcoat and it gives extra flexibility as compare to the cementitious water proofing. The advantage of using this method is that it can be easily and quickly applied to any shaped surface, it can expand and contract with the structure’s surface and the coating is seamless and joint-free – so it reduces the risk of water penetration. These coatings are highly resistance to UV rays, weather effect and freez-Thaw cycle.

Liquid water proofing is also done using a fiberglass layer between primer and top coat. This fiberglass layer provides an extra barrier to water penetration and hence provide better water proofing. Due to its heat resistance ability and durability, fiber is hardly likely to experience any significant degradation in sunlight. On average, a properly installed fiberglass waterproofing system is likely to last around 10 to 12 years.

Bituminous liquid Water Proofing

Bituminous coating is flexible and protective which is also called asphalt coating. It is a very good protective coating and waterproofing agent, especially on surfaces of concrete foundations. Bituminous coating is made of bitumen-based material and it is not suitable for exposure to sunlight. It becomes very brittle and fragile due to long exposure to sunlight.
Excellent adhesion to all kind of surfaces (metal, concrete etc.,) and chemical resistant. It allows seamless coverage and long-lasting waterproofing solution. Also, rapidly cured even in winter weather.

Bituminous Membrane Water Proofing

Bituminous membrane waterproofing is a popular method having long service life. The bituminous membrane has two different types; torch on the membrane and self-adhesive membrane.

Self-adhesive based membrane comprises asphalt, polymers, and filler. The self-adhesive type has a low shelf life as bonding properties of the membrane reduces with time. It is a mixed substance made up of organic liquids that are highly sticky, viscous, and waterproof.

Torch-on membranes offer a simple, rapid application and are installed by highly skilled and trained operatives. As the bonding bitumen forms part of the core membrane itself, torch-on systems provide completely homogeneous bitumen throughout. Coating on underside of felt is activated by heat from a gas flame.