You’ve built a beautiful building using the best material. Even the interiors look exquisite and unique. But after a few months, you get to know that the walls are chipping off and a terrible seepage issue has arisen.
What went wrong?
Usually, this problem comes up when one does not waterproof the buildings properly.
Water can penetrate into the building in many ways such as rainfall, groundwater, etc. Therefore, it is extremely important to waterproof your building. Without an effective waterproofing treatment, even the best buildings fail to deliver optimal performance and get damaged.
Waterproofing is the process designed to prevent the penetration of water into the building structure. It is done in several stages and layers so that the building has multiple barriers.
Let’s understand how to waterproof the buildings in detail.
This article deals with the following aspects of waterproofing:
- What is waterproofing?
- Meaning
- Need
- Advantages
- Types of waterproofing materials- application areas and price
- Polyurethane
- Cementitious waterproof coating
- Bituminous waterproof membrane
- EPDM rubber
- Rubberized Asphalt
- Thermoplastic
- PVC membrane
- Waterproofing paints
1. What is waterproofing?
Waterproof treatment
Image Source: CivilDigital
The method of waterproofing prevents water from penetrating into the building. It helps keep the building dry. Moreover, it also protects the building from damage caused by moisture and water exposure.
To waterproof a structure, you need to use membranes and coatings to protect the surface underneath and also safeguard the structural integrity of the building. The multiple coatings make the “Building Envelope”. This envelope determines the performance of the building against water penetration. Therefore, the waterproofing foundation of the building must be strong.
Need for waterproofing
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that a building is a living entity that needs proper care and maintenance. The issues that arise due to moisture and water must be avoided.
Water issues in the building can harm the structure in the following ways:
- Seepage through wall claddings, sills, extensions, beam-brickwork joint, etc.
- Groundwater absorption in basement spaces and flooring.
- Bursting of pipes inside the wall or under the flooring surface.
- Capillary rise through walls, joints, and columns.
How to identify if your building has a waterproofing problem?
Seepage and chipping walls
Image Source: selbst
If you see any of the following signs in your building, get ensured that it needs a better waterproofing treatment:
- Wet and damp walls
- Growth of mold and fungi
- Rotting signs
- Pooling water
- Water leakage from the roof/ ceiling
All these problems can not only destroy the exterior structure of the building but also harm its interiors and core foundation.
Therefore, it is very important to waterproof our building properly and keep these challenges at bay.
Advantages of waterproofing
- It keeps the building dry and firm.
- The building becomes more comfortable to reside in as it reduces the internal humidity.
- No damage to objects from humidity and water vapour.
- Stronger and long-lasting building.
2. Types of waterproofing materials
It becomes as important to waterproof your building as choosing the right material for it. Therefore, you must understand the types of waterproofing materials for your job.
1. Polyurethane
Roof Polyurethane Waterproof Treatment
Image Source: ColeyReed Homes
This is used for waterproofing of roof. The polyurethane waterproof liquid membrane offers higher flexibility, with numerous benefits such as:
- Filling of capillary cracks.
- A decrease in the concrete’s water absorbency.
- The liquid hardens the uppermost concrete surface.
Application areas:
- Water tanks
- Pedestrian decks
- Balconies
- Roof
- Bridges
- Parking
Top polyurethane waterproofing companies and products
| Sr. No. | Companies and products | Price |
| 1. | Isomat polyurethane waterproof coating | Rs. 240/kg |
| 2. | BASF polyurethane waterproofing membrane | Rs. 360/kg |
| 3. | Sika polyurethane waterproofing chemical | Rs. 1650/4L |
| 4. | Fosroc Nitoproof PU Waterproofing coating | Rs. 432/L |
2. Cementitious waterproof coating
Waterproof Masonry Structure
Image Source:Cormix
This material offers the easiest application. The mixture contains sand, silica-based, organic, and inorganic chemicals. These substances combined with lime work as a waterproofing sealant.
Application areas:
- Water treatment plants
- Ports and docks
- Parking
- Tunnels
Top cementitious waterproofing companies and products
| Sr. No. | Companies and products | Price |
| 1. | Fosroc cementitious acrylic waterproofing coating | Rs. 150/kg |
| 2. | Cementitious waterproofing by Dr Fixit Fastflex | Rs. 1500/kg |
| 3. | ARDEX ENDURA cementitious waterproof coating | Rs. 700/kg |
3. Bituminous waterproof membrane
Roof waterproof treatment by Bituminous membrane
Image Source: Comarbois
Also known as bituminous coating, or asphalt coating, this membrane works effectively against water penetration. Bituminous is mixed with a sticky organic liquid. Its viscous quality makes it an extremely powerful roof waterproofing material.
There are two Bituminous waterproof application methods:
1. Roll roofing material method
2. Roofing felt method
The price of bituminous waterproof membranes ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs.2000 per roll depending upon the texture, thickness, and length of the membrane.
NOTE: Although the bituminous membrane offers excellent protection against water, it gets damaged by extreme temperature and UV rays. However, when modified with acrylic or polyurethane-based polymers, it gets away with this problem.
4. EPDM rubber
Waterproof building by EPDM Rubber
Image Source: Polygomma Industries
This roof waterproofing material is a synthetic rubber material made up of propylene and ethylene. Often, professionals associate EPDM rubber solution with a silicone compound. However, both vary in terms of chemical compositions, applications, and features.
EPDM rubber is very flexible and recyclable.
Application areas:
- Roof
- Windows
- Wood
The price of EPDM rubber waterproof membrane ranges from Rs. 30 to Rs. 300 per square meter.
5. Rubberized Asphalt
Waterproof roof by Rubberized Asphalt
Image Source: Aquanorth Contracting
Another excellent waterproof solution, Rubberized Asphalt works effectively to protect the home. The strength, flexibility, and moisture vapour permeance of this material make it extremely durable and ideal for waterproofing treatment of the building.
Application areas:
- Roof
- Plazas
- Parking lots
- Terrace
- Cement waterproofing of various areas at the structural masonry level
Rubberized Asphalt waterproofing is done by experts. Therefore, the overall price varies from one service provider to another.
6. Thermoplastic Waterproofing
Waterproof surfaces by Thermoplastic
Image Source: Sika Group
Yet another efficient waterproofing material is thermoplastic. This strong solution offers protection for more than 40 years. Its impact-resistant feature makes it ideal for all heavy-duty waterproofing treatments.
Application areas:
- Elevatorpits
- Decks
- Fountains
Thermoplastic waterproofing is done by experts. Therefore, the overall price varies from one service provider to another.
7. PVC membrane
Waterproof roofs by PVC membrane
Image Source: extruflex
This material is commonly used for roof waterproofing. Its vapour permeable property gives it additional strength. The base of the PVC membrane makes use of polyester mesh or glass fibre.
Application areas:
- Roof
- Swimming pools
- Tunnels
- Underground structures
The price of PVC roof waterproofing membrane ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000/ 4 square meters.
8. Waterproofing paints
Light Blue Waterproof Paint
Image Source: The Audioart
The waterproof paint protects the house from environmental degradation and enhances the lifespan of the structure. It either remains water-resistant or completely waterproof.
This paint can be used inside buildings in bathrooms, kitchen, basements, etc. It protects the bathroom and basements from leaking and excessive moisture.
Bathroom waterproof paint for walls prevents moisture from penetrating the walls. These paints are preferred over regular paints as the former will not stand up as strongly against damp conditions as the former. Moreover, once moisture enters the walls, moulds and mildew will develop damaging the structure as well as causing health issues.
Types of waterproofing paint
Epoxy waterproofing paint
Glossy Epoxy Paint for floor
Image Source: Hometalk
Epoxy paints for waterproofing use strong waterproof chemicals to fight against extreme wet conditions and protect the surface. They make ideal waterproof paint for roof and terrace waterproofing paint.
Masonry waterproof paint
Paint for a masonry structure
Image Source: united gilsonite labs
Made from a mixture of latex and ceramic paint, the masonry waterproof paint is generally used for roof. Moreover, this paint also absorbs chemicals and other liquids as easily as water and prevents them from penetrating inside. It also offers cement waterproofing.
Acrylic waterproof paint
Beautiful wall paintings by acrylic paints.
Image Source: imapicostudio
This type of paint suits best in roof and terrace built with rectangular blocks. This roof and terrace paint contracts and expels water from the surface. Additionally, this waterproof paint for roof is non-toxic and easy to apply.
Top paint waterproofing companies and products
| Sr. No. | Companies and products | Price |
| 1. | Dulux Paints Weathershield Waterproof paint | Rs. 3297/20L |
| 2. | Asian Paints Apex Ultima Weatherproof Emulsion Paint | Rs. 6400/20L |
| 3. | Berger Paints Weathercoat Roofguard | Rs. 6530/20L |
| 4. | Nerolac Paints Exterior Wall Waterproof Paint | Rs. 367/L |
| 5. | Perma Waterproof Elastomeric Coating Paint | Rs. 536/L |
| 6. | Waterproofing Fosroc Liquid Nitocote Wall Guard | Rs. 190/L |
Conclusion
In order to retain the durability, life, and functionality of the building, it becomes essential to waterproof it properly. Issues like seepage and mold growth can cause expensive and lifelong damage to the building. Moreover, all this also causes health hazards and puts the lives of the occupants at risk.
It becomes even more important to choose the right waterproof material for the specific area of application. If the choice of waterproof material goes wrong, it can hamper the strength, life, and functionality of the entire building.
Moreover, you must know the best type of waterproof material for each application. For instance, Bituminous waterproof membrane must not be used on the exposed terrace. On the contrary, PVC membranes, or polyurethane waterproof treatment becomes more suitable here. Similarly, all types of waterproofing solutions such as epoxy, EPDM rubber, thermoplastics, rubberized asphalt, etc. have their unique properties and application areas.
All these minor yet extremely necessary details about waterproofing solutions for buildings along with price ranges help the professionals make the best decisions for their projects and deliver the most flawless results.