Areas Where Waterproofing Is A Must

Dec 26
08:47

2012

Dan Boateng

Dan Boateng

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Having made a big investment in the construction of a structure, the best decision you can make is taking steps to ensure they remain in the best condition possible. In this article, we explore some of the areas that must be considered for waterproofing measures.

mediaimage
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}

There are many places inside a building that may need the services of waterproofing because of its regular exposure to water. One can easily mention areas such as the kitchen,Areas Where Waterproofing Is A Must Articles bathrooms, swimming pools and other open spaces such as terraces and balconies. This will usually be related to both residential structures and commercial structures.

With respect to commercial structures, we can see how the constant exposure to water can cause problems in open parking decks inside shopping centers or malls, closed parking decks and asphalt paved channels.

Terraces, balconies, roof of underground car parks are one of the most affected areas of a building. Constant exposure to climate changes easily causes expansion and contraction, which eventually leads to cracks in the concrete structure or surface finishing. By using applied-liquid waterproofing mechanisms, estate managers will be able to prevent the damage associated with water seepage. This invariably saves cost than if it were to be repaired after the damage has become extensive. “Prevention is better than cure”, as we all know it. This is one of the best solutions known in the industry for taking a long term measure against potential damage.   

For a structure like a shopping mall, the cost of repair works can run into millions annually. There is therefore an urgent need to safeguard these open and decorative areas in order to avoid waste of money.

Unlike the terrace waterproofing, making the open parking decks/lots water resistant poses a major challenge. Damage to parking decks/lots is not only related to water exposure. There is also the exposure of the area to human traffic, vehicles and other pressures. Hence waterproofing efforts should not only deal with the water but also those other pressures as well. The application of premium liquid-applied polyurethane can help provide a comprehensive solution to the problem. This material will fall under the hydrophobic integral system of waterproofing.

Additionally, some parking decks/lots may include bridge decks and asphalt pavements. This one is notorious for being a hard nut to crack within the industry. It presents both hydrophobic and mechanical challenges. It is important to ensure a good balance between its ability to overcome water and the movements of traffic.

Carrying out waterproofing of this nature will require the expertise of a professional that fully understands the intricacies of civil engineering waterproofing. You will need such a professional because your investment will be worthwhile and ultimately should yield a long lasting result for you.