A waterproofing type of membrane is a thin layer of material that gets used to avert the water from contacting another material that it is kept over. These membranes may be adhesive or just laid on top of the material they are actually supposed to guard.
Actually, Waterproofing Membranes are formed up of many diverse types of materials and are commercially available in diverse sizes and thicknesses. These membranes get used for many applications, like that of covering concrete while it is getting formed to avert the water from compromising the structural integrity of the overall concrete or coated on products that are actually submerged underwater where corrosion is a clear concern.
Types You Should Know
There are several different types of waterproofing sort of membranes, and a few are like:
- Cementitious coatings are types of polymer coatings that get sprayed or rolled on. They are even commonly used in water treatment plants.
- Asphalt coatings are usually used on cement.
- Polyurethane waterproof types of membranes are the ones that are frequently used on flat roofs.
You must take care when applying the waterproofing type of membranes to a substrate. It is crucial to know what substrates do and do not actually act well with these membranes. It is even essential to give consideration to the overall environment where the waterproofing type of membrane will be applied because some membranes are quite sensitive to moisture during the application phase and may be ineffective in case not applied under the proper conditions.
You know these waterproofing types of membranes are made from various one or more-layer materials like elastomer, rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, bitumen, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethanes, ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber EPDM, even silicate, bentonite clay, that of fabrics, fiberglass, composite layers, plastic sheeting, polymer liners, resin coatings, mastics and even that of metal sheet.
The most crucial property of the waterproofing material is the overall material’s water absorption rate. An acceptable rate is below 4% (most of the materials are between 1-2%). Also crucial is the thickness of the material. Most manufactured materials own a uniform thickness making the application even a convenient. The manufacturers even mention that their protective coatings can even be applied smoothly. This smooth, liquid-only appearance promises a monolithic application with no types of seams and therefore no weaknesses for cracks to develop.
Applications
As said, waterproofing is a crucial step in the construction of any type of structure. There are different kinds of waterproofing membranes and their application relies on several factors encompassing the use of the structure and the construction procedure. Waterproofing is mostly seen in the construction of houses (basements), parking structures, and even courtyards.
Waterproofing can also be witnessed in specialized applications such as in shower stalls, bathroom floors, pools, mechanical rooms, and planter boxes. Saltwater and marine applications have particular requirements since they must be in a position to withstand the corrosion from salt, sand, of and wave action.
Conclusion
To sum up, you should check out Waterproofing Membranes that work for your needs. These would not disappoint you once chosen wisely.
