In what cases is cement waterproofing used?

To create a comfortable living environment in modern homes, waterproofing is used, which prevents moisture from entering the building. The most popular is cement waterproofing. It is an affordable alternative to expensive materials. In addition, its undeniable advantage is that even an inexperienced builder can cope with its application. The mounting technique is similar to applying plaster to a wall.

Water-repellent properties are not inferior to other types of waterproofing materials. Correctly applied to the wall surface insulation becomes a reliable protection against moisture for many years.

Types of waterproofing coating type

Used as a cement waterproofing materials have a high density, due to which they are resistant to moisture from the external environment. Among a huge number of building materials, there are several types of coating waterproofing:

• Polymer mastics are characterized by a long shelf life without the appearance of visible defects;
• Polymer cement mortars not only perform the function of protection against moisture, but also have a strengthening effect;
• Plaster with an astringent effect, which includes hydrophobic non-shrinkage components;
• Bitumen mastics, which are not so attractive, but have excellent water-repellent properties.

Each of the materials described above has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Selection is carried out individually, taking into account the features of the structure.

Bituminous waterproofing

This type of waterproofing has good moisture-repellent properties and withstands the load of the jet to 0.2 MPa. The disadvantage is the insufficiently long operating life, which, when properly applied, is only 6 years. Also, the mastic loses its properties at a temperature of 0 degrees and is prone to cracking.

This waterproofing is rarely used as the main component of the water repellent layer. Most often it serves as a primer for the application of stronger compounds.

Varieties of cement waterproofing

To date, there are many varieties of cement mixtures that have high water-repellent properties.

They have some differences:

• Mixtures containing inorganic binders. Such compositions are usually applied with the help of a sprayer or with a spatula.
• Cement-sand waterproofing is used for monolithic bases. The peculiarity is that after application it should be moistened every 15 days until completely dry, in order to avoid cracking of the material. The composition includes portland cement, gypsum and aluminous cement.
• Cement-polymer waterproofing is characterized by the presence of additives in the composition, which form a coating resembling rubber.

The choice of material depends on the place in which it is used, as well as on the desired result.

Cement waterproofing of the lubricating type

Cement waterproofing has several advantages due to which it remains popular among builders:

• The application procedure is similar to the application of plaster, therefore the waterproofing is characterized by high density and thickness of the layer;
• The material is convenient and reliable, since it has only 2 components: cement and liquid base;
• Correctly applied waterproofing withstands pressure up to 6 atmospheres, which can not boast of not every material.

Due to its unique properties, the waterproofing cement mortar is used for finishing not only the exterior and interior walls of buildings, but also for swimming pools and saunas where there is an increased level of humidity.

Nuances of waterproofing on cement basis

The application of cement coating waterproofing is a simple procedure, so even a beginner can cope with it. It consists of several stages:

1. The surface before the application of cement waterproofing is cleaned of dirt, dust and debris of other building materials.
2. The wall is well impregnated with moisture.
3. Prepare a waterproofing mixture from an aqueous emulsion and a dry cement mixture.
4. Dense composition is applied to the wall surface with a spatula and leveled using the building level.

After applying the layer, allow it to dry for the time specified in the instructions on the package packaging. In this period it is important not to violate the integrity of the coating.

The principle of the waterproofing of the lubricating type

Waterproofing on a cement basis is used by builders for many years. The solution well covers the holes and cracks in the walls through which moisture can enter. используется как для внешней, так и для внутренней отделки, а также является хорошим грунтом для последующей покраски или кладки плитки. Cement waterproofing is used for both exterior and interior finishes, and is also a good primer for subsequent painting or laying of tiles.

Due to the increased thickness of the waterproofing layer, the water repellent material based on cement is also used as a heater. With proper application and complete drying, the mixture has a long service life without cracking and the appearance of other visible defects.

Material Advantages

Waterproofing on cement basis has a number of advantages:

• Environmental friendliness and non-toxicity of materials;
• Rapid solidification: the finishing work can begin as early as 2 weeks after the application of the mixture;
• No need for frequent repair of waterproofing layer;
• The possibility of applying any form on the surface;
• Do not need complex tools for application: you can use only spatula, brush and construction level;
• Low cost of materials.

The advantages described above are often decisive when choosing a waterproofing for finishing premises. The positive qualities of the material make it possible to use it in places with high humidity without compromising quality.

Disadvantages of cement mixtures

Despite all the obvious advantages of using cement mortar as a waterproofing, it has several minor drawbacks:

• The process of applying the mixture to the wall takes a large amount of time;
• As a waterproofing can not be used ordinary mortar of cement and sand (it is not elastic and prone to cracking), add additives to soften the material;
• When cracks appear, it is recommended to remove the layer of material at the cracking site and apply the mixture anew;
• Despite the length of the operational period, the wall under the waterproofing is gradually impregnated with moisture, which leads to the destruction of the cement layer; After several decades, the waterproofing layer should be changed, since moisture can get to the wall and cause it to collapse.

Modern ready-mixes contain the necessary components to extend the operational life, so they lack most of the drawbacks described above. They include such materials as water emulsion, fine cement, quartz sand, chemical components to increase elasticity and viscosity, crystallizing polymer, which helps to solidify the solution.

The choice of waterproofing for the room is completely dependent on the requirements for quality and durability of the material. Decisive factor may also be the cheapness and availability of cement mixture components. Despite this, it has excellent properties that do not deteriorate over time.