Waterproofing is what? Purpose of waterproofing

Insulating coatings in construction and repair work are given special attention. Even if the basic material of the structure has high technical and operational characteristics in the form of strength and durability, the lack of protection against unfavorable climatic factors will not allow them to perform their functions to the proper extent. This applies to temperature and humidity, as well as sound insulation. In this case, one of the most common materials of this kind is considered - waterproofing. This is a vast group of insulation coatings, whose tasks, however, go far beyond just protecting themselves from water and moisture.

Purpose of waterproofing materials

Contact with water, as well as an increased coefficient of humidity, adversely affect many materials. To prevent interactions of this kind, insulators are used, which exclude penetration of water and moisture. This problem is solved in different ways. Waterproofing devices differ in structural design, functionality, efficiency, size, shape, etc. The modern materials, which are membranes, also differ in the principle of controlling humidity. Such an insulator does not simply create a barrier, accumulates water, but absorbs it and outputs it through the appropriate channels. The simplest means of such protection include minimizing the penetration of water. In particular, it can be a ground waterproofing. With your hands it can be formed in the garden area, laying several layers of gravel and sand. Conversely, there are isolators that must completely block the access of not only moisture, but also steam. These are materials that ensure maximum tightness in swimming pools, in areas of operation of critical equipment, etc. That is, the material is used not only in construction, but also in technological production processes.

Special properties of waterproofing

The basic operational quality of waterproofing is hygroscopicity. It is the ability to maintain its structure and technical qualities in close contact with water. Hygroscopicity concerns the resistance of the insulation itself, but there is also a whole group of properties that determine how specific a material will be effective as a protective barrier. To assess such characteristics, specialists use properties such as water retention, water absorption, moisture absorption, etc. As for water retention, in fact, this is the degree of sealing that a particular waterproofing can provide. This property determines, for example, whether the coating will prevent the passage of water under the roof during a downpour. And the nuances of external influence can be taken into account when water accumulates in the location of the insulation coating. The pressure increases and under it leakage can decrease. Moisture and water absorption is a group of more modern qualities that are worthy of evaluation in membrane type insulators. Such materials can absorb certain volumes of water and retain until it evaporates.

Forms of release of waterproofing

In the market, the material is offered in the form of panels, film, bulk and liquid compositions. The most common format is the panel. This is a sheet material, characterized by simple installation and relatively high efficiency. Usually with its help the basic protection of a roof, front walls and ceilings is realized. The film is more flexible in application, does not take up much space and is versatile in terms of installation sites. But more often film isolators are equipped with roofs, protecting the thermal insulation from getting wet. Loose waterproofing is sometimes used as a filtration material. This is the same sand and gravel, in some cases supplemented by a film shell. Recently, liquid mixtures have also become popular. How to make a waterproofing based on this material? It is usually supplied in special spray guns. The application is carried out with the help of guns that feed the solution through the nozzle. Then, the applied mixture solidifies like a sealant. This method of insulation is applied point-by-point in the processing of hard-to-reach areas. For example, if you need to seal deep seams in the same roof.

Classification of materials at the place of application

In the construction of this division identifies the external and internal barriers. The highest percentage of moisture penetrates into the houses from the outside. The most common sources are precipitation and groundwater. Accordingly, a qualitative external insulation must be provided. In this part of the protection is often used polymer-bitumen cloths, which allow to completely cover the problem areas. With the help of burners, the insulator is pierced with a hermetic covering of the joints. Potentially dangerous areas include the roof, windows, basements and socle. Internal waterproofing is a means of protection aimed at combating condensate, leakage in plumbing communications, splashing water during household use of cranes, etc. In this case, it is a question of protecting facing materials inside the premises. Provide this type of waterproofing can be with the help of liquid coating or initially purchase finishing materials having a high water resistance coefficient.

Classification by the method of application

In accordance with this classification allocate mounting, pasting, filling, paint and cast insulators. Installation panels are panel panels, which are fixed with hardware - screws, nails, staples, etc. This method is considered one of the most reliable, but it requires additional sealing, because mechanical fixation in this respect is ineffective. One of the easiest to install is waterproofing, which sometimes requires removal of the back protective film and laying the material. Usually, these are roll coatings, for fixing of which also special glue solutions with a water repellent effect are used. Zasypnye materials also do not cause problems in stacking - they are properly formed and compacted. Paint insulation protects specific details and designs on which it is applied. These protective coatings, most commonly used in the processing of wood and metal. As for the cast waterproofing, it is represented by a group of fusible or liquid materials that are placed on the target area under high temperature and after a time freeze.

Special types of waterproofing

To this category of waterproofing are industrial materials. For example, there is an insulation impregnation, which can be treated in the factory by the same wood. In the composition of impregnations active chemical elements, plasticizers and modifiers are present, which improve the insulating qualities of the material structure itself. Special means include sprayed polymer waterproofing, consisting of a basic synthetic component and curing catalyst. By spraying with such an insulator, the metal surfaces of the equipment, individual parts and structures are protected.

Combined waterproofing

This type of insulation is considered to be the most efficient and technological in the domestic segment of hydrological protection. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the multi-level structure of the coating with several layers of the membrane provides protection not only from water and moisture, but also from steam. This can be an optimal waterproofing of the bathroom under the tile, as it will protect the room from condensation. Together with this, the tiling will also be protected. Some models of multifunctional insulators of this type also provide the effects of warming and noise reduction, which guarantees acoustic comfort.

Insulation technology

The list of operations for the installation of waterproofing involves the preparation of the base, fixation or application of the target material, as well as additional work on sealing joints. In some cases, the coating is additionally protected against mechanical damage, although in the combined insulations, metallized casings for such functions are often provided. Even before the commencement of work, it is important to calculate how much waterproofing will be used. The consumption in the application of panel sheets is determined, for example, by the coverage area and is estimated at a rate of 8-10 mm in the thickness of the barrier. Usually a room of 30 m ² leaves up to 10-15 m of roll material. The volume of consumption of loose mixtures depends on the application conditions and the characteristics of the fraction. The same applies to individual structures exposed to paint coatings.

Waterproofing of the foundation

Like the roofing, this part of the house is one of the most problematic in terms of the passage of moisture and water. Therefore, at the construction stage, the foundation is protected. This is done with the help of roll bituminous coatings, and with mastic resins, which isolate concrete slabs and joints of individual structural elements. Also, the waterproofing of the foundation screed is strengthened with sealants and reinforcing meshes, which exclude the mechanical rupture of the web structure. And insulation from water can be carried out together with heat insulation, due to which a multifunctional protective pie is formed.

How to choose a waterproofing material?

The choice is made on the basis of requirements for protection, design conditions for installation and financial capabilities. The most accessible is film or roll material, which can protect the inner surface of the roof, the same foundation and individual parts of the facade. A universal, but expensive membrane material will also provide heat and vapor barrier. From it the optimum waterproofing of a cellar from ground waters will turn out, which also will protect the bottom floors from freezing in winter time.

How to make waterproofing yourself?

Completely dispense with factory consumables is possible only if the isolation of the site from excessive saturation with groundwater. This is how the already described method is performed with a layer-by-layer filling of crushed stone and sand filling. A more effective option of how to make waterproofing without specialized and expensive materials, involves the use of conventional polyethylene glues and, even better, polyvinyl chloride. Such coatings for a quality installation and protection can last a long time, and in combination with a heat insulator also protect the surrounding space from condensation.

New technologies in the segment of waterproofing

One of the main problems of all modern insulators is the incompatibility of the target protection material and the characteristics of the hydroprotection shell. To eliminate this incompatibility, technologists offer the concept of maximum integration of sealing materials in the structure of structures. In particular, this method is based on a method called "white bath" - functional structural waterproofing. This solution is mainly used in the protection of underground utilities, which are initially oriented to resist water and moisture. In particular, water-resistant concrete, control-injection elements, water-swelling pipes, etc. are used.

Conclusion

Without proper fencing of materials and structures from moisture and water, one can expect their gradual destruction and loss of primary operational qualities. There is a fairly narrow group of building materials that, even with prolonged contact with water, do not deform. But the use of hydroprotection does not always guarantee the expected result. To date, the best waterproofing is available in a series of polymer and membrane coatings. They are characterized not only by the optimum qualities of moisture resistance, but also by additional protective qualities. Depending on the modification, they exhibit resistance to mechanical influences, do not contribute to the spread of fire, and even support construction constructions in the form of a damping effect.