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Waterproofing Associates |
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Exterior waterproof deck coating systems are ideal to protect occupied areas from water damage. Deck coating systems typically can be applied over concrete, exterior-grade plywood, balconies with a skid resistant texture for pedestrian foot safety. In the past, hardened resins / fiberglass type products were introduced. These systems have lost popularity due to problems with inflexibility and structural movement. The industry has moved towards acrylic and urethane systems because of their flexible and elastomeric properties. A deck coating system should always be installed by an approved applicator and designed for the location, substrate and expected foot or vehicular traffic. Urethane and epoxy coatings can provide waterproofing solutions for various deck, mechanical, equipment room and laboratory floors. These systems can offer both high chemical resistance and resilient wear when appropriately matched to the expected use of the deck floor. Some products offer low VOC or have water based solutions, while others are solvent based, being installed after two parts of the system have been mixed together. These type systems sometimes allow quick cure times, which translates into a quicker turnover time for the work area to be released to the owner. The system specified depends on the anticipated use of these types of projects. It is important to know how the desired surface will be maintained as well as what the room will be used for to provide the appropriate waterproofing solution. Sheet membrane waterproofing is an umbrella term for various types of rolled or sheets of waterproofing membrane applications. Some membranes are self adhesive and are inherently waterproof on there own if installed correctly, while other systems contain products which activate upon contact with moisture and pressure. Sheet membranes, depending on both the manufacturer of the chosen product and the application method, are viable solutions to waterproof structures both above grade and below grade. These areas include in between slab waterproofing membranes, which can occur at both deck flooring and foundations. These areas are often neglected during original construction. In spite of all the best efforts of engineers, architects and contractors, concrete structures often crack in unanticipated areas. Cracks in concrete may cause very serious problems. This includes water leakage and the corrosion of rebar's resulting in structural weakness. Cracks may become more unstable as the building settles or continue to move due to influences from thermal changes or stress induced forces and soil moisture changes. Pressure injection systems are designed to stop water leakage and to assist in maintaining design strength. Injection materials range from polyurethane grouts, epoxy resins and hydrophilic gels. The materials and applications vary from manufactures, but the concepts are similar and extremely versatile. These systems can provide superior solutions to often thought impossible repairs. Below grade systems can offer protection from moisture intrusion where water may present itself from blow grade slabs, walls and ceilings. Basically, any portion of a structure where water may be on the other side of the floors, walls, and ceiling, etc. These systems can be fluid applied or installed as a sheet membrane system application. Each system has attributes specific to its designed application method. Some considerations to be aware of are adhesion strengths, flexibility, life expectancy, chemical resistance, and weather ability. Remember, it is much easier and cost effective to apply a below grade system while structural exterior wall foundations are exposed and before basement floors have been poured. Wall, Expansion Joint and Window Sealants The complete waterproofing envelope of a building structure starts from the ground slab to the roof top. Areas often left with less attention are structural control joints, expansion joints and window tie-ins to the buildings design. Most of these areas have specific requirements to meet both structural and thermal movements as well as product lines that will perform with longevity. Identification and methods of both design and repair require qualified products from experienced applicators. In short, it is very wise to have a complete system integrated with the shell components of a buildings design. Polyurethane foam roofing is applied as a liquid. Two components (isocyanate and polyol) are combined in the mixing chamber of a special gun and are sprayed onto the substrate, where it immediately expands to 20-30 times its initial volume. As the foam rises, it sets into a solid and a skin forms on the surface. The closed-cell foam provides insulation, while the skins forms a water-resistant surface. The thickness of the application can be varied according to the need to create slope to drain, to meet a given insulating R-value or both. To protect the foam from ultraviolet radiation and to add to the waterproofing qualities of the system, a finish coating (typically acrylic) with a non skid texture is applied to the surface. Repairs to foam roof system are related to the project description. A new pipe penetration may have different methods than a larger section of roof. Regardless, all products applied must be compatible with the urethane foam base components and the adjacent surfacing application applied. If not, a chemical incompatibility may occur and cause damage to the existing roof. While Waterproofing Associates does not install foam roof systems, we do have vast experience in their repairs and the required waterproofing for new penetrations or cut out areas that some times takes place. |
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