Below Grade Systems
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.
Sheet Membrane Waterproofing
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.
Pressure Injection Systems
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, stabilize soils 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.
Deck Coating Systems
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
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.
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.