Waterproofing: Key Elements of Water Protection

Waterproofing is an essential component of any construction. Its primary goal is to protect buildings from water damage, whether caused by non-pressurized moisture or high hydrostatic pressure.

Types of Waterproofing

Waterproofing can be categorized into three main types, depending on the protective functions they perform:

Damp-Proofing

Damp-proofing is designed to protect structures or parts of structures from water that does not exert hydrostatic pressure. Examples of applications include:

• Foundations Above Groundwater Level: Protect against capillary water rising from the ground and rainwater soaking into the soil.
• Wet Rooms: Shield walls and ceilings of wet areas from periodic surface wetting.
• Balconies, Loggias, etc.: Protect against rain and runoff water.

Recommended Products

1. Foundations and Basements (Exterior):
   • Bostik BLOCK B786 (K100): Primer for KMB coatings or as a damp-proofing membrane.
   • PCI Pecimor F.
2. Basements (Interior):
   • Mineral Sealers:
     • BOSTIK BLOCK C514 TERRA 1K FLEX (K11 Schlamme Grau).
     • BOSTIK X701 TERRA 2K FLEX (K11 Flex Schlämme).
3. Damp Rooms:
   • Liquid Membranes:
     • Mapegun WPS.
     • Kerakoll Aquastop Nanoflex.
4. Balconies and Loggias:
   • BOSTIK BLOCK H778 Aqua Blocker Liquid.
   • BOSTIK C750 FLEX.
   • Mapei Mapelastic.

Waterproofing Membranes

Waterproofing membranes are used to protect structures from water under high hydrostatic pressure, such as in basements, underground tanks, tunnels, pools, sedimentation tanks, and other water-filled structures. Their primary purpose is to prevent water ingress caused by water pressure. When waterproofing foundations, it’s essential to consider the fluctuating groundwater levels throughout the year. If you’re uncertain about which type of waterproofing to choose, opting for waterproofing (heavy-duty) is advisable, as it provides significantly better protection than damp-proofing.

Recommended Products

1. Foundations and Basements (Exterior)

• BOSTIK BLOCK B525 TERRA 2K (Dickbeschichtung 2K+).
• PCI Pecimor 2K.
• Koester Bikuthan 2K.
• Koester Deuxan 2K.
• BOSTIK BLOCK X911 TERRA TURBO LIGHT (Turbotec 2K).
• PCI Barassil Turbo.
• Koester NB4000.

2. Basements (Interior)

• Mineral Sealers:
  • BOSTIK BLOCK C514 TERRA 1K FLEX (K11 Schlamme Grau).
  • BOSTIK X701 TERRA 2K FLEX (K11 Flex Schlämme).
  • PCI Barassil.
  • PCI Barassil Flex.
  • Koester NB1.
  • Koester NB Elastik.
  • BOSTIK C750 FLEX.
  • Hydrostop 209.

3. Damp Rooms

• Liquid Membranes:
  • Mapei Mapegun WPS.
  • Kerakoll Aquastop Nanoflex.

4. Balconies and Loggias

• BOSTIK BLOCK H778 Aqua Blocker Liquid.
• BOSTIK C750 FLEX.
• Mapei Mapelastic.
• Bauder Membrane PVC Thermofol.
• Bauder Membrane FPO Thermoplan.
• Resitrix SKW.
• Resitrix MB.

5. Flat Roofs

• Bauder Membrane PVC Thermofol.
• Bauder Membrane FPO Thermoplan.
• Resitrix SKW.
• Resitrix MB.

Vapor Barriers

Vapor barriers protect roofs, terraces, ceilings, walls, and other building partitions from the penetration of water vapor from spaces with increased air humidity, such as laundries, bathrooms, drying rooms, indoor swimming pools, etc.

General Requirements for Waterproofing

For waterproofing to be effective, it must meet several general requirements:

1. Continuity and Uniformity
   • The insulation must form a continuous and uninterrupted system that separates the structure from water or water vapor.
2. Adhesion
   • Insulation layers must adhere tightly to the substrate, with a smooth surface free from indentations or bulges.
3. Avoid Combining Different Types of Insulation
   • Horizontal and vertical insulations should not be combined if they are made of different materials or have varying resistance classes.
4. Sealing Penetrations
   • Areas where installation pipes and structural elements pass through insulation layers must be sealed to prevent water penetration.
5. Execution Conditions
   • Insulation should be applied under appropriate conditions, considering temperature to ensure proper implementation and durability. Follow the product’s technical data sheet.
6. Protection Against Damage
   • During insulation work, layers must be protected from mechanical damage, dampness, and water exposure.

Summary

Waterproofing is a crucial element in protecting buildings from water damage. Selecting the appropriate type of insulation and ensuring proper installation is vital for the durability and safety of the structure. The choice of system depends on the area where waterproofing is applied (e.g., foundations, bathrooms, roofs, basements, garages, balconies, terraces, pools, etc.) and the level of exposure to water and moisture in that area.

Adhering to the general requirements for waterproofing is essential to prevent issues related to water and moisture in buildings. Proper execution ensures long-lasting protection and avoids problems such as water ingress and structural degradation.