Cementitious Waterproofing: How You Should Go About It

When building your dream home, you must take measures to protect its structure from elements that can harm it. Adding this layer of protection can save you lots of money, time, and energy, without the added stress caused by potential damage. 

Water is one of the substances that can damage your home, particularly when it enters your home during a sudden downpour. Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent water from severely affecting your home, through waterproofing methods like cementitious waterproofing.

Learn what cementitious waterproofing is and some of the benefits your home or building can get from this process, and how this method is usually done.

How Can Cementitious Waterproofing Benefit Your Home

The cementitious waterproofing method involves the application of breathable coatings on surfaces made out of concrete and masonry. These coatings provide positive- and negative-side waterproofing, which in the long run, can prevent water from entering the structure, alongside other potential benefits.

Aside from homes, cementitious waterproofing is done on water or sewage treatment plants, bridges, dams, railway and subway systems, ports and docks, tunnels, and parking lots. Should you opt for cementitious waterproofing, it can be advantageous because it’s known to help:

•  Prevent water from entering and damaging structure: As its name suggests, cementitious waterproofing is great at repelling water and preventing it from entering the structure and causing additional problems. 

• Resist certain materials and conditions: Surfaces that underwent cementitious waterproofing may be more resistant to scratches and chemicals, and withstand harsh weather conditions better.

• Inhibit appearance of mold: Water that enters unprotected structures can lead to the appearance of mold on ceiling tiles, drywall, carpet, upholstery, paint, and wallpaper. Mold can result in problems related to air quality, and trigger symptoms like stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes or skin.
  
  People who are sensitive to mold may also experience severe reactions like fever and shortness of breath. So, by setting up a barrier against water in the first place, you won’t provide

• Inhibit appearance of mildew: This is a type of black or sometimes white fungi that can appear because of certain molds. Mildew can appear on materials made of cotton, linen, rayon, silk, wool, leather, wood, or paper. Unfortunately, it can eventually damage and discolor fabrics, leather, and paper, and leave a musty odor in the area. Furthermore, since it’s a type of mold, people exposed to it may experience health problems too.

 Just like with mold, if you adequately protect your home with cementitious waterproofing, it’s less likely that mildew-causing mold can appear and harm your family.

Aside from these advantages, cementitious waterproofing may also help bind porous and non-porous surfaces or old and new concrete, and improve the appearance of the concrete or masonry surfaces.

Furthermore, as cementitious waterproofing seeks to prevent water from leaking into the structure, you can expect reduced maintenance costs and possibly, higher property values.

Types of Cementitious Waterproofing Methods

Cementitious waterproofing is considered the easiest waterproofing method. That is because hardware stores have all the materials needed for this process. Plus, the materials can be easily mixed and applied. If you’re keen on cementitious waterproofing, you can opt for any of these two systems:

• 1K Systems: Usable for both indoor and outdoor applications, 1K systems start with a mixture of the following items: a dispersible powder, a hydraulic binder like Portland cement, well-graded sand, or other aggregates or powder additives.
  
  Manufacturers can sell this mixture already pre-bagged, and it’s combined with water at the construction site before application. After reaching the desired consistency, the material can be applied to the surface using a brush, trowel, or spray.

• 2K Systems: If you opt for this, two premixed components (one solid and one liquid) are involved. The solid component comes in powder form and contains quartz sand, cement, and additives such as thickeners and hydrophobic agents. As for the liquid component, it contains a specially designed polymer dispersion that’s compatible with cement. Just like with 1K systems, 2K systems are then applied using a brush, trowel, or spray onto the surface.

If you want to know more about cementitious waterproofing and its coverage, you can talk to a professional who will provide you with insights about this process. They can walk you through the products that should be used, and potentially, how much the process can cost.

Once your home has undergone cementitious waterproofing, you can then apply a fresh coat of paint to complete your project. And with Island Premium Paints, you can. Choose from a variety of products, all of which have a Product Satisfaction Guarantee, and find the perfect shade and finish for your home.

For more information about cementitious waterproofing and other home improvement tips, visit this website today. You may just find vital info that’ll help you level up your home today!

Sources:

https://waterproofcaulking.com/what-is-cementitious-waterproofing/

https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

https://www.constrofacilitator.com/cementitious-waterproof-coating-advantages-products-applications/

https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/construction-chemicals-waterproofing/waterproofing-repair-chemicals/waterproofing-with-cementitious-slurries.html

https://www.mctuae.com/blog/characteristics-and-applications-of-cementitious-waterproofing-products/

https://www.constrofacilitator.com/waterproofing-in-building-construction/

https://theconstructor.org/concrete/concrete-waterproofing-types-steps/36040/

https://www.mcpolymers.com/library/introduction-cementitious-waterproofing-membranes

https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh5928