In building construction, a structure needs waterproofing since concrete itself will not be watertight on its own (but note concrete is easily waterproofed with additives). The conventional system of waterproofing involves 'membranes'. This relies on the application of one or more layers of membrane (available in various materials: e.g., bitumen, silicate, PVC, EPDM etc.) that act as a barrier between the water and the building structure, preventing the passage of water. However, the membrane system relies on exacting application, presenting difficulties. Problems with application or adherence to the substrate can lead to leakage. In the UK these membranes are rarely allowed below ground below the water table.
Over the past two decades, the construction industry has had technological advances in waterproofing materials, including integral waterproofing systems as well as more advanced membrane materials.
Integral systems work within the matrix of a concrete structure, giving the concrete itself a waterproof quality. There are two main types of integral waterproofing systems: the hydrophilic and the hydrophobic systems. A hydrophilic system typically uses a crystallization technology that replaces the water in the concrete with insoluble crystals. Various brands available in the market claim similar properties, but not all can react with a wide range of cement hydration by-products, and thus require caution. Hydrophobic systems use fatty acids to block pores within the concrete, preventing water passage.
New membrane materials seek to overcome shortcomings in older methods like PVC and HDPE. Generally, new technology in waterproof membranes relies on polymer based materials that are extremely adhesive to create a seamless barrier around the outside of a structure.
Damp proofing in Residential Buildings
Water Proofing for Roofs
Case Study in brief
We have narrated in brief about the system of waterproofing, its wide classification and also the latest waterproofing methods in the present trend. As for as our assignment is concern, we took a case study of an industrial building (220KV Power station- Dubai) where we can see the conventional method of waterproofing works being carried out for substructure and roof slab.
Classification of waterproofing Waterproofing shall be classified under the following categories,
Classification based on structureClassification based on technology
Classification based on Structure
Based on structure, it is classified as
Sub- structural water proofing (e.g.: below ground level)Super-structural water proofing (e.g.: Roof)
Sub- structural water proofing: There are quite lot many ways that are followed on structural basement waterproofing works and some of the common and unique techniques of waterproofing using specific branded compounds are as follows.
HOW TO WATERPROOF BASEMENT
Compound Used: Ames'® Super Primer, Vapor Barrier
Brand name : AMES1. Surface preparationAlways run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction. Careful and complete preparation will ensure the best results, and contribute to the life of the coating. The wall surface must be clean, dry, and free of loose material. Loose or peeling paint should be removed with a wire brush, and rough wood surfaces sanded. Do not apply Vapor-Barrier™ over wet, loose, or crumbling concrete. Repair the concrete, and allow curing. Mildew may be removed with a power washer. Fill all joints or cracks wider than 1/8 inch with a Blue Max trowel-grade coating & filler. Follow seam taping instructions. Mask all sensitive areas before starting.2. Prime the surface with Ames' Super PrimerIt is important to seam tape all joints and cracks to avoid future cracking and leaking. Apply around flashings, windows and cracks in the walls. Refer to Ames' Seam Tape label for application instructions. Do not use fiberglass or asphalt impregnated seam tape.Super Primer penetrates into the concrete. It is pearlescent blue as it is being applied, drying to a clear, slightly tacky surface. This process begins the waterproofing. Apply at a rate of 1 gallon per 100 square feet (estimated).
Super Primer is drying almost as fast as it can be sprayed onto the surface.3. Apply Ames' Vapor-BarrierApply at least 2 coats of Vapor-Barrier, our waterborne, liquid rubber, elastomeric coating. At this point the surface should be impenetrable to water. All minor cracks and crevices will be sealed. Apply at a rate of 2 gallons per 100 square feet. Recommended milage is 20 to 35 mils (or the thickness of a dime or quarter). Drying time will be approximately 30 to 60 minutes on warm days with sun contact. This application can be used on: foundations, bearing walls, cisterns or water storage tanks, and other concrete surfaces. Vapor-Barrier is potable water compliant.Clean-up, Storage, Disposal and Thinning Clean up tools and small spills with water. Store unused product in its original can, tightly sealed at 45 to 85 degree F. Dispose of this product in accordance with state, federal, and local requirements. May thin up to 10% with water. Weather & Drying Guidelines Ames' Coatings are best applied between 40 to 90 degrees F. on warm dry surfaces. Apply when the streets are dry, the sun is in the sky, and no inclement weather is forecast. Dries in 1-2 hours, depending on thickness of application and weather; and cures in 24 hours. Low temperatures, high humidity, and evening or morning dew will require increased drying/curing time.Estimated Coverage: Super Primer: apply at a rate of 1 gallon per 100 square feet (estimated). Vapor Barrier: Apply at a rate of 2 gallons per 100 square feet.HOW TO SEAL OR WATERPROOF THE LEAKING BASEMENT?1. Surface Preparation Read all label instructions before beginning. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction.Careful and complete preparation will ensure the best results and contribute to the life of the coating. The wall surface must be clean, dry, and free of moss and loose material. Loose or peeling paint should be removed with a wire brush and rough wood surfaces sanded. Concrete surfaces may be prepared by using a disc grinder and carborundum disc or sand blasting. Do not apply over wet, loose or crumbling concrete. Repair the concrete and allow to cure completely. Mildew may be removed with a power washing. New concrete should be allowed to cure for at least 30 days prior to application of this product. Fill all joints or cracks wider than 1/8 inch with Blue Max™ trowel grade coating and filler. Follow all seam-taping instructions. Mask all sensitive areas before starting.Be sure the concrete is dry before beginning. Drying the basement wall out completely before proceeding will be necessary. Use of a propane space heater as needed may be necessary to complete this task. Construction space heaters may be rented or purchased. Allow proper ventilation. Primer penetration and curing will be dependent on a dry surface.
2. Prime the Surface and Seamtape Joints and CracksPrime the surface with Ames' Blue Max Liquid Rubber. It is important to seam tape all joints and cracks to avoid future cracking and leaking. Our Peel & Stick Seam Tape is a self-adhesive, high-strength, contouring seam tape that is easy to apply. For the best adhesion prime all surfaces with Ames'® Blue Max before applying seam tape. Refer to Ames' Seam Tape application guide for application instructions. Do not use fiberglass or asphalt impregnated seam tape as a substitute. Use only Ames' Tapes. Once the seam tape has been placed over the primer it will be next to impossible to remove. The seamtape is pliable, so it is easy to shape with your fingers, even to corners. Warning! Do not uses asphalt sealers. They do not really water proof. Asphalt will simply float over damp surfaces. When the petroleum evaporates the owner is eventually left with nothing but prehistoric animal pigment.3. Application Ames' Block & Wall™ Liquid Rubber or Blue Max may be applied by brush, roller or sprayer. Shake or stir Block & Wall Liquid Rubber prior to use. Apply a minimum of one gallon per 100 sq. ft. per coat. Two coats minimum, three to four is superior. The application must be applied in a continuous, unbroken seal of a minimum dry thickness of no less than 30 mils (the thickness of a dime) over the entire surface.Good: Prime the concrete surface with one or two coats of Blue Max and then apply one or more coats of Ames' Block and Wall Liquid Rubber coating at a rate of one or two gallons/per/100 square feet. One or two coats of Ames' Block & Wall Liquid Rubber or Blue Max will cover and waterproof in most cases. Use all the product estimated for the job in order to achieve the proper millage.
Better: First prime with Blue Max over the concrete. Then apply two to three coats or three gallons per 100 square feet of Block & Wall Liquid Rubber or Blue Max. Use the entire product to achieve the proper millage.
Best: This type of heavy-duty application is normally used when applied on a below grade surface where a severe waterproofing situation might exist. This procedure is generally used on new commercial building applications where long-term heavy-duty applications might be required. The very best product application is five gallons per 100 sq. ft. or three to five coat application systems necessary for long term waterproofing. In this application fabric can be applied over most smooth surfaces and is generally embedded in the second layer of the liquid rubber. The fabric becomes saturated and is sandwiched in the coating and allowed to dry for additional reinforcement. It applies like fiberglass. The fabric is polyester and shapes like fiberglass and will never rot or deteriorate. This application is nearly impervious to water penetration when properly done and expected to last up to twenty plus years. It can also be applied to concrete or wood surfaces such as concrete roofs where bare concrete has begun to deteriorate. Concrete roofs are often in need of special attention especially in the tropics when rains are heavy and concrete is decomposing. Otherwise this application is usually not necessary unless the surface is in danger of deteriorating since these coatings are extremely elastic. On above grade applications apply two to three coats of Blue Max followed by two coats (2 gallons per 100 square feet) of Ames' Block & Wall waterproofing paint or Ames' Paint and Prime Paint and Prime is tintable.
Weather & Drying Guidelines Ames' Coatings are best applied between 40 to 90 degrees F. on warm dry surfaces. Apply when the streets are dry, the sun is in the sky, and no inclement weather is forecast. Dries in 1-2 hours, depending on thickness of application and weather; and cures in 24 hours. Low temperatures, high humidity, and evening or morning dew will require increased drying/curing time.
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING USING PIPELINE TECHNIQUESWe were called out to provide a solution for a water problem in a basement. The basement was not properly tanked during the construction phase. None tanking can result in major waterproofing problems in the future - Our client experienced between 10mm-30mm of water ponding on the entire floor of the basement. A permanent water pump was installed to pump out the water.The builders had penetrated an unforeseen but very real underground 'river' during construction. Water penetrated from both the floor and the construction joints between the walls of the basement.
Diagram showing construction joint in a basementHow to properly tank a basement retaining wall?Step One Excavate around the basement down to foundation level. This is best done during construction phase when no excavation is needed.
Step twoApply generous amounts of Bitumen Primer by means of block brush or roller to all the areas that will receive the torch on membrane
Step threeHeat fuses the torch on membrane to the primed areas.
Torching is quite tricky and should only really be done by persons who have experience in this.
Step fourConnect the pieces of flow pipe and wrap in bedim cloth
Flow pipe is a pipe with holes in it.
The pipe allows water to pass into it and flow away to a storm water outlet.
Bedim cloth is a geo textile that act likes a filter to stop sand and other objects entering the pipe
Tip: It is important to get the levels of the flow pipe falling correctly. It would be best to consult a drainage expert on this. Some council regulations demand that plans be approved for drainage systems
Step fiveSurround the flow pipe with 19mm builder stone.
The stone acts as the first filter
Step sixBack fill with clean sand
How to waterproof concrete roofs?Waterproofing concrete with roof coatings is an important task on concrete structures for roof repair and preservation. Many roofs throughout the world are constructed using poured concrete. These structures are usually made with reinforced steel. They are inexpensive but require a great deal of maintenance to keep them from leaking since they shift, move, and dissolve easily. The problem with concrete is that it IS concrete. Concrete is made up from several ingredients including calcium carbonate and sand. Calcium Carbonate is a plentiful substance that comes from the dead skeletons of sea life. These plentiful substances dissolve quite easily in very wet environments unless they are protected.
The Ames specializes in the making of specialty rubber and plastic coatings that extend the life of concrete. These products stretch with the concrete and form a waterproof membrane. Unfortunately, untreated concrete cracks and dissolves in many geographic areas where there is a great deal of rain. In the wintertime, water leaks into the untreated cracks and freezes and expands substantially damaging your concrete building.
Before beginning any project, read all instruction labels. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction
Usually a concrete structure is composed of four walls of poured concrete and a poured concrete roof. Walls and parapet walls, both outside and inside, over the roof need to be water proofed. Both outside walls and inside walls should always be considered to be a part of your waterproofing tasks. The building should be thought of as a total building envelope. If you have stucco on the outside of the building, use Ames “Super Primer” and then “Paint & Prime®” to waterproof the stucco or concrete surface.
PREPARE THE SURFACEHow to fix flat roofs or concrete roofs with “roof coatings” is really a simple process even for the “do it yourselfer”. The first thing you should do is to power wash the entire surface area of the roof, which will remove most of the loose material. Use caution, so as not to damage any interior areas due to roof leakage that are inside the building. In certain situations, a shot-blaster may be needed to roughen the surface. In addition, it might be a good idea to fill any large cracks and crevices with mortar.
PRIME THE SURFACEAfter preparing the surface you will need to prime the roof with Ames Pure Acrylic Plastic primer, “Super Primer”. Super Primer will dry rapidly and will flow into the cracks and crevices of the concrete rooftop. It will bond to the concrete with remarkable adhesion. Super Primer has an affinity for concrete and it actually glues together and strengthens old concrete surfaces. Read all instruction labels before beginning. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction.
SEAM TAPENext, seam tape all remaining cracks larger than one-eighth of an inch. Seam tape with “Ames Peel & Stick” Seam tape. This tape comes in 2 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch widths by 50-foot rolls. This rubber tape contours easily to the surface and will stick with the most remarkable adhesion to the primed surface. The seam tape will be difficult to remove from here on out.
TOPCOAT OVER THE SURFACEApply at least two gallons per 100 sq. ft. of “Super Elasto-Barrier” or similar Ame's product. Finally, apply two to three gallons per 100 sq. ft. of Ames Maximum Stretch elastomeric acrylic plastic coating. Super Primer, Seam Tape, Super Elasto Barrier, and “Maximum-Stretch” are an unbeatable combination for concrete roofs.
Over the past two decades, the construction industry has had technological advances in waterproofing materials, including integral waterproofing systems as well as more advanced membrane materials.
Integral systems work within the matrix of a concrete structure, giving the concrete itself a waterproof quality. There are two main types of integral waterproofing systems: the hydrophilic and the hydrophobic systems. A hydrophilic system typically uses a crystallization technology that replaces the water in the concrete with insoluble crystals. Various brands available in the market claim similar properties, but not all can react with a wide range of cement hydration by-products, and thus require caution. Hydrophobic systems use fatty acids to block pores within the concrete, preventing water passage.
New membrane materials seek to overcome shortcomings in older methods like PVC and HDPE. Generally, new technology in waterproof membranes relies on polymer based materials that are extremely adhesive to create a seamless barrier around the outside of a structure.
Damp proofing in Residential Buildings
Water Proofing for Roofs
Case Study in brief
We have narrated in brief about the system of waterproofing, its wide classification and also the latest waterproofing methods in the present trend. As for as our assignment is concern, we took a case study of an industrial building (220KV Power station- Dubai) where we can see the conventional method of waterproofing works being carried out for substructure and roof slab.
Classification of waterproofing Waterproofing shall be classified under the following categories,
Classification based on structureClassification based on technology
Based on structure, it is classified as
Sub- structural water proofing (e.g.: below ground level)Super-structural water proofing (e.g.: Roof)
HOW TO WATERPROOF BASEMENT
Compound Used: Ames'® Super Primer, Vapor Barrier
Super Primer is drying almost as fast as it can be sprayed onto the surface.3. Apply Ames' Vapor-BarrierApply at least 2 coats of Vapor-Barrier, our waterborne, liquid rubber, elastomeric coating. At this point the surface should be impenetrable to water. All minor cracks and crevices will be sealed. Apply at a rate of 2 gallons per 100 square feet. Recommended milage is 20 to 35 mils (or the thickness of a dime or quarter). Drying time will be approximately 30 to 60 minutes on warm days with sun contact. This application can be used on: foundations, bearing walls, cisterns or water storage tanks, and other concrete surfaces. Vapor-Barrier is potable water compliant.Clean-up, Storage, Disposal and Thinning Clean up tools and small spills with water. Store unused product in its original can, tightly sealed at 45 to 85 degree F. Dispose of this product in accordance with state, federal, and local requirements. May thin up to 10% with water. Weather & Drying Guidelines Ames' Coatings are best applied between 40 to 90 degrees F. on warm dry surfaces. Apply when the streets are dry, the sun is in the sky, and no inclement weather is forecast. Dries in 1-2 hours, depending on thickness of application and weather; and cures in 24 hours. Low temperatures, high humidity, and evening or morning dew will require increased drying/curing time.Estimated Coverage: Super Primer: apply at a rate of 1 gallon per 100 square feet (estimated). Vapor Barrier: Apply at a rate of 2 gallons per 100 square feet.HOW TO SEAL OR WATERPROOF THE LEAKING BASEMENT?1. Surface Preparation Read all label instructions before beginning. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction.Careful and complete preparation will ensure the best results and contribute to the life of the coating. The wall surface must be clean, dry, and free of moss and loose material. Loose or peeling paint should be removed with a wire brush and rough wood surfaces sanded. Concrete surfaces may be prepared by using a disc grinder and carborundum disc or sand blasting. Do not apply over wet, loose or crumbling concrete. Repair the concrete and allow to cure completely. Mildew may be removed with a power washing. New concrete should be allowed to cure for at least 30 days prior to application of this product. Fill all joints or cracks wider than 1/8 inch with Blue Max™ trowel grade coating and filler. Follow all seam-taping instructions. Mask all sensitive areas before starting.Be sure the concrete is dry before beginning. Drying the basement wall out completely before proceeding will be necessary. Use of a propane space heater as needed may be necessary to complete this task. Construction space heaters may be rented or purchased. Allow proper ventilation. Primer penetration and curing will be dependent on a dry surface.
Diagram of basement showing level of water
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Step twoApply generous amounts of Bitumen Primer by means of block brush or roller to all the areas that will receive the torch on membrane
Step threeHeat fuses the torch on membrane to the primed areas.
Torching is quite tricky and should only really be done by persons who have experience in this.
Step fourConnect the pieces of flow pipe and wrap in bedim cloth
Flow pipe is a pipe with holes in it.
The pipe allows water to pass into it and flow away to a storm water outlet.
Bedim cloth is a geo textile that act likes a filter to stop sand and other objects entering the pipe
Tip: It is important to get the levels of the flow pipe falling correctly. It would be best to consult a drainage expert on this. Some council regulations demand that plans be approved for drainage systems
Step fiveSurround the flow pipe with 19mm builder stone.
The stone acts as the first filter
Step sixBack fill with clean sand
How to waterproof concrete roofs?Waterproofing concrete with roof coatings is an important task on concrete structures for roof repair and preservation. Many roofs throughout the world are constructed using poured concrete. These structures are usually made with reinforced steel. They are inexpensive but require a great deal of maintenance to keep them from leaking since they shift, move, and dissolve easily. The problem with concrete is that it IS concrete. Concrete is made up from several ingredients including calcium carbonate and sand. Calcium Carbonate is a plentiful substance that comes from the dead skeletons of sea life. These plentiful substances dissolve quite easily in very wet environments unless they are protected.
The Ames specializes in the making of specialty rubber and plastic coatings that extend the life of concrete. These products stretch with the concrete and form a waterproof membrane. Unfortunately, untreated concrete cracks and dissolves in many geographic areas where there is a great deal of rain. In the wintertime, water leaks into the untreated cracks and freezes and expands substantially damaging your concrete building.
Before beginning any project, read all instruction labels. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction
Usually a concrete structure is composed of four walls of poured concrete and a poured concrete roof. Walls and parapet walls, both outside and inside, over the roof need to be water proofed. Both outside walls and inside walls should always be considered to be a part of your waterproofing tasks. The building should be thought of as a total building envelope. If you have stucco on the outside of the building, use Ames “Super Primer” and then “Paint & Prime®” to waterproof the stucco or concrete surface.
PREPARE THE SURFACEHow to fix flat roofs or concrete roofs with “roof coatings” is really a simple process even for the “do it yourselfer”. The first thing you should do is to power wash the entire surface area of the roof, which will remove most of the loose material. Use caution, so as not to damage any interior areas due to roof leakage that are inside the building. In certain situations, a shot-blaster may be needed to roughen the surface. In addition, it might be a good idea to fill any large cracks and crevices with mortar.
PRIME THE SURFACEAfter preparing the surface you will need to prime the roof with Ames Pure Acrylic Plastic primer, “Super Primer”. Super Primer will dry rapidly and will flow into the cracks and crevices of the concrete rooftop. It will bond to the concrete with remarkable adhesion. Super Primer has an affinity for concrete and it actually glues together and strengthens old concrete surfaces. Read all instruction labels before beginning. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction.
SEAM TAPENext, seam tape all remaining cracks larger than one-eighth of an inch. Seam tape with “Ames Peel & Stick” Seam tape. This tape comes in 2 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch widths by 50-foot rolls. This rubber tape contours easily to the surface and will stick with the most remarkable adhesion to the primed surface. The seam tape will be difficult to remove from here on out.
TOPCOAT OVER THE SURFACEApply at least two gallons per 100 sq. ft. of “Super Elasto-Barrier” or similar Ame's product. Finally, apply two to three gallons per 100 sq. ft. of Ames Maximum Stretch elastomeric acrylic plastic coating. Super Primer, Seam Tape, Super Elasto Barrier, and “Maximum-Stretch” are an unbeatable combination for concrete roofs.
DRAINAGE
Proper drainage is also an important factor on concrete roofs. With this application, you will be substantially strengthening the concrete with the pure acrylic plastic Super Primer. Followed by the rubber “Super Elasto-Barrier”. Be sure to apply seam tape where the vertical and horizontal concrete joints meet at the parapet roof and wall joints. The parapet wall and cap also need to be water proofed. This combination of coatings, as well as the outside of the parapet wall, should be waterproofed with Ames “Paint & Prime”.
ROOF DECKS
If the surface is a roof deck application and you wish to walk on your roof, then you can apply Ames “Safe-T- Deck” non-skid durable plastic paint as your final coat. This product comes in a variety of colors. Lighter colors are best for areas in high heat. Dark colors in the northern hemispheres.
The drawing below describes a basic product application.
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CONCRETE ROOF
1. Always run a test patch first to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction. The whole concrete roof is cleaned and power-washed, then flood coated with Ames' Super Primer, pure acrylic primer.
2. Repair large holes with concrete patch. Seam tape large cracks with Ames' Peel & Stick adhesive seam tape.
3. For best results, topcoat the concrete roof surface with Ames' Super Elasto-Barrier and Maximum-stretch.
CONCRETE WALLS
1. Always run a test patch first to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction. The whole concrete wall is cleaned and power-washed.
2. Repair large holes with concrete patch. Seam tape large cracks with Ames' Peel & Stick adhesive seam tape.
3. For best results, topcoat the concrete wall surface with Ames' Super Primer and Ames' Paint & Prime All-In-One premium acrylic paint.
Seal and Waterproof an Existing Chimney
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