Waterproofing is an essential aspect of modern construction, ensuring the longevity and durability of structures exposed to moisture. Whether it’s a bathroom, a storage tank, a floor, or a swimming pool, effective waterproofing protects against water damage, mould growth, and structural deterioration.

Construction Care, a leader in waterproofing solutions, specialises in these methods, offering tailored services to meet diverse project requirements.

Waterproofing Bathrooms

Cementitious Waterproofing

Cementitious waterproofing involves using a mixture of cement-based products combined with acrylic additives to create a robust waterproof barrier. This method is highly effective for areas frequently exposed to water, such as bathrooms.

Applied with a brush or trowel, cementitious waterproofing is ideal for bathroom walls and floors, particularly around showers, bathtubs, and sinks. The product adheres well to concrete and masonry surfaces, forming a seamless protective layer.

In a residential apartment building, Construction Care applied cementitious waterproofing to the bathrooms to prevent water leakage into adjacent units. This method was chosen for its ease of application and effective water resistance in wet areas.

Metrics:

Bond Strength: Typically around 1.5 MPa (megapascals), indicating strong adhesion to substrates.
Water Permeability: Less than 0.5 mm penetration after 72 hours, ensuring minimal water ingress.

Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

Liquid waterproofing membranes cure to form a seamless, rubbery waterproof layer that is highly flexible and durable. These membranes can adapt to various shapes and surfaces, making them suitable for intricate bathroom designs.

Applied using a roller, spray, or trowel, liquid membranes are perfect for covering complex shapes and ensuring a continuous barrier. This method is particularly effective for bathrooms with unique architectural features.

Construction Care used a liquid waterproofing membrane in a luxury hotel renovation project. The flexibility and seamless application ensured that even the intricate designs around fixtures and fittings were fully protected from moisture.

Metrics:

Elongation: Typically between 200% and 400%, providing excellent flexibility to accommodate structural movements.
Dry Film Thickness: Ranges from 1.5 mm to 2 mm, offering substantial protection against water penetration.

Sheet Membranes for Waterproofing

Sheet membranes are pre-formed sheets made from materials like bitumen, PVC, or EPDM, adhered to the substrate using adhesives or welding. These membranes provide a uniform waterproof layer, ideal for large, flat surfaces.

Sheet membranes are applied to bathroom floors and walls, offering a consistent and durable waterproof barrier. They are especially effective in creating a continuous seal across the entire surface.

In a commercial office building, Construction Care installed sheet membranes in the bathroom floors and walls. This provided a durable and consistent waterproof layer that prevents any water ingress, ensuring long-term protection.

Metrics:

Tensile Strength: Approximately 10 MPa, indicating high resistance to tearing and mechanical stress.
Thickness: Usually around 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm, providing a robust barrier against water ingress.

Polyurethane Waterproofing

Polyurethane-based liquid waterproofing forms a highly flexible, seamless membrane resistant to chemicals and UV light. This method is particularly suitable for areas that experience temperature fluctuations.

Applied with a roller, brush, or spray, polyurethane waterproofing is ideal for bathrooms in varying climates. The material’s flexibility allows it to handle thermal expansion and contraction without cracking.

For a coastal residential project, Construction Care used polyurethane waterproofing in the bathrooms. This choice provided excellent flexibility and protection against the harsh coastal environment, ensuring long-term durability.

Metrics:

Elongation: Up to 600%, providing superior flexibility and resilience.
Cure Time: Approximately 24-48 hours for full cure, allowing for quick project turnaround.

Bituminous Coating

Bituminous coatings, derived from asphalt, provide an economical waterproof barrier. These coatings are ideal for areas not subjected to high movement or extreme temperatures.

Applied with a brush or trowel, bituminous coatings are effective for bathroom floors and walls, particularly in budget-friendly projects.

In a budget-friendly housing project, Construction Care used bituminous coatings in the bathroom floors and walls. This provided adequate waterproofing at a lower cost, suitable for less demanding environments.

Metrics:

Adhesion Strength: Around 0.5 MPa, sufficient for lower-stress environments.
Thickness: Approximately 1 mm to 3 mm, providing a substantial waterproof layer.

Waterproofing Tanks

Epoxy Coatings

Epoxy coatings provide a hard, chemical-resistant, and waterproof barrier, ideal for tanks that store liquids. These coatings are known for their durability and protective qualities.

Applied by brush, roller, or spray, epoxy coatings ensure thorough coverage and protection for tank interiors.

In a water treatment facility, Construction Care used epoxy coatings inside storage tanks. This provided a durable and chemical-resistant barrier that protects the tanks from corrosion and chemical attack.

Metrics:

Chemical Resistance: Excellent, withstanding a wide range of acids and alkalis, ensuring longevity even in harsh chemical environments.
Dry Film Thickness: Typically 2 mm to 4 mm, offering significant protection against corrosion and chemical attack.

Polyurea Coatings

Polyurea coatings form an elastomeric, highly durable waterproof barrier. These coatings are known for their rapid curing time and exceptional durability.

Applied by spraying, polyurea coatings cure quickly, making them ideal for rapid project turnarounds without sacrificing quality.

For an industrial chemical storage tank, Construction Care applied polyurea coatings to provide superior durability and chemical resistance. The fast curing time minimized downtime, enhancing operational efficiency.

Metrics:

Tensile Strength: Around 20 MPa, providing high resistance to mechanical stress.
Elongation: Up to 400%, ensuring flexibility and durability.

Cementitious Coatings

Cementitious coatings create a waterproof barrier using cement-based materials. These coatings bond well with concrete surfaces, making them ideal for large tanks.

Applied with a brush or trowel, cementitious coatings provide a seamless and durable layer of protection.

Construction Care used cementitious coatings in a municipal water tank. This provided a reliable and cost-effective solution that integrates well with the existing concrete structure.

Water Absorption: Less than 0.5%, indicating excellent resistance to water penetration.
Thickness: Typically 1 mm to 2 mm, providing substantial coverage and protection.

Crystalline Waterproofing

Crystalline waterproofing uses chemicals that react with water to form crystals, blocking water pathways within concrete. This method provides integral waterproofing by filling the concrete’s pores and cracks.

Applied as a slurry or dry powder to the interior or exterior surfaces of tanks, crystalline waterproofing offers long-term protection.

In a new construction of a wastewater treatment plant, Construction Care applied crystalline waterproofing to the tanks. This ensured long-term waterproofing, even if micro-cracks developed over time.

Metrics:

Penetration Depth: Crystals can penetrate up to 30 cm into concrete, ensuring deep protection.
Self-Healing Capability: Can heal cracks up to 0.4 mm wide, maintaining waterproofing integrity over time.

Waterproofing Flooring

Epoxy Floor Coatings

Epoxy floor coatings create a hard, seamless surface that is both waterproof and resistant to chemicals and wear. These coatings are ideal for industrial and commercial flooring applications.

Applied using a roller or brush in multiple coats, epoxy coatings provide a durable and protective layer.

Construction Care applied epoxy floor coatings in a food processing plant. This provided a durable, easy-to-clean surface that withstands heavy foot traffic and chemical exposure.

Metrics:

Hardness: Shore D hardness of 75 to 90, indicating a tough and wear-resistant surface.
Thickness: Typically 2 mm to 3 mm, offering substantial protection against water and wear.

Polyurethane Floor Coatings

Polyurethane coatings offer flexibility and UV resistance, forming a durable, waterproof layer. These coatings are suitable for both indoor and outdoor flooring applications.

Applied using a roller, brush, or spray, polyurethane coatings provide a flexible and protective surface. For a retail store, Construction Care applied polyurethane floor coatings. The flexibility of the coating accommodated the high foot traffic and provided a long-lasting waterproof surface.

Metrics:

Elongation: Up to 200%, accommodating structural movements without cracking.
Thickness: Typically 1 mm to 2 mm, providing substantial waterproofing and protection.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring consists of waterproof sheets or tiles that provide a durable and water-resistant surface. This type of flooring is popular in areas requiring easy maintenance and hygiene.

Installed using adhesives, ensuring a tight seal and consistent waterproof barrier. In a hospital renovation, Construction Care installed vinyl flooring in patient bathrooms. This provided a hygienic, easy-to-clean, and waterproof surface ideal for healthcare environments.

Metrics:

Wear Layer Thickness: Typically 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, providing a durable surface resistant to wear and tear.
Water Absorption: Less than 0.1%, indicating excellent waterproof
properties.

Cementitious Waterproofing

Cementitious waterproofing for flooring involves applying a cement-based coating that creates a waterproof barrier. This method is particularly effective in basements and below-grade areas.

Applied with a trowel or brush, cementitious coatings provide a seamless and durable protective layer. Construction Care used cementitious waterproofing in the basement floors of a commercial building. This prevented moisture ingress from the ground, protecting the building’s structural integrity.

Metrics:

Water Absorption: Less than 0.5%, ensuring minimal water ingress.
Thickness: Typically 1 mm to 2 mm, providing substantial coverage and protection.

Liquid Membranes

Liquid membranes are applied to create a flexible, seamless waterproof barrier. These membranes are ideal for complex shapes and surfaces, ensuring thorough coverage.

Applied with a roller, brush, or spray in multiple coats, liquid membranes provide a continuous waterproof layer. For a residential renovation, Construction Care used liquid membranes on bathroom floors. This ensured complete waterproofing even in the corners and edges, where water leakage is most likely to occur.

Metrics:

Elongation: Up to 300%, offering excellent flexibility and durability.
Thickness: Typically 1.5 mm to 2 mm, providing substantial protection against water ingress.

Waterproofing Swimming Pools

Epoxy Pool Paint

Epoxy pool paint forms a hard, durable, and waterproof layer that is resistant to pool chemicals. This type of coating is ideal for both new pools and renovations.

Applied by roller or brush in multiple coats, epoxy pool paint ensures a smooth and protective surface. Construction Care applied epoxy pool paint in a community swimming pool. This provided a long-lasting, chemical-resistant surface that maintains its appearance and functionality over time.

Metrics:

Hardness: Shore D hardness of 80 to 85, providing a tough and wear-resistant finish.
Thickness: Typically 0.5 mm to 1 mm, offering substantial protection against water and chemicals.

PVC Membrane Liners

PVC membrane liners are flexible sheets that are welded together to form a continuous waterproof barrier. These liners provide a durable and aesthetic finish for swimming pools.

Installed by welding seams with hot air, ensuring a secure and waterproof seal that covers the entire pool surface. In a luxury hotel’s swimming pool, Construction Care installed PVC membrane liners. This ensured a durable, watertight solution that also enhanced the pool’s aesthetic appeal.

Metrics:

Tensile Strength: Around 15 MPa, providing high resistance to tearing and mechanical stress.
Thickness: Typically 1.5 mm to 2 mm, offering substantial protection against water ingress.

Polyurethane Coatings

Polyurethane coatings create a flexible, seamless waterproof barrier that is resistant to UV light and pool chemicals. These coatings are suitable for both indoor and outdoor pools.

Applied with a roller, brush, or spray in multiple coats, polyurethane coatings provide a smooth and protective surface. For a private villa’s swimming pool, Construction Care used polyurethane coatings. This provided a smooth, flexible, and durable surface that withstands the fluctuating temperatures and UV exposure common in outdoor pools.

Metrics:

Elongation: Up to 400%, offering excellent flexibility and durability.
Thickness: Typically 1.5 mm to 2 mm, providing substantial protection against water and UV damage.

Cementitious Waterproofing

Cementitious waterproofing for swimming pools involves applying a cement-based coating that creates a durable waterproof barrier. This method is particularly effective for concrete

Applied with a trowel or brush, cementitious coatings provide a seamless and durable layer of protection. Construction Care applied cementitious waterproofing to a public swimming pool’s concrete shell before tiling. This provided an additional layer of protection against water seepage, ensuring the longevity of the pool structure.

Metrics:

Water Absorption: Less than 0.5%, indicating excellent resistance to water penetration.
Thickness: Typically 1 mm to 2 mm, providing substantial coverage and protection.

Crystalline Waterproofing

Crystalline waterproofing involves using chemicals that react with water to form crystals within the concrete, blocking water pathways. This method provides integral waterproofing for concrete pools.

Applied as a slurry or dry powder to the pool’s concrete surfaces, crystalline waterproofing offers long-term protection. In the construction of a new aquatic center, Construction Care used crystalline waterproofing on the pool’s concrete shell. This provided integral waterproofing, ensuring the pool remained leak-free even if micro-cracks formed over time.

Metrics:

Penetration Depth: Crystals can penetrate up to 30 cm into concrete, ensuring deep protection.
Self-Healing Capability: Can heal cracks up to 0.4 mm wide, maintaining waterproofing integrity over time.

Rubberized Coatings

Rubberized coatings form a highly flexible, seamless, and waterproof layer that is resistant to UV light and pool chemicals. These coatings are suitable for both indoor and outdoor pools.

Applied by brush, roller, or spray in multiple coats, rubberized coatings provide a durable and protective surface. Construction Care used rubberized coatings for a school’s swimming pool. This choice ensured a highly flexible and durable waterproof barrier that accommodated the frequent use and varying temperatures experienced in the pool area.

Metrics:

Elongation: Up to 600%, offering superior flexibility and durability.
Thickness: Typically 1 mm to 2 mm, providing substantial protection against water and chemical damage.

Not Sure About Waterproofing?

Waterproofing is a critical component in the construction and maintenance of bathrooms, tanks, flooring, and swimming pools. Each area requires specific techniques and materials to ensure effective and long-lasting waterproofing. Companies like Construction Care specialise in these applications, providing expert solutions tailored to the unique needs of each project.

By understanding the different waterproofing methods and their respective metrics, property owners and contractors can make informed decisions to protect their structures from water damage and ensure their durability. Construction Care’s expertise in applying these methods ensures that clients receive the best possible protection for their investments, maintaining the integrity and longevity of their buildings and installations.