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3 Common Types of Waterproofing Products Available Today (and Their Uses)

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Looking for waterproofing supplies for your building? When done correctly, waterproofing ensures water doesn't enter the building and cause damage. With that said, there are many different waterproofing products available on the construction market.

Read on below to learn about some of the most commonly used ones.

Sheet Membrane Waterproofing

These are essentially plastic-based sheets that can be cold-applied onto a surface using a high-quality adhesive or a torch. The sheets are available in the form of rolls.

Sheet membranes are typically used to prevent water penetration in horizontal areas such as the foundation of buildings. These membranes are designed and made sturdy and tear-resistant to last long. They are not easy to replace. In fact, other waterproofing products are usually used to fix water infiltration in buildings where the initial sheet membrane waterproofing is failing.

Liquid Membrane Waterproofing

Sheet membrane waterproofing isn't suitable for all waterproofing applications. In situations where there is a need to waterproof small areas or particular sections of a building where existing sheet membranes are failing, liquid membrane waterproofing will work best.

As the name suggests, this waterproofing product is available in liquid form. Just like standard liquid paint, it can be applied using a brush, roller or paint-spraying tool. It is particularly easy to apply in wet areas. Plus, it won't be broken down by UV rays, so exposure to the sun shouldn't cause problems.

Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes are generally considered to be superior to their sheet-based counterparts because the former are joint-free. That said, these joint-free membranes require the right thickness to be effective at their job of keeping water at bay.

Waterproofing Paints

In situations where the surface protection from water damage is required, waterproofing paints come in handy. The exterior walls of a building, for example, can benefit from the application of waterproofing paints.

If enough product is applied on the walls, it will create a water impenetrable barrier. You can refer to the paint application instructions provided by the product manufacturer to know how many coats of paint to apply.

This will not only prevent water damage to your walls but also prevent other serious problems, such as mould growth.

So what waterproofing products are right for you? Well, it depends on your particular needs and situation. A waterproofing contractor can explain the available options to you and help you determine the ones that match your project requirements, as well as your budget.


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