The Importance of Structural Waterproofing

Modern construction has to consider a large number of factors for it to be safe and up to code. Waterproofing is just one of these. Structural waterproofing involves many elements and has to be tackled from conception to the actual construction of a building. It is critical to work with experienced professionals when tackling structural waterproofing to ensure minimal water damage in the future.

Material Quality

The quality of material in structural waterproofing determines the quality and longevity of the waterproofing itself. Common materials used include polyurethane, cement, and liquid waterproofing. Bitumen was a common waterproofing material in the past, but it has been phased out on account of its association with cancer. In addition to being waterproof, it was also fireproof and affordable, which made it used in many projects.

Whatever material is chosen for waterproofing, going for the most affordable is not always the best idea. Try to find out about the quality of the material, including how well it can waterproof a specific part of the home depending on the location. Many times, various parts of a home will need different types of waterproofing since they will be exposed to different degrees of contact with water. The material should be able to withstand this and prevent the water from seeping into the underlying structure and causing damage. If a material has all these factors and is affordable, it would be ideal for construction.

Installation is King

In addition to the quality of the material, the way it is handled also plays a role in defining how well it will work as a structural waterproofing material. This is where the choice of professionals comes in. For best results, structural waterproofing should be done by professionals who are adept at handling all kinds of waterproofing materials and who have a good track record. You can also demand to see examples of work they have done in the past in their portfolio. This will give you an idea of what caliber of professional you are dealing with.

It is worth keeping in mind that you may buy the best waterproofing agent that money can buy, but if it is not installed properly then it will not have much effect on protecting the structure from water damage. However, a moderately good waterproofing agent installed by highly skilled staff is likely to keep the structure free of water damage for years.

Consequences of Poor Structural Waterproofing

To get an idea of why structural waterproofing has to be done properly, one has to consider the consequences of water damage. The latter can damage a structure from all sides, including from the bottom up (from the water table, seeping up to the basement and causing flooding and cracking of concrete) as well as from still rainwater on a roof. The cracking and chemical changes of concrete and other materials from the presence of water can quickly destroy a wall and cause it to cave in. this gives a realistic idea as to why the waterproofing of a building needs to be taken seriously.