Waterproofing structures is a concept that has existed for a long time. Building experts long understood that if a surface is not protected from the effects of water, it can eventually affect the structural integrity of any surface. Not waterproofing surfaces can also have the effect of causing disease causing organisms to grow on our structures, and thus affect the health of people living around them. For example, mold is a common problem where water is not properly kept away from the surface. These tiny fungal spores can grow on moist and warm surfaces and produce spores. When these spies are breathed in, they can have a negative effect on our health. When a surface is waterproofed, the risk of mold infestation is drastically reduced.
Importance Of Water Sealants
Waterproofing surfaces has a number of benefits. Apart from reducing the risk of mold infestation, waterproofing membranes help to protect the structural integrity of our structures. For example, water can weaken some metals by causing them to rust. When you apply a waterproofing membrane, the water is prevented from reaching the surface of the metal and this in turn slows down, or even eliminates rusting. Apart from protecting your buildings from structural damage, waterproofing also helps to reduce the cost of repair and maintenance.
Let us now look at some of the applications of waterproofing membranes.
Bridge Deck Waterproofing;
Bridges and decks are critical structures that give us access to areas separated by water bodies, add aesthetic appeal to our environment, and even help to protect marine life by separating human/vehicular traffic from interfering with marine life. Bridges are typically built in layers and since they are near water bodies, it’s critical that they are protected from the effect of moisture. Waterproofing membranes such as epoxy are used to coat the metals and wood structures that make these bridges. By protecting the metals from water, the waterproofing membranes ensure that the surfaces are protected from rust, and this helps to increase the lifespan of the structure. The waterproofing membrane is applied not just to the bridge itself but to other metal components of the bridge such as the suspension cables and much more.
Roofs
The roof of any house is critical in protecting the house from the elements, including rain and snow. The roof also plays a large part in thermal regulation of any structure, ensuring that heat is not lost and this keeping energy costs at a minimum. However, by virtue of this role, the roof is the first part of a house that faces danger from water infiltration. When water gets through the roof, it can have some serious effects. For starters, the water can seep through to the walls and affect the structural integrity of the building. Water coming through the roof can cause a chill effect in the house, interrupting the thermal balance of the interior and thus having an impact on energy costs. Finally, if the roof lets in water, there is an added risk that mold will start to develop and affect the health of the occupants in the house.
Swimming Pools
Even though you are likely to see ceramic tiles lining the walls of most swimming pools, many people forget that there is a concrete layer that forms the inner walls of the swimming pool. Before the ceramic tiles are installed, builders will ensure that the concrete surfaces are covered by a waterproofing membrane such as epoxy. The reason is that constant contact with water will eventually destroy the concrete lining if it is not well protected. This is because water can find its way through the ceramic tiles to the concrete beneath.