WATER PROOFING FOR ROOFS

 
  Terrace is the most crucial segment of a building,
and it is exposed to direct climatic variations,
extremes of rainfall and structural movements
caused thereby. So every effort should be taken at
the design stage itself to ensure that a proper
protection system has been incorporated. It has
often been found that the economic solution is not
always the best solution. So, the system, which
assures maximum protection, should be selected
even though it may cost little more.
 

IMPORTANCE OF WATER PROOFING FOR

ROOFS

A building or structure needs waterproofing as

concrete itself will not be watertight on its own. All
the flat roofs in the modern age are generally
constructed of reinforced cement concrete. This
material removes all the problems of flat roofs
except that the roof should be made water proof by
employing any of the various methods available for
moisture proofing.

·         USUAL PRACTICE

The R.C.C. Slab of the terrace is generally done

with ordinary concrete without using any admixture
to take care of the extra workability required to
proper placement and compaction of the concrete
through the congested reinforcement.

Sometimes integral waterproofing compounds are

used in the concrete. But often they are not used
properly or sufficiently. Lime terracing, i.e., Brickbat
coba with lime, is done on the R.C.C. slab to serve
dual purpose. First is weatherproofing of the slab
by providing heat insulation for the area below it.
The second purpose is waterproofing. This layer
also provides the slope required for easy drainage
of rainwater. The parapet is of brick masonry and
plastered with ordinary cement mortar.

·         PROBLEMS

1. In due course numerous cracks are developed in

the lime terracing. Water penetrates through these
cracks to the R.C.C. slab below it. Due to shrinkage
of cement mortar, lots of cracks are formed on the
plaster of the parapet walls. Rainwater seeps
through these cracks into the bricks and slowly
comes down to the R.C.C. slab.

2. Because of improper compaction, often the

concrete of the R.C.C. slab is full of voids and
honeycombs. Once the water reaches the R.C.C.
slab, it easily seeps inside and corrodes the
reinforcement, thus weakening the structure itself.

3. Water, after seeping through the R.C.C. slab,

makes the ceiling and walls damp. In severe cases
water starts dripping from the ceiling. All these
leave ugly patches of dampness on the ceiling and
walls and paints peel off.

4. To avoid leakage of water through terrace, often

tar felting is done on the terrace. But due to
weathering, the tar felt gets cracked within a couple
of years and water penetrates through the cracks to
come down to the ceiling.

·         SUGGESTIONS

To protect the terrace it should be made properly

waterproof. There are numerous terrace
waterproofing systems available in the market; the
choice of products will depend upon the
requirements of the client under given
considerations.

A. The environment conditions (dirunal and

seasonal temperature variations) a building is
subject to expansion/contraction caused as the
consequence.

B. If the entire structure is weak for the reason of

poor quality of construction, sub-soil being weak,
vibrations from surrounding pattern of land use too
vigorous etc., then terraces are likely to be affected.
A waterproofing system should allow such
movements. However, if the movement is too
significant and the structure is not designed to
overcome the same, then none of the waterproofing
systems will last unless adequate structural
strengthening is done prior to waterproofing.

C. Insulation properly desired - some structures are

designed to retard excessive heat penetration
through the terraces to the areas underneath. At
times lightweight concrete is used. In such cases a
strong waterproofing layer becomes most essential,
because the surface has an element of porosity.

D. Terrace garden - Continuous presence of water

and contact of organic matter would require
additional treatment of waterproofing than normal
ones.

E. Cost factor - Quality and durability of a system is

directly proportional to cost. If the budget available
permits an option for a cheaper system only, then
we could recommend such treatment.

·         TYPES OF SYSTEM

Terrace-waterproofing is possible with varying

permutations and combinations within a wide
product range, to suit the 'tailor-made' requirements
of the clients.

1. Whilst any water proofing system is decided, it is

imperative to have a basic substrate, which is
structurally sound. If the base on which a
waterproofing application is done, happens to be
weak, then the system chosen will also weaken. In
order to have the base concrete strong enough, the
concrete should be admixed with an integral
waterproofing compound which would give a
homogeneous, workable mix at lower water/cement
ratio and reduce the permeability. It should be
ensured that the terrace is given a proper slope.
Any standing water shall not be permitted. Many
waterproofing systems have been found to fail
because of standing water remaining on the
surface consistently for longer duration.

2. The concrete, after casting, should be cured by

ponding or sprinkling water or with a suitable curing
compound spread over the entire surface. Initial
curing is critical and should start immediately after
the initial setting of the concrete, say after 4 to 6
hours of placing concrete. Lack of initial curing is
the main cause of drying shrinkage cracks.

3. For construction of the parapet wall, a suitable

mortar plasticizer should be used with the
bricklaying and plastering mortar to improve the
quality of the mortar.

4. Before starting any treatment for waterproofing of

the slab, all the visible cracks, undulations, joints
etc. should be taken care of with a suitable
waterproof repair mortar.

5. On the cured and repaired concrete surface,

there are 3 alternatives, which can be considered
for waterproofing.

Alternate 1

After taking care of all the vertical and horizontal

joints with the waterproofing mortar, the concrete
surface may be treated with a surface applied
cement based, crystalline action, hygroscopic
waterproofing chemical and then covered with layer
of cement mortar (25 to 75 mm) admixed with a
mortar plasticizer (commonly known as IRS finish.)
Expansion joints and Dynamic cracks shall be filled
with flexible and waterproof sealing compound.

Alternate 2

After taking care of all the horizontal and vertical

joints with the waterproofing mortar, the concrete
surface may be treated with a polymer based,
flexible waterproofing chemical, which would take
care of thermal movements. Then the terrace may
be finished as in alternative 1.

Alternate 3

Where the terrace is likely to come in contact with

water and organic matters regularly, as in roof
gardens the terrace should be treated with epoxy
resin based surface waterproofer.

6. The plaster of the parapet wall should be treated

with a resin based water repellant chemical to avoid
any chance of water seeping through the wall down
ward to the concrete slab just below the wall.

7. If the brickbat coba or surki is to be done on the

terrace for weatherproofing, that should be done
only after the waterproofing treatment is done. An
admixture should be used with the surki mix to
make it watertight itself.

METHODS FOR WATER PROOFING

Water proofing can be done by the various

following methods:

1.      Brick Bat Lime Coba Treatment

2.      Mud Phuska Treatment
3.      Bitumen Coating With Sand Sprinkling
4.      Bitumen Felt Treatment and Glass Fibre Felt
Treatment
5.      China Mosaic Treatment
6.      Indian Waterproofing Method
7.      Oversees Waterproofing Method
8.      Proof Solution Method (by Nina Industry)
9.      Leak Proof (by Water Proofing Corp, India)
10.  Aqua Proof (by ACC)
11.  Roof-Con (by De-Rust Chemical Corp)
12.  Aqua (by Crystal Chemical)
13.  Britex 100 (by Britex Chemical Industries)
14.  Poly Urethane Foam (by Oversees Water
Proofing Company)
15.  Latex Phalte W H (by Synthetic Asphalt)
16.  Silicon Based Water Repellant (Syltrit 1772)
17.  Epoxy Coal Tar (Paribond)
18.  Aqua Seal
19.  Mendo
20.  Chime Seal
21.  Epoxy Painting Or Grouting
22.  Cico, Puddlo, Impermo
23.  Snowcem
24.  M-Seal & Epoxy In Various Formulation
25.  Polythene Trt
26.  Mastic Asphalt
 

These are some of the methods that are employed

for water proofing of roofs. There are many more
techniques available which can also be used in
combination with these methods.

PRINCIPLES OF WATER PROOFING FLAT

ROOFS

The functions of any dwelling unit are broadly three

in number:

1.      Protection from rain

2.      Shelter from extreme cold or heat

3.      Privacy and safe storage of possessions

The evolutions of modern dwelling units- call them

flats, houses or bungalows- can be traced to
natural caves, which must have been the earliest
form of shelter. Traditional house types have
developed in response to the needs- when
agriculture was the predominant occupation or
business, over a hundred years or so, the building
materials were provided by the neighboring
country. Everybody was a house-builder as he was
a herdsman or an agriculturist. Today we are living
in a world of specialists and specialization. We
have masons who can do wonders in stone but not
brick and vice-versa. In the same way we are
looking at a particular aspect of construction
technology and methods and maintenance; that of
water proofing and that too terraces.

Architecturally, terraces would imply a flat-roof or

an open platform. The other meaning is a
colonnaded porch or a promenade or a porch. In
the mountainous region in our country, especially in
north and north-east, where flat land is minimal, hill
slopes are flattened at different levels and look like
steps. An ingenious system of channel provides
water to each flat piece of land and rice is grown.
This is known as terrace cultivation.

Today our terraces in construction provide a very

useful space, practically for anything, drying,
storage, parties, and functions and so on. The
terrace performs the same functions as the
courtyard, which once formed an integral part of the
vernacular architecture of Indian houses.

On one hand, we need terraces functionally, while

on the other we perceive it as a problem area, as it
often is the source of unwanted water, in form of
damp, or water seepage or as rain sometimes,
even as rain has stopped outside.

Not so long ago, flat roofs or terraces were a

byword for trouble and there was a common saying
was that the only way in which the problems of a
flat roof could be avoided was only through building
a pitched roof over it. But in the recent years, there
have been advancement in materials and design
choices and the record of terraces has improved
tremendously.

Historically also, terraces did have problem of

leakage and some solutions must be found.
Perhaps the degradation of material does cause
permeability or cracks or both, volume changes,
shrinkages, expansion, entrapment of water- all
these caused by the characteristics f the materials
cause us problems. Many new materials provide us
with novel solutions also.

Many concrete structures are designed and built to:

·         Contain water within the structure

·         Maintain dry condition within the structure,

where it is subject to water conditions on the
outside

We are looking at the second condition, wherein

the roof or the building envelope at the top of the
building has to keep the water away. The water is
due to rain and in the part of the world where we
live in, it is the monsoon rain, severe at times, more
than 25 -30 mm of rain per hour and over 250 cms
in most parts of the west coast. We are also looking
concrete, which is used as the structural slab with
beams and columns of the structure.

Since concrete is not completely impermeable to

water and since concrete may sometimes develop
cracks after placement, it is sometime necessary to
cover the surface with a barrier material to meet
these requirements.

To understand the factors affecting the

performance of various barrier systems, it is
necessary to consider them not isolated, but as a
part of the whole.

The specific elements are the barrier materials, the

interface of the barrier and concrete surface,
concrete to a depth of 6 -10 mm, the reminder
concrete and supporting systems.

Awareness of the systems concepts will make one

appreciate the selection of barrier material is only
one of the many inter related steps to offer
satisfactory performance. Equally important are
placement, consolidation, curing of the concrete,
surface cleanliness, surface preparation,
application procedure and inspection.

A decision to use a barrier and its selection should

be made when the concrete structure is being
designed. Configuration of the structure,
construction methods and job sequencing can
affect barrier installation and quality. Barrier
penetration can be minimized and barrier aspect of
the job better planned.

Concrete is a material par excellence. One only

needs to appreciate its behavior in the
environment, in which it is to function. We live in a
tropical climate- parts of the country are hot and
arid, whereas along the western coast we are in hot
and humid climates with heavy precipitation. The
environment clearly has two different phases. In the
hot part of the year it is subject to nearly 40.C
ambient temperature and unless insulated it could
reach up to 70.C and the interior of the dwelling unit
can be uncomfortable to live in.

Thus it appears for the roof we really require two

barriers- against heat and against water. The
traditional approach has been to provide a lime
terracing (100 to 200 mm thick) comprising of lime,
surkhi and brick bats along with many indigenous
admixtures- both organic and inorganic. Such a
layer functioned to provide both courses of
weathering course- the insulation part and the
water proofing part; the top level of the course
being so adjusted to have the water flow freely into
the drain outlets.

Today flat roofs are much more than just that. At

their periphery usually there is a parapet wall
provided about a meter high. The dwarf wall with
1:3 (or leaner) cement mortars and at times a stone
coping is provided. If we look at the roof, wall in it’s
entirely; we see a water tank, by and large. Of
course the rain water outlets are there. Imagine
these outlets, which have some grills, blocked by
leaves and other debris, when it rains we do have
standing water. Even when the other outlets are not
blocked, when there is a very heavy downpour,
many of us many of us may have seen a pool of
water increasing or decreasing. When such is the
case, that is we have a water tank literally, should
we not go for the same specifications as we do for
an RC water tank or reservoir, lower allowable
stresses, crack free, neat cement punning and all
proper joints and all of the rest of it. Otherwise if it
does not behave like a water tank, are we not to
blame ourselves.

Concrete leaks due to the following reasons:

1.      Thermal Variation

2.      Long Term Drying Shrinkage
3.      Crack In Transition Zone
4.      Structural Stresses
5.      Creep Deformation
6.      Thermal Incompatibility Between Paste &
Aggregate
7.      Rusting Of Steel
8.      Sulphate Action , Moisture Movement Due
To Volume Change
  
In many countries, the roof is variably sloping roof-
sometimes steep and sometimes not so steep. This
has been our tradition. But in the recent years, for
various reasons, we have dragged a flat roof from a
relatively arid, low rainfall area where it works very
well, to the west coast also. This is perhaps a folly.
It would still be useful is possible to provide a
sloping roof, with purlins, rafters and tiles taking off
from a short parapet wall, or limit the terrace part to
only the periphery of the building. This is what is
done for many buildings even today in Malaysia,
where the climate is like ours.

Of course- timber is scarce- we can have

alternative material like steel and aluminum.
Actually the RC roof will then function - more like
false ceiling perhaps we will design it with lesser
dead loads- access not provided and no lime
terracing or brick bat coba.

Of course if this is done all over, the water proofing

contractors will curse the architects and engineers
for the change.

The general principles for a successful weathering

course consist in knowing about the correct
procedures for their installations together with
incorporating sufficient details in the planning of the
job.

Rain water must be drained effectively and quickly

off the roof and it should not be allowed to pond. To
achieve effective drainage a minimum fall of 1 in 80
is recommended. Allowing for construction
inaccuracies and roof deflections, it is advisable to
design for a fall of 1 in 40, correct detailing is
necessary to see that rain water discharges into the
drain pipes properly.

Modern materials are all excellent. However they

could be quite sensitive to variance in application if
not done properly, as per instructions. The
manufacturer’s guidance when in doubt is
essential.

ANATOMY OF WATER PROOFING

Significant factors contributing towards the

dampness coming from the terraces into the soffit
of the ceilings are:

·         The entry of water through cracks in

external plaster

·         Failure of pointing

·         Hollow left due to insufficient grouting of

stone masonry

·         Capillary action

·         Incorporation of incompatible components

like RCC lintel bands in stone/brick masonry
walls

·         Flashing of water on external surfaces

·         Inadequate and imperfect expansion

structural deformations etc.

NEED OF WATER PROOFING PRODUCTS

Ideally concrete, the most widely and regularly

used construction material is supposed to be water
tight with co efficient of hydraulic permeability
between 10-8 to 10-10 m/sec. a well made concrete
with proper mix design and with proper pouring and
curing practices is regarded as a very low porous
material. However it is seen in practice that
concrete loses its permeability due to the following
reasons:

1.      Improper gradation of materials

2.      Excessive water cement ratio

3.      Less compaction

4.      Awkward architectural section

5.      Improper shuttering

6.      Cold joints shuttering either in mass

concreting or in tall vertical structures

7.      Use of bad quality construction materials

such as corrosive reinforcement or reactive
aggregates

8.      Lack of curing : timely curing specially in

high cement content concrete mix or where
high grade cement is used in plastering

9.      Damage to structures due to earthquake

effects

10.  Failure of plumbing

 
TYPES OF WATER PROOFING METHODS

Water proofing can be broadly classified into the

following types:

·         Traditional Waterproofing Methods

·         Modern Waterproofing Methods

Some of the Traditional Water Proofing Methods

are

1.      Integral Waterproofing Compounds

2.      Brick Bat Lime Coba Treatment

3.      Mud Phuska

4.      China Mosaic

5.      Indian Waterproofing Method

6.      Shalimar Treatment (Tar Felt)

·         Hessian Felt

·         Glass Fiber Felt

·         In-Situ Glass Fiber Felt

7.      Bitumen Coating With Sand Sprinkling

8.      Poly Ethylene Film

9.      Aluminum Foil

Some of the Modern Water Proofing Methods are

1.      Silicon Based Water Repellent

2.      Polymerized Bitumen

3.      Water Proofing By Crystallization (Cement

 And Liquid Polymer)

4.      Water Proofing Membrane Forming Coating

5.      Polymer Based Water Proofing Compound

Ready To Use

6.      Water Proofing Tile Adhesive

7.      Protective And Decorative Coating

8.      Injection Grouting For Cracks

9.      Poly-Sulphide Joint Filler

10.  Silicon Sealant

A number of new products with different

combination have come to the market in the recent
past, to overcome the disadvantages of normal
bitumen based products. Salient features and
recommended areas of applications are given
below:
 

MODERN METHODS OF WATER PROOFING

 
  

STAGES OF WATER PROOFING

Water proofing as a process needs to be take care

of at two stages:

·         During Construction Stage

·         Post Construction Stage

STAGES OF WATER PROOFING

This diagram only gives a basic idea regarding the

number of water proofing methods available. Both
the stages- construction stage and post
construction stage- are equally important for
effective water proofing.

A.     DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE

Some of the essential precautions to be taken at

the time of construction are as follows:-

1.      Every building plan, whether for new

building OR for addition/alteration to new
building, must give details of terracing to be
provided , water proofing system for roof with
details of joint with parapet wall, sunken floor
and down water pipes in scale not smaller
than 1:20.
 
2.      Specifications laid down by the
manufacturers of the water proofing products
 should be followed scrupulously to ensure
that no air bubbles are left between the
under lying surface and the water proofing
layer. Adequate overlaps should be provided
for the water proofing layers, including cover
up to the parapet wall. There are a large
number of relevant Indian Standards and
Code of practice available.
 
3.      Drainage slope of the roof is one of the most
important factors. For the guidance of the
field Staff, each building plan must also
incorporate a roof plan, showing the position
of drainage Pipes and direction and extent of
slope on the roof. Drainage slope should not
be flatter than 1 in 80 and should preferably
be 1 in 40. There should be no undulations
in the roof surface, which may result in
accumulation of rain water. At the time of
construction, the roof levels should be
personally recorded by the Inspector of
Works and 100% check exercised by the
Assistant Engineer. Extra care is necessary
for construction of golas, coping and joints.
 
4.      At the extension joints in buildings, water
proofing has to be strengthened by inserting
a PVC Or a copper plate to prevent water
from seeping. These joints should also be
plugged by a good sealant. Polysulphide
based flexible sealants have good adhesion
to concrete surfaces and can be compressed
or stretched upto 50% of the width of the
joints and are good material for sealing of
expansion joints. Depth of the expansion
joints above the copper/PVC plate should
normally be kept half of the joint width and
 should not exceed 20 mm.
 
5.      Special precautions should be taken for
sealing of area around the water spouts to
make them water proof.
 
6.      Any type of impermeable layer/coating
should never be applied on both faces of the
wall as the wall must be allowed to “breathe”.
A non-permeable finish or waterproof finish
should not be applied on a wet wall, as it
takes a long time to lose water used during
construction. The interior of a new building
should preferably be provided with lime
based color wash.
 
7.      Quality of casting of concrete slab and
quality of terracing has to be good and
strictly as per specifications. Dense and low
permeability of concrete also ensures relief-
from dampness and comes by adequate
cement content and low water cement ratio
in concrete apart from required level of
compaction and adequate curing.
 
8.      Area surrounding plinth of the building
should be filled with good earth and rammed
with slope away from the building, preferably
with plinth protection apron.
 
9.      Proper drip course should invariably be
provided on parapet wall copings, sun-
shades, chajjas etc.
 
10.  Sunken floors are a constant source, of
leakage and dampness. These floors are
provided for accommodating the toilet seats.
 Sunken floors must invariably be coated with
suitable epoxy or polyurethane compound or
polymer cementitious waterproofing
compound. These coatings should be given
over the slabs as well as on the walls up to
40 cms above the floor level.
 
11.  Proper distribution, design and installation of
joints in the building e.g.
expansion/contraction and construction
joints and maintenance thereof can go a
long way towards improving the water
proofing of the building, since any crack may
give rise to ingress of water.
 
12.  Adequacy of drainage must be ensured. As
a general guide line for every 40 M2 of roof
area, one 100 mm diameter rain water pipe
must be provided. Drainage will also depend
upon the intensity of rain fall in the area.
Softer/compressible finishing material for
roof surface like lime concrete or mud
phuska, which may develop local
depressions, will need steeper slopes.
 

It becomes all the more important to take care of

water proofing in the construction stage. Some of
the methods have been described below:

1.      Concrete Admixtures

Many of the concrete plasticizer and super

plasticizer complying to  IS 9103 act as water
reducing agents, thus reduce permeability of
concrete and also comply with IS 2645
requirements, at reduced water cement ratio.
 2.      Integral Water Proofing

Available powders as well as liquid form, integral

water proofing compounds are the most popular
and commonly used products. Here, powder water
proofing is to be mixed with neat cement, which
subsequent by will be used for products. Here
powder water profess is to be mixed with neat
cement, which subsequent by will be used for
preparing mortar or concrete liquid. Water proffer is
to be mixed with dosing water, which can be used
in cement mix or dry concrete mix.

Such compound will be effective only when water

cement ratio is controlled and proper inter locking of
ingredients of concrete is observed to get a
cohesive mix based on particular size distribution,
while designing concrete mix.

Depending on nature of crack, suitable product is

suggested. Hydraulically fast setting non-shrink
powder is used after widening.

Hairline cracks and making ‘V’ grooves using cutter

machine. Water is added for obtaining trowel able
consistency and crack is filled with gloved palm or
steel spatula. There are products also used for
plugging running leakage from water tank, RCC
Hume pipe and can be used under water in fully
submerged conditions.

Semi-liquid acrylic flexible sealer can be used

where thermal stresses are high and crack tends to
expand and contract. Such products are user
friendly and can be used by anybody without any
hitch, without any special tool tackles/training.

3.      Expansion Joint Treatment

Poly sulphide silicone or polyurethane silicones are
used depending upon specifications and user
preference. Polysulphide is grey in color while
silicone sealant is colorless or white in color. PU
can be made available in few selective colors. Most
important here is movement accommodation factor.

Size of expansion joint and distance of joint is

design aspect and is in preview of consulting
engineers. However, correct joint preparations at
edges and bottom surface and application
methodology here is of utmost importance. Epoxy
mortar is used to repair worn out broken edges and
expanded polystyrene /PUF / bituminous board are
used as backing materials for such joints.

4.      Water Proofing Coating

Depending on basic materials, water proofing

coatings can be divided into the following types:

a)      Silicate based crystalline penetrating type

single component powder

b)      Single or two component polymer modified

brush applied coating

c)      Single component epoxy based liquid

coatings

d)      Epoxy or polyurethane coatings

Due to its moisture sensitive nature, epoxy and PU

coatings have not become very popular. Care
should be taken to protect the coating against
mechanical damage using screed or plaster on top
of it. Coating can fail if proper surface preparation is
not observed. Manufacturer’s recommendation
must be followed religiously.
 5.      Exterior Water Repellent Coating

Silicone/ silane/ siloxane based color less coating is

applied on exterior face of buildings for:

a)      Protection against salt efforance formation

b)      Protection against growth of algae or fungus

c)      Prevention of water seepage through

hairline crack in external plaster

d)      Protection of exterior paint for longer

duration

Silicones water repellents are of two types:

·         Water based- having lesser life span

·         Solvent based- having life of 5-10 years.

Silicone water peller is very cost effective.
Solutions which can be applied on various
substrate such as bricks, stones, cement,
paint, stone cladding and many more.

6.      Water Proof Concrete Film

Aquascud is a patented “sandwich” made of two

waterproof concrete films with interposed inside an
elasticized membrane which is micro-porous and
hydro-repellent (the “shield”). A total thickness of 3
mm that forms up a really safe barrier impermeable
to water (no permeability up to 1,5 atm)      FIGURE
3.1 – LAYERS OF WATER PROOF CONCRETE
FILM

that adapts to the deformations of the structure

thanks to the high elasticity of the system (crack
bridging ability 1,5 mm).

B.      POST CONSTRUCTION STAGE

Water proofing needs to be done not only during

the construction stage, but it also may happen that
the existing buildings may experience dampness.
The following table helps in analyzing the reason
for dampness in existing buildings:

: WATER PROOFING IN CASE OF EXISTING

STRUCTURES

In case of repair work for a leaking roof, the

procedure is different from the water proofing done
during construction stage. The method has been
described below:

·         Remove the existing water proofing

treatment, whether brick bat coba or bitumen
felt to expose the sound RCC surface.

·         Repair any cracks or honey combs with

prema crack fill to get an even workable
surface

·         Mix the guard and apply with a brush and

immediately cover it up with cement sand
screed. Lay back the brickbat coba to
provide water proofing is so desired.

Materials:

·         Water proofing seal slurry

·         Water proofing guard

 ·         Fiber mesh

·         Proof solution

·          Polymer (chemical)

                                                                WATER
PROOFING OF EXISTING STRUCTURES

LIME COBA AND LIME CHEKA COBA

This is a system used particularly for roofs in the
coastal region and consists of putting brickbat on
roofs to give a slope and then grouting the same
with mortar admixed with various proprietary
chemicals most in the nature of water proofing
compounds. This is mostly finished with IPS
topping with a tile pattern cut into the top to form
crack inducer joints to prevent cracks from
appearing. This has the advantage of providing an
excellent slope so that the water drains away.
ADVANTAGES

1.      Provides Slope:

The system provides an excellent slope for the water to drain

away and since water does not accumulate there is no
leakage. Also it has a certain water retaining capacity and
water is absorbed by the brick when it rains and released
when it stops. Of course overloading results in leakages

DISADVANTAGES

1.    Cracks Due To Temperature Variations

The brick bat coba treatment through successful in the

damp heat of coastal regions cracks up completely on
contact with the variations of temperature faced in North
India between day and night temperature.

2.    Imposes Unnecessary Load

This system has the disadvantage of imposing an

unnecessary load on the system. Once cracks appear
they are almost impossible to repair and water as in the
case of the tar felting travels below the coba and exits
wherever it finds a path. It is impossible to trace the inlet
point let alone repair it.

3.    Almost Impossible to Dismantle For Repairs

 Some parts of the coba stick so well to the concrete that
even if an attempt is made to dismantle the system, the
slab gets damaged.  

1.      LIME COBA

            Lime Concrete is made as below:

·         Brick Bat (100 mm size) – 40 parts

·         Lime mortar 1:2made with sukhi – 50 parts
·         Admixtures – gud, bel fruits, resins, white of
egg, methi and udad      cereals
 

3 kg of Gud Jaggery and 1.5 kg of bel fruit are

added to 100 litres of water by boiling and this
solution is sprinkled while tampering. In South India
the solution of Terminalia Chebula (Kadukai) is
prepared by breaking dry nut to small pieces and
soaked in water. Proportions are 6oo grams of
kadukai, 200 grams of jaggery and 40 litres of water
for 10 m2 area. The solution is brewed for 12 to 24
hours. Resulting liquor is decanted and used in the
work. Some people have used soap solution. The
lime mortar is ground usually in bullock driven
ghaani for 21 days. When it becomes suitably
flexible, then admixtures are added and concrete,
which can be consumed in one day. This concrete
is spread over flat roof stone slab. About 112 mm
thick layer is spread and finished with appropriate
slopes 1/60. The sides of parapet wall are also
finished with a curve so that there is no leakage.

From the next day the lime concrete is tamped by

wooden rammers and while tamping a liquid of Bel
and Gud is sprinkled. The tamping continues for 10
days. Young girls of age 15 and below usually do
the tamping so that it is a light and rhythmic
tamping. They sing traditional folk songs during
tamping. This imparts rhythm to the lime concrete
mass. The top surface is finished with white part of
egg and made smooth and glossy. Many other
materials like methi and udad dal are added with
lime to make it flexible and ductile. This technique
was used for waterproofing of RCC roof at Medical
College Jabalpur in 1971-72 where soap solution
was used for sprinkling over coba.

2.      LIME CHEKA COBA

This is very popular in hot areas of Gwalior and

Rajasthan when temperature rises upto 47 degree
celcius. In this treatment, small water pots 75 mm
high are kept over stone slab with top of opening
facing the stone. Lime concrete is first filled in
space between small 75 mm high pots and then 75
to 100 mm above and it is tamped for 21 days. The
hollow pots impart thermal protection to the space
below.

In place of hollow pots, thin 12 to 15 mm thick

bricks of size 75x75 mm are placed in vertical
profile in various patterns, rectangular, square or
circular. Lime concrete is spread in the space
between them. Then top 100 mm thick lime
concrete layer is spread over it and finished in a
similar process.

Both the treatment can last up to the life of the

building and there may not be any need to replace
them. In old buildings replacement is done after
200 years.

Cost of lime concrete cob a treatment will be about

 Rs. 500 per sq.m. Cost of water proofing treatment
with polymerized material is Rs. 250 to 300 per
sq.m. The traditional treatment is more time
consuming and costly. But it can last for 100 years.

FIGURE 4.1 – BUILDING SECTION SHOWING

THE VARIOUS LAYERS FOR LIME COBA

BITUMINOUS FELTS AND POLYMERIC

BITUMINOUS SYSTEMS

It is a generally provided water proofing treatment

for old roofs showing signs of leakage. Mixture
used is as follows:-

BITUMIN
(Blown Grade of
APPLI
COAT Bitumin) MINERAL OIL
MEAN
Conforming to IS-
702-1988
Prime Coat Brush 2 3  
Under Coat Brush 3 2  
Final Coat Neat   Woode
TABLE 4.1 – BITUMINOUS FELTS MIXTURE FOR
EXISTING STRUCTURES

Primer coat is applied with brush over dry clean

surface and allowed to dry for 24 hours. Second
coat is applied next day and final coat is applied
third day. It is finally covered with 2 cm thick coarse
sand or gravel.

WATER PROFING WITH BITUMEN FELT

Hessian based tar felt is the most common product

for water proofing on the new roofs. These felts use
hessian as the barrier medium for bitumen and
bituminous compound. Bitumen felts are classified
as Type 1, 2, 3 depending on type of base used in
their manufacture and the uses for which the felts
are suited. Grades refer to minimum weight of
bitumen felt -

The bitumen felt should be laid over finished roof

surface of slope not flatter than 1 in 120.

In normal weather conditions the treatment should

consist of 4 courses as under:-

- Hot applied bitumen @ 1.2-1.464 Kg/Sqm.

- Hessian base self- finished felt type 3 Grade I.
- Hot applied bitumen @ 0.7-1.2 Kg/Sqm.
- Pea size gravel or grit @ 0.006-0.008 Cum/Sqm.
 

For severe climatic conditions and important

structures/courses heavy duty treatment should be
given as detailed below:-

·         Hot applied bitumen @ 1.464

Kg/Sqm minimum.

·         Hessian base self-finished felt type 3

Grade I. 

·         Pea size gravel or grit @ 0.008

Cum/Sqm.

Two types of bitumen can be used and treated as

detailed below:-

i) Bharat Industrial bitumen R-85/25 (I.S.702) – 177

C.

ii)Bharat bitumen 30/40 (I.S.73) – l77 to 191 C.

In the laying of 4 or 6 courses of bitumen felt, as the
case may be, over the last course of hot bitumen,
stone grit or gravel of 6 mm and down size shall be
spread uniformly on horizontal surfaces.

Bitumen felts suffer from following deficiencies

a)   Contents of a factory finished felts are not

viscous enough to retain the shape and intended
characteristics of roofing felt. High viscosity is
desirable as it ensures better life for waterproofing
system and helps retain its flexibility over longer
duration.

b)    Defective lap joints allow seepage of water.

c)    Hessian being organic in nature is subject to

decay within a short time, resulting in decrease in
tensile strength and life of tar felt.

Now glass fibre reinforced bitumen felts are also

available in market and can be used in place of
vegetable fibre or hessian felts.

 
WATER PROOFING FOR ROOFS WITH
BITUMEN FELT

STANDARD APPLICATION METHODOLOGY:

BITUMEN BASED SYSTEM

There are certain essential pre-requisites for any

bitumen based water proofing system to be
successful.

These are:

·         The surface to be treated should be smooth,

having proper slope.
·         There should be no depression or cracks
·         The surface should be bone dry.
·         Any structural defaults in the roof or the
parapet wall should be attended to before
starting the treatment.

·         Detailed steps in laying of the bitumen

based surface barrier systems will be:-

i) Make surface smooth, even and dry, remove local

depressions and loose dirt.
ii) Paint the dried surface with bituminous primer
and allow it to cure.
iii) Apply foundation coat of bitumen.
iv) Lay surface barrier membrane i.e. bitumen felt.
v)  Apply on coat of bitumen and finish with grit or
coarse sand.
 

 
 

 
INTRODUCTION TO TERRACE GARDEN
WATER PROOFING
 
Terrace gardening is a type of indoor gardening
where you take care of your indoor plants.
Important features before gardening

·         The
roof on which the gardening is to be
done should be strong enough to carry the
weight of the garden

·         The
terrace should be sloppy with an
effective drainage system.

·         Lastly
there should not be any leakage of
water in your roof garden.

STRUCTURING TERRACE GARDEN

1.      Unlike any type of gardening this terrace

garden also needs a detailed plan. It should
be proportionate with lawns, shrubs, ground
covers and small trees. If desired you can
also assimilate the concept of water garden
or rock garden or create a shady structure
on your roof garden.

2.      The next step is the choosing of plants.

Fiber-rooted plants are preferred to tap root
system. Tap-rooted plants have the
tendency to grow through the building
causing harm to it.

3.      The soil that should be used must not exert

pressure on the building. The adequate soil
 for this purpose is soil rite or peat moss. As it
is a costly material you can blend it with
garden earth, manure.

4.      To prepare your drainage system you need

to do the roof garden construction. Lay only
burnt bricks approx. 2" - 4" uniformly on the
terrace. Burnt bricks are the best because
normal ones turn into mud and collapse the
drainage system. Corrugated sheets are
another option and should be placed at 3'
distance to make the water flow to the drain.

5.      In top of the bricks lay a net lawn. This will

prevent the soil (prepared by you) to get
inside the bricks.

6.      You have to construct drain at several

places of the roof if it is quite large (say more
than 500sq. ft.). Place pipes at several
places leading to main holes. But be careful
while laying pipes it should not be visible and
gets covered by lawn when complete.

7.      Put the mixture of the soil prepared

beforehand to the pot according to a level
you choose. Then sow the selected indoor
plants.
WATERPROOFING IN TERRACE GARDEN

The first and most important procedure is the waterproofing

of the selected area. Buildings not older than 30 years that
are RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) structures can be
considered for a terrace garden. To begin with, the slab
porosity is checked (for leakage) and accordingly steps are
taken for waterproofing. At weak points, pressure grouting is
done i.e. holes are drilled into the RCC slabs and via nozzles
cement neat slurry is forced into them. Foam is formed and
this fills all the holes, making the concentration of the slab
denser.

The 90-degree angle formed where the floor meets the

parapet wall is the weakest point and waterproofing is a
must at these points. A cement-polymer mixture is used to
reinforce these junctions. This procedure is called coving.
Water-proofing plaster is applied at pipe junctions, sealing
all the gaps where the pipe and the roof meet. Slopes are
prepared if it is a new building; otherwise, existing slopes
are examined to see if adequate drainage is present for
excess water.

METHODS OF WATERPROOFING IN TERRACE

GARDEN

·         Brickbat Coba

·         Integral Crystalline Waterproofing System

·         Atatic Poly Propylene Membrane

1.      BRICKBAT COBA

This involves laying of 80-l00 mm thick coba

concrete on a prepared surface with graded broken
brick aggregate. Concrete can be lime concrete or
cement concrete with water proofing compound.
This is useful for giving the surface the required
slope so as to drain out water quickly. Since brick-
ballast is hygroscopic, very good workmanship,
mixing of all the ingredients in correct proportion
and adequate compaction by rammers for lime
concrete and by vibrators for C.C. is of paramount
importance.

The brick bed coba is topped with IPS or with China

Mosaic.

China mosaic is usually provided over a Coba

surface by broken pieces of ceramic, China or
Mosaic tiles are set over bed of cement mortar (1:3,
15mm thick).
2.      INTEGRAL CRYSTALLINE
WATERPROOFING SYSTEM

An innovative technology is changing the way concrete

structures around the world are waterproofed and repaired.
Used for more than 30 years worldwide, “Integral
Crystalline Waterproofing (ICW)” utilizes a chemical
reaction to turn concrete into a permanent, waterproof
barrier.

While conventional waterproofing involves applying a

coating or membrane to the concrete surface, crystalline
technology permanently seals concrete by plugging its
natural pores and capillaries and blocking the movement of
water. It also reacts with incoming water to self-seal the
cracks that

inevitably develop in concrete, protecting structures against

water and contaminants that can weaken or destroy concrete
and corrode steel reinforcement. 

·         Working of Integral Crystalline Waterproofing

When added or applied to concrete, crystalline chemicals

create a reaction that causes long, narrow crystals to form,
filling the pores, capillaries and hairline cracks of the
concrete mass. As long as moisture remains present, crystals
continue to grow throughout the concrete, reaching lengths
of many inches over time. Once the concrete has cured, the
crystalline chemicals sit dormant until another dose of water
(such as through a new crack) causes the chemical reaction
to begin again.

The ability to reactivate in the presence of water gives

 crystalline-treated concrete the ability to “self-seal”. When
cracks form due to curing shrinkage, settling, seismic
activity, etc., water entering through them causes new
crystals to form and grow, blocking and filling the cracks. Its
ability to self-seal cracks is one of crystalline technology’s
most unique and useful features, and can help to
dramatically reduce the long-term maintenance and repair
costs of a concrete structure.

·         Other Benefits of Integral Crystalline

Technology

Along with superior waterproofing and self-sealing

properties, integral crystalline waterproofing technology
offers a number of key benefits:

Permanent solution – becomes a part of the concrete matrix so it will not

peel, tear or wear-away. Even against high hydrostatic pressure. Unlike
applied membranes, which are best on the day they are applied, crystall
applications become more effective with time.

Perfect for blind-wall applications – can be added to the concrete mix or

the negative side of the structure (against the water pressure). There's n
save room outside the structure for membrane application. Project team
design a larger structural footprint and build right to the property line.

Protect reinforcing steel – adds to the longevity of concrete structures by

preventing the penetration of waterborne contaminants and chloride-lad
that cause the corrosion of reinforcing steel.

Save weeks on construction schedules – can be applied to green concrete

to the ready-mix truck. There is no need to wait for membrane applicatio
backfilling can begin right-away.

In hot or tropical climates, integral crystalline waterproofing

offers several key advantages. Hot weather can dramatically
shorten concrete’s setting time, resulting in weaker concrete
and enhancing the likelihood of shrinkage and cracking.
Adding crystalline chemicals to the concrete mix reduces
premature moisture loss, creating a more durable structure
and reducing shrinkage and cracking.  Unlike membrane
systems that become brittle and deteriorate when exposed to
prolonged heat, crystalline waterproofing is unaffected by
climate and remains effective for the life of the structure.
The soil in many hot or tropical climates can contain high
levels of sulphates, chlorides and other chemicals that
decrease concrete’s integrity and corrode steel
reinforcement. By blocking the penetration of water that can
carry these contaminants and safeguarding concrete and
reinforcements against corrosion, crystalline technology
helps to prolong a structure’s useful life.

·         Application of Integral Crystalline

Waterproofing

In the case of new concrete construction, crystalline

chemicals are supplied as a dry powder comprised of
Portland cement, silica sand and special chemicals. This
powder can simply be added to the concrete mixture at the
plant to create a powerful moisture barrier in slabs, walls and
construction joints. There is no need for any sort of surface
application at the construction site.

Use of Integral Crystalline Waterproofing in Existing

Concrete Structures

A number of manufacturers produce surface-

applied formulas that can be brushed onto existing
concrete structures to repair existing cracks, fortify
and waterproof concrete and protect against
contamination and steel reinforcement corrosion.
The best systems may be applied on the negative
side of the                 Figure 5.1 COATING OF
CONCRETE

concrete against the water pressure where access

to outside walls may be difficult or impossible. This
allows concrete to be repaired without digging up
 the perimeter, destroying landscaping and incurring
extra cost.   
When applied to existing concrete, crystalline chemicals are
absorbed into the concrete by capillary action (the natural wicking
movement of liquids through a porous structure) and diffusion (the
natural movement of chemical molecules.)  Once inside the concrete,
crystalline chemicals begin growing crystals and filling the spaces
between concrete particles. The majority of active crystalline
chemicals migrate into the concrete within the first 28 days, meaning
the surface-applied system can be completely removed from the
surface after this time without impacting its waterproofing
properties.