Waterproofing is the formation of an impervious barrier over surfaces of foundations,

roofs, walls, and other structural members. The function of the impermeable barrier is
to prevent water penetrations. The building surfaces are made water-resistant and
sometimes waterproof.

The utilization of liquid waterproofing membrane, cementitious materials,

polyurethane liquid membrane, and bituminous material are common in the
waterproofing of buildings.

Waterproofing is necessary for the basement, walls, bathrooms, kitchen, balconies,

decks, terrace or roofs, green roofs, water tanks, and swimming pool

Waterproofing Methods

1. Cementitious Waterproofing

2. Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

3. Bituminous Membrane

4. Bituminous Coating

5. Polyurethane Liquid Membrane

1. Cementitious Waterproofing
Cementitious waterproofing is the easiest method of waterproofing in construction.
The materials for cementitious waterproofing are readily available from suppliers of
masonry products. And they are easy to mix and apply.

The applications of the cementitious waterproofing technique are in the internal wet
areas, such as toilets. That is why it does not go through the contract and expansion
process.

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Fig. 1: Cementitious Waterproofing
Applications of Cementitious Waterproofing

1. Water treatment plants

2. Sewage treatment facilities

3. Bridges

4. Dams

5. Railway and subway systems

6. Marine cargo ports and docks

7. River locks/channels

8. Parking structures

9. Tunnels

2. Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

The liquid membrane consists of a primer coat and two topcoats. The application of
the coatings is by spray, roller, or trowel. The liquid layer is thin and offers more
flexibility than the cementitious types of waterproofing

The liquid cures into a rubbery coating on the wall. The elongation properties of the
coat can reach as high as 280%. The durability of the waterproofing coating depends
on what type of polymer the manufacturer used for the making of the liquid
waterproofing.

Fig. 2: Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

Liquid waterproofing membrane can be of a spray-applied liquid layer composed of
polymer-modified asphalt. Polyurethane liquid membranes in separate grades for
trowel, roller, or spray are also available from various manufacturers.

3. Bituminous Coating Waterproofing

Bituminous coating (asphalt coating) is made of bitumen based materials. It is a
flexible protective coat based on its formulation and polymerization grade. The
flexibility and protection against water can be influenced by the polymer grade and
reinforcement of fiber.

The most common applications of bituminous coatings include areas that are beneath
screed wet. It is an excellent protective coating and waterproofing agent, especially on
surfaces such as concrete foundations.
It is not suitable for exposure to sunlight unless it is modified with a more flexible
material such as polyurethane or acrylic-based polymers.

Fig. 3: Bituminous Waterproof Coating

4. Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing

Bituminous membrane waterproofing is a popular method used for low-sloped roofs
due to their proven performance. The bituminous waterproofing membrane has a torch
on the layer and self-adhesive membrane.

Self-adhesive compounds comprise asphalt, polymers, and filler; additionally, certain

resins and oils may be added to improve adhesion characteristics. The self-adhesive
type has a low shelf life as bonding properties of the membrane reduces with time.

Torch on membrane has exposed and covered types. The exposed layer often has
granular mineral aggregate to withstand the wear and tear of the weathering. For the
other kind of membrane, the contractor needs to apply one protective screed to prevent
the puncture of the membrane.
Fig. 4: Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing

5. Polyurethane Liquid Membrane Waterproofing

Polyurethane liquid membrane method of waterproofing is used for the flat roof area
and exposed to weathering. This waterproofing method is expensive.
 Fig.
5: Polyurethane Liquid Membrane Waterproofing
Polyurethane Liquid Membrane can offer higher flexibility. Polyurethane is very
sensitive to moisture content. Therefore before application, one has to be very careful
evaluating the moisture content of the concrete slab, otherwise peeling or de-bonding
of membranes may happen after some time.

FAQs on waterproofing types, methods, and

applications
What are the types of waterproofing?

The most common types of waterproofing are cementitious waterproofing, liquid

waterproofing membrane, bituminous membrane, bituminous coating, and
polyurethane liquid membrane.

What is the purpose of waterproofing?

The purpose of the waterproofing is to prevent water penetrations into concrete

surfaces.
Where is waterproofing used?

Waterproofing is necessary for the basement, walls, bathrooms, kitchen, balconies,

decks, terrace or roofs, green roofs, water tanks, and swimming pools, etc.

What are the applications of cementitious waterproofing?

1. Water treatment plants

2. Sewage treatment facilities
3. Bridges
4. Dams
5. Railway and subway systems
6. Marine cargo ports and docks
7. River locks/channels
8. Parking structures
9. Tunnels

What is liquid membrane waterproofing?

The liquid membrane consists of a primer coat and two topcoats. The application of
the coatings is by spray, roller, or trowel. The liquid layer is thin and offers more
flexibility than the cementitious types of waterproofing.