A waterproofing membrane is a thin coating of watertight that is positioned on the surface. This layer is uninterrupted and does not permit water to pass through it. A waterproofing membrane can be placed on a flat terrace, above the structural slab, and under the finish tiles.

These membranes are made of thin layers of water-resistant material. There are basically 2 kinds of membranes, sheet based and liquid applied membranes.

Preferably, a waterproofing membrane should be solid, flexible, and tear-resistant so that it can stretch the blows and even along with the building. The membrane is need to be supple to take on any form and fold over walls and additional construction facilities.

How to choose a Waterproofing Membrane?

Check the following properties of the membrane:

Length:

This is the capability of the membrane to stretch. It is checked in percentage. A 150% increase means that when the membrane is pulled, its length increases 1.5 times. This property allows the membrane to stretch over the cracks that may develop in the future. Membranes are available with features that can increase by more than 200%. 

Breath ability :

The draw back of decent waterproofing is that if water enters in the construction from a point and spreads to all the surface, the water does not get stuck inside the structure and does not exit. Therefore, over time, the breathable membrane stuck water vaporizes into the air.

Tear Resistance:

This is an important property because many membranes with good elongation can easily tear. Try taking a small sample of the material in your hand and slicing it into two pieces. This gives you a good indication of ​​its tear resistance. You are looking for such a membrane, with the right force it will not tear.

Chemical Stability:

Check whether the membrane is chemically inert in relation to its environment in the building. Some membranes, especially outside the basement walls, are exposed to soil and rain water.

Food Safety:

Membranes can be placed inside concrete water tanks, which are waterproof. In this case, because the water is in contact with the membrane, the food for the membrane must be safe. 

Geometry:

If you want to install a layer in a complex shape, such as the junction of a column and a beam, then a fluid applied membrane is best because it can be applied to any kind of underlying shape or structure. A sheet membrane forms folds and leaves a gap between the underlay and the membrane.

Case study:

You can ask the contractor to give you a case study. Check with building proprietors to see if any leaks or problems have occurred.

Where are Waterproofing Membranes Used?

Waterproofing Membranes can be used in the following areas of the building:

1. On terrace slabs and balconies
2. In the toilet
3. Concrete water tanks
4. In the Swimming
5. Between the soil and concrete