What is waterproofing? Do you need to waterproof every room of your house? What’s with all the different waterproofing types and options?
These are the questions the team here at BIM Sydney get a lot of! To answer all of these queries and more, we’ve put together a handy guide to all things waterproofing.
A Guide to Waterproofing
Waterproofing is used in a wide variety of building construction to safeguard surfaces against the damaging effects of both water and moisture.
It can be important to waterproof buildings to ensure structural integrity, avoid costly repairs and ensure that your home, office or other project is protected from cosmetic and more serious damage potentially caused by water.
What is waterproofing?
Waterproofing itself is the process of applying specific materials or other systems to prevent the water and moisture from penetrating deeper beyond the surface.
The material used creates a barrier to seal the surface of the structure and ensure there is no water ingress. There are different types of waterproofing for different applications but at the end of the day, quality waterproofing will ensure that everything from leaks, mold growth, water-based deterioration and dampness is protected against.
Most commonly, waterproofing is applied to areas of the house or commercial property such as:
- Roofs
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Building foundations
- Balconies
- Exterior walls
- Windows
Types of Waterproofing
There are different types of waterproofing that offer a variety of different levels of resistance and protection to water. There are various different systems of rating and measurements that indicate what level of water resistance a particular product is.
We recommend you speak with a professional, such as our workers here at BIM Sydney, to ensure the right level of waterproofing is applied to your job.
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Liquid Applied Membrane
Using a special liquid – most often made from a polymer-based material – a coat is applied across the surface of the area being waterproofed.
The liquid then cures to create a seamless and elastic membrane that can actively and effectively repel water. The benefit of using a liquid applied membrane is that it’s highly flexible and can thus be used on a variety of different surfaces and across different applications.
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Cementitious Waterproofing
Cementitious coating is a more serious type of waterproofing that is often used in swimming pools, water tanks and even basements. Made from a mixture of cement, sand and additives, the cementitious waterproofing creates a more rigid and more durable barrier. This hardiness is required for applications subject to the hydrostatic pressure and/or chemical attacks.
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Bituminous Waterproofing
Bituminous waterproofing is another excellent waterproofing adhesion and is known for its high level of strength and durability. Resistant to UV rays as well, this bitumen-based waterproofing can be made using asphalt or coal tar and is most commonly found in roof applications accordingly.
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Polyurethane Liquid Membrane
This type of waterproofing also uses a liquid form for flexibility in application without compromising strength and durability. For that reason, it can be used for anything from balconies to flat roofs. Thanks to its liquid form, it can be applied with a brush or roller, or even a spray.
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Bentonite Waterproofing
Bentonite waterproofing uses a clay-based material that actively expands when it comes into contact with water. When this occurs, the gel-like substance that forms protects the surface from water infiltration thanks to the strong, effective barrier.
Why choosing professional residential and commercial waterproofing companies is critical
Waterproofing is very important and waterproofing done correctly by trained, experienced professionals is even more critical.
Getting your waterproofing done by a professional will ensure you can enjoy peace of mind that your structure will enjoy all the benefits protection from water and moisture has to offer.
Preventing water damage
Water damage not only causes unsightly aesthetic damage but can also weaken building foundations, compromise a home’s structural integrity and lead to mold growth which presents other health issues.
Increases longevity
The better the waterproof application on your home or building is the less need there will be for frequent repairs and fixes. A little investment now can go a long way to preventing water damage and costing you significant amounts of money in the future.
Better air quality
Professional waterproofing work does a lot more than just stop water from seeping through, it can also ensure that mold, mildew and other allergens don’t grow and spread which can ruin the humidity level in the house and the air quality.
Property value
The less water damage, the better preserved your property’s value will be. Even non-structural damage can erode the appeal and value of your house so it’s in your best financial interest to get a professional waterproofing company to attend to your property sooner rather than later.
BIM Sydney – best waterproofing Sydney wide
The BIM Sydney is not just a fully licensed, Master Builder-certified provider of waterproofing. Our team are also experts in structural and non-structural remedial works for commercial, multi-residential and even industrial properties.
Our varied professional waterproofing services all provide quality assurance at fair and transparent prices. Moreover, with peace of mind that the job will be done right first time every time, you won’t have to worry about having to shell out for worse repairs down the line. Our warranties and insurance coverage will protect you and your property from worse or further issues.
Contact us today to find out more!
The BIM Sydney team may offer critical waterproofing maintenance and construction services, but we do a whole lot more as well. Our services include spalling, magnesite removal, concreting, roofing, make goods and general maintenance.
No matter what type of waterproofing your job calls for, give us a call today to discuss your needs.
