Waterproofing is a fundamental part of the construction process in buildings through the use of membranes and coatings to protect the integrity of a structure. Installing a good waterproofing system has a host of benefits, some of these include: increased stability of the structure, decrease in the health risks caused by trapped moisture (which has the potential to become a breeding ground for fungi, mould and other bacteria) and, of course, preventing water leakage problems.
If water is able to penetrate the structure and you don’t have proper systems in place to prevent this, it can cause serious damage to a building. The service life of a structure depends on its stability, and waterproofing acts as a reinforcement.
Here are some of the benefits of waterproofing:
Prevents Water Leakage Problems
Probably the most obvious benefit is the protection your building gets from water leakage damage. Buildings are exposed to all the different weather elements throughout the year. Periods of harsh conditions like heavy rain or just exposure to the elements in general can cause damage to both your interiors and exteriors. Waterproofing can further protect water damage from occurring and can protect your walls from seepage.
Minimise Health Risks
As moisture finds its way to your walls and ceilings, it leads to a buildup of the growth of mould and mildew. Trapped moisture creates an environment much like a breathing ground for fungi, moulds and other bacteria. This leads to spores forming which get projected in the air, and when you breathe them in can lead to health problems. These microorganisms pose health hazards to people living and working in these buildings leading to allergic reactions, asthma attacks and other irritations and infections. Sustained water leakage causes a buildup of stagnant water and can also create a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The sooner you prioritise choosing a good waterproofing membrane system, the better, as prevention is better than cure. If you leave it too late people may have already been exposed to these health risks.
Saves You Money
Who doesn’t want to save some money? Initially, you have to set aside money for waterproofing and the added cost of the process might make you feel like it’s unnecessary. However, it’s best to think of it as a long-term investment. If you blow your budget on other things, they might not necessarily provide the same long term value that waterproofing does. Waterproofing is a preventative measure that, if not done correctly, will lead you to not have to do some major damage control in future. Remember, waterproofing solves a long term problem, not a short term one, and it’s most definitely worth it in the long run.
Increase Longevity & Building Life Span
Waterproofing a site early increases the lifespan of the structure as it won’t have to fall prey to the problems caused by water damage. It also promotes long term comfort, providing a building that’s comfortable to live and work in. With a strong foundation, it also has the potential to be expanded on in future. Building with a long term perspective saves you a lot of trouble and headaches in the future.
If a good waterproofing membrane system is not secured, some of the potential consequences are:
- The integrity of the building being exposed to serious risks such as structural damage due to insufficient waterproofing of the roof and concrete
- Mould and bacteria growth can lead to a range of problems, whilst overall making the building less desirable and less comfortable to be in
- Mould spores causing a health hazard that could lead to allergies, asthma, irritation and fungal infections
- Other major structural problems can come about due to cracks and joints in the foundation being exposed to water (these problems are very serious and extremely costly to rectify)
Robex offers you a range of waterproofing solutions:
RX Wetsuit
The RX Wetsuit system is a fully bonded, seamless, spray-applied waterproofing system. It is an extremely versatile, highly durable waterproofing membrane that’s safe for the environment. RX Wetsuit is a high-grade rubber product with bituminous emulsification that delivers as a roofing product, waterproofing product and air barrier. Ideal for a wide range of uses, the system provides solutions for the entire building envelope. Learn more about the features and benefits here.
RX Protadeck
RX Protadeck is a high-performance waterproofing system that protects concrete, timber and steel surfaces. It is a 100% seamless, fully bonded and trafficable MMA resin system that is also UV stable. The system has been designed as a water and chemical resistant coating with added abrasion resistance. It can be applied to virtually any surface and has a rapid application and cure time (full cure of 60 minutes). Learn more about the features and benefits here.
