February 7, 2025 A Beginner’s Guide to Waterproofing Liquid Membranes
Waterproofing is a process that utilises various techniques and methods to safeguard structures against water infiltration. Liquid waterproofing membrane is one of the modern waterproofing methods used to prevent water infiltration. It has various types and offers a range of benefits to residential and commercial building structures.
In this comprehensive blog, we will explore liquid waterproofing membranes with their definitions, types, benefits, applications, and how to apply them.
A] What is a Waterproofing Liquid Membrane?
A waterproofing liquid membrane is a liquid coating applied to structures to prevent damage caused by water infiltration. It creates a barrier against water, restricts it from entering into walls’ interiors, and safeguards building structures from water damage. It is applied using the brush, roller, or spray on various surfaces, including bituminous, concrete, and asphalt. The liquid waterproof membrane offers distinct properties, including uv stability, durability, elasticity, and adhesive properties.
B] Types of Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
1. Single Component Poly-Acrylic Waterproofing Membrane
The single-component poly-acrylic membrane is a single-component acrylic-based membrane with high-elastomeric properties to seal the surface against chloride ions infiltration. It safeguards buildings’ surfaces from weathering agents like UV rays, sun, and rain. Single-component poly-acrylic membrane is generally used for waterproofing roofs, corrugated sheets, external concrete structures, and slopping planes.
2. Fiber-reinforced Elastomeric Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
A fibre-reinforced elastomeric liquid waterproofing membrane is a heavy-duty liquid membrane composed of highly elastic and resilient acrylic polymers. It offers excellent resistance to water, UV rays, and structural ageing. In addition, it has anti-fungal, anti-algal, and anti-carbonation properties, protecting various building structures from contamination.
3. Cementitious Waterproofing Membrane
A cementitious membrane is a cement-based coating membrane made from liquid resin and powder hardener. It also contains cement, sand, acrylic and latex. These waterproofing solutions are mixed to form a liquid coating and applied on basement walls, parking wall surfaces, tunnels, and other earth-retaining structures. It protects structures from dampness.
4. Single Component Polyurethane Waterproofing Membrane
A single-component polyurethane wp membrane is a specially developed single-component membrane with modified polyurethane. Due to its tailored solution and enhanced waterproofing properties, it forms a rubber layer over the surface and provides excellent resistance against groundwater. It also safeguards surfaces from weathering agents without cracking and peeling. It has high elasticity which help to bridge cracks thus helping in wp.
C] Key Benefits of Waterproofing Liquid Membranes
- Seamless Application: The liquid membrane offers hassle-free applications without needing to be professional or have extensive learning. It can be easily applied over various surfaces with the help of a paintbrush, roller, or even sprayer to achieve monolithic coating.
- Flexibility: It offers excellent flexibility due to its contracting and expanding nature. It can adapt to external conditions, safeguarding surfaces from temperature changes, poor drainage, and other weathering conditions.
- Durability: The tailored solution and rubberised layer formation over the surfaces make it a highly durable waterproofing membrane. It has a life expectancy of 25 years
- Versatility: Liquid waterproofing membranes can be applied to any surface, whether it is bituminous, concrete, metal, wood, or existing membranes.
- Cost-Effective: Though liquid waterproofing requires a high initial investment, its long life expectancy, minimal maintenance requirement, and hassle-free application save 60 to 70% of the total investment required for traditional waterproofing application and maintenance.
D] Applications of Waterproofing Liquid Membrane
1. Residential Use
The liquid waterproofing membrane has a variety of residential applications, including roof waterproofing, basement and tank waterproofing, bathroom and swimming pool waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, and many more.
2. Commercial and Industrial Use
Liquid waterproofing membranes are widely used in commercial and industrial applications. It includes waterproofing factory interiors, warehouses, and high-traffic floors. In addition to groundwater protection, it also protects surfaces against abrasion, impact, and chemical spills.
3. Infrastructure Projects
Liquid waterproofing membranes are used in a variety of infrastructure projects to waterproof building structures, including roofs, foundations, basements, retaining walls, and water tanks.
E] How to Apply a Waterproofing Liquid Membrane
1. Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is one of the critical processes of liquid waterproofing applications and should be done thoroughly. It involves removing dust, dirt, grease, or loose materials. Any cracks or voids must be filled with crack fillers. In addition, the surface must be dried before membrane application to enhance coating adhesion.
2. Priming
Priming is a preparatory layer applied before the main coating to enhance adhesion, surface consolidation, smooth the surface, and hide strains. Before applying a liquid waterproofing membrane coating, apply a layer of suitable primer evenly across the surface to improve the membrane bonding. You can contact the liquid waterproofing manufacturer for suggestions on a suitable primer.
3. Application
Before application, the liquid waterproofing membrane should be mixed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. After proper mixing, use a brush, roller or spray gun to apply the coating throughout the surface.
4. Curing Time
After application, the liquid waterproofing membrane should be left to dry and air cure itself. The common curing time is four hours; however, it may increase or decrease depending on the weather conditions and number of coating layers.
Conclusion
Liquid waterproofing membrane is a modern solution for businesses and individuals seeking a highly versatile, flexible, durable, and cost-effective waterproofing solution. From bituminous to asphalt, It caters to a wide range of structures and safeguards them from groundwater intrusion for a longer period.
If you are looking for a reliable and well-reputed waterproofing chemical manufacturer in India, Mcon Rasayan India Ltd. is here to help. We offer a variety of waterproofing liquid membranes that provide an unbreakable barrier against water infiltration. Contact us today!
