Achieving effective weather resistance surfaces is not as easy as it seems. Lack of knowledge leads to many misconceptions, resulting in poor waterproofing outcomes. Opting for a quick fix when a problem occurs may lead to higher repair costs in the long run. As such, property developers, construction professionals and homeowners should consider waterproofing as a long-term investment to safeguard their spaces as and when such issues arise.

Waterproofing is a key component throughout any construction process to ensure that the building remains structurally intact and maintains its aesthetic look and feel for years to come. With this, understanding waterproofing basics including differentiating the various types of products to be used, identifying underlying problems and areas that require waterproofing is essential.

Using proper products and suitable waterproofing systems will prevent recurring issues such as dampness and leakage that can deteriorate a building’s aesthetics or leading up to more severe problems such as structural damage over time. Choosing to repair the recurring damages from the cracks, blisters and mould caused by damp surfaces will incur an increased cost compared to if proper waterproofing were installed once and for all in the initial construction stages.

Waterproofing provides a sense of security for building occupants and homeowners alike; it provides a solid foundation for any upcoming construction work and protects occupants from adverse health effects due to the growth of mould and mildew that may arise from excess moisture in the air.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

A common misconception of waterproofing is to use a one size fits all approach, implementing one waterproofing system throughout all spaces at home. In fact, different building typologies require different waterproofing solutions throughout various spaces within the building (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, swimming pools, rooftops, etc.) and may require different waterproofing systems as well. When taking into consideration waterproofing solutions for respective spaces, it is essential to opt for holistic coatings solutions that are suitable for each type of surface.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE WATERPROOFING

Gutters are susceptible to cracks, buckling and leaks, as such, waterproofing efforts will go to waste without well-maintained gutters. Prior to waterproofing any spaces, regular inspection of the guttering system is mandatory to ensure that the brackets are not rusty. Proper sealants should be used around the joints to ensure that any unwanted leakage does not occur, as it may affect the overall quality of the waterproofing solutions applied.

When assessing large surfaces areas such as rooftops, a thorough inspection must be carried out around the flashing (the metal used to seal bends and joints around vents), skylights and chimneys to ensure little to no damage. If tiles or shingles are missing, cracked or have deteriorated in quality, they should be replaced or fixed prior to the waterproofing process. As rooftops, especially flat roofs are most susceptible to damage, they must be properly cared for and the tiles should be securely in place. Otherwise, it may lead to water leakage into the building which may lead to other issues. Waterproofing may be needed, such as by using a spray-on foam insulation underneath the roof.

WATERPROOFING DO’S

1. A Sturdy Structural Design

A good, sturdy design and structure will support any waterproofing system because this will prevent the accumulation of water or moisture in the area. For example, the more quickly a cladding system can dissipate water, the greater its capacity to resist water intrusion. However, where there is complicated detailing such as unnecessary plane changes or complicated patterns, it will be less resistant to water leakages.

For example, the design of a retaining wall in a residential area that is prone to flooding should avoid unnecessary detailing and the use durable materials such as concrete and marinegrade plywood. The waterproofing solution should give vertical protection against perched water as well. Designing a shoring wall system will require even higher level of performance and the solution should also be compatible with cast-in-place poured concrete and various shoring applications, while protecting against nuisance water, contaminated vapours and methane gas.

2. Selecting Durable Materials

Sealant failures are common hence regular maintenance is necessary to prevent water intrusion within the failure of sealant joints. Aside from this, holistic waterproofing solutions should be put into place. Selecting appropriate materials for the cladding, flashing and detailing process are critical to ensure that it serves its purpose in the long run in providing effective waterproofing solutions for respective spaces. Components that are not easily maintained should have a service life equal to the overall cladding system.

Factors such as cost, durability, and appropriate detailing requirements should be carefully evaluated when selecting a flashing. Plastic and rubber flashings are popular for their lower initial cost; however, stainless steel and copper flashing are more durable despite the higher cost.

WATERPROOFING DON’TS

1. Don’t Assume A One Size Fits All Approach

When developing plans for waterproofing solutions and selecting the appropriate products, it is essential to determine the exposure conditions because this will influence the requirements of the overall waterproofing system performance of respective spaces. Materials or cladding components shouldn’t exceed the performance limits. For example, a cladding system within a sloped wall application will have more skyward exposure. The moisture loads will be higher as it will be exposed to more sunlight and rainwater. If the material used is that of commonly used for vertical walls, the performance limits will be exceeded.

With vertical walls, the pattern of wetting during a rainfall event is typically concentrated at the top of the wall and at the corners. In a sloped application, the entire surface will be exposed to rain. Thus, instead of opting for conventional methods of waterproofing walls, a sloped wall assembly should be treated like a roof from a waterproofing perspective to ensure minimal leakage and recurring issues.

Waterproof performance relies on appropriate detailing and proper integration of system components such as weather resistive barriers, flashings, sealants and coatings. The use of incompatible materials can prevent otherwise appropriate details from functioning as intended.

Do-it-yourself projects with a selection of unfamiliar materials or material combinations must be avoided. Professional consultation when making product selections is recommended to ensure that suitable waterproofing solutions are applied accordingly to the requirements of each type of surface.

NIPPON PAINT WATERPROOFING

Selecting quality, durable waterproofing solutions prevents breach of water and at the same time, protects the building’s structure by keeping interior and exterior areas dry and safe. It is important to ensure that the right waterproofing solution is applied for the specific surface to ensure an effective system for the building.

Nippon Paint’s waterproofing solutions are backed by industry market research and technology, having worked with its counterparts in China, further driving innovative solutions for various surfaces. Nippon Paint has contributed to various projects such as iconic landmarks across the globe including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train, the Shanghai Tower and the Three Gorges Dam.

With the wide range of solutions offered, Nippon Paint’s waterproofing solutions can also address specific waterproofing problems. NIPPON LM PUSIL, for example, has excellent waterproofing performance with high resistant to both positive and negative water pressure. NIPPON LM PUSIL reacts fast with the moisture in the atmosphere to form an elastomeric seamless waterproof membrane, with a one-hour early rain resistance. It can be applied on various substrates and under conditions such as cold days and on damp surfaces.

The qualities include:

• Cost effective wet on wet application, fast through cure and saves time

• Excellent workability (subject to environmental conditions)

• Resistant to standing water

• Early rain resistant

• Excellent adhesion on most substrates

• High solar reflectivity index

• Single liquid component and ready to use

• Excellent elasticity and tensile strength

• 100 per cent reactive materials, high build coverage

• Non-shrinkage

• Excellent weathering and UV stable

• Non-hazardous, solvent free and isocynate free

• Extremely low volatile organic compound (VOC) and odourless