Wall waterproofing is mostly neglected by homeowners, they may not even take aware of the importance of waterproofing the wall. Avoiding it will increase the issue and leave the wall with dampness and a hideous look to your home.
Most people will only use waterproofing paints in rooms like their bathrooms, bedrooms, or basements where there is a high likelihood of moisture area. Waterproofing paint is not a miraculous cover to keep moist inside your bathroom or basement. Moisture trapped inside the wall will cause bubbled paint and the growth of mildew and mould to accumulate.
Waterproofing the wall is to stop and prevent structural weakening, and the consequence of the phenomenon of water seepage is caused. The building is degraded, and the peeling, and cracking of the concrete is a warning sign that your building is deteriorating and contain unpredicted potential dangers.
Homeowners will only notice the water-damaged area when there are some signs and aesthetic concerns appearing on the wall.
Sign of water damage on the wall:
- Crack lines
- Discoloured or stained patches
- Blistering and “bubbles” forming on the wall
- Peeling paint
- Moist and musty smell
- Water puddles at the bottom of the wall
The external wall is usually exposed to many unpredictable weather elements like rain and sun rays, especially our weather in Singapore. This includes the expansion and contraction of the wall, floor, foundation, and even insulation. However, the steel bar inside the concrete will cause the heating element to expand and crack. While the tiny crack lines water and moisture will seep into the internal and start to get rusted and corrosion. Follow by the rainwater will seep into the crack lines, and more moisture accumulated will further the damage to the wall.
When moisture finds its way to enter the wall and flooring, it leads to build-up the growth of mould and mildew. In some instances, you might not even notice the bacteria, mould, and mildew growing rapidly till the damage is appearing on the wall. We all know how harmful can such bacteria, mould, and mildew cause our health problems. A humid environment will be harmful to health, but it is always the best way to get the waterproofing done to keep you and your family always from unexpected prolonged health problems such as asthma and skin irritation problems. Other side effects will be leading to respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, sinusitis, and skin fungus.
Waterproofing could sound like a daunting task, cost of the process also seems to affect your budget. But prevention is always better than cure. It is a long-term investment that prevents and protect your property value with good living condition.
Waterproofing the walls give complete protection to all these seepages. It will stop the existing seepage and prevent water damage from occurring, promoting a stronger structure to the building. The measures help to reduce the moisture in the interior of the building.
A series of waterproofing products and contractors are available today to help homeowners protect their homes from external moisture. There are different types of waterproofing membranes for various applications.
Type of waterproofing
1. Bitumen membrane
A bitumen membrane is mixing bitumen with elastomeric polymers, a mixture of the polymer to increase durability and the ability of the membrane to withstand tear and wear. It is versatile, easy to apply, and recommended for commercial and residential buildings. The result is a sticky and viscous substance. It is not one of the eco-friendly and sustainable waterproofing products as it is made from crude oil.
2. PVC Waterproofing membrane
This membrane is one of the common waterproofing products for external walls and roofs. It is both water and vapor permeable, durable, and has a long lifespan. It is easy to install but these come at a premium cost.
3. Cementitious membrane coating
The cementitious method is a mixture of sand, dry cement, and liquid latex (organic and inorganic substances) with a specific quantity of water and they can start the installation work to apply to the surface with a brush, roller, or a trowel. The disadvantage is the lack of flexibility of coating it is only recommended for areas that are not highly exposed to weather and sunlight area. This method does not go through the contract and expansion process because it is not exposed to weathering and sunlight therefore it is only recommended to use indoor areas.
4. Polyurethane membrane
Polyurethane is one of the best waterproofing materials. It can be applied seamlessly and penetrates the surface deeply and evenly. The polyurethane membrane will fill in even the finest cracks in concrete, reducing its water absorbency. It forms an elastic membrane with powerful capabilities of withstanding abrasion. It can be applied to surfaces that are high in resistance to weather conditions to increase resistance and durability. This membrane is permeable to release moisture and water content that has been trapped to prevent negative effects on the wall and building structure. Another key benefit of polyurethane is that it is oil, detergent, and chemical resistant.
These characteristics and benefits are one of the most versatile waterproofing materials for walls, balconies, terraces, and tiled walls.
Find out our Clear Penetrative Treatment case study and Polyurethane (PU) Injection grouting to allow homeowners to understand the purpose and application to resolve your waterproofing problems. It is essential to understand the fundamentals of how we treat water leakages in your homes.
SWC Construction is a specialist in providing waterproofing work, our team is well equipped with the necessary skills to recommend and provides the best waterproofing solutions and waterproofing system to install and repair to enhance the wall, floor, basement, ceiling, balcony, bathroom, rooftop, and all wet areas.
Contact us online or call us for a wall waterproofing service to protect your home and loved ones with our waterproofing solutions. We promise to provide a non-obligation onsite proposal to all our valuable customers. We are certified Building and Construction Authority (BCA) waterproofing contractors to ensure all quality assurance in our waterproofing work, efficient and cost-effective wall waterproofing to suit our esteemed customers. Feel free to take a tour of our blog for more information on our waterproofing work for industrial, commercial, and residential.