How to choose the most appropriate products to waterproof specific areas of a house or building
Instead of talking about the “best waterproofing product” we should refer to “the best waterproofing system”, since we have to consider the most appropriate way to solve a specific waterproofing problem. Indeed, humidity, moisture, can have different origins (rising damp, malfunctioning systems, rain, etc.), and can affect different parts of the house or building (roof, balconies, terraces, internal and external walls, cellars, garage).
Each problem has its own suitable technical solution, and in choosing it there are also other parameters that have to be taken into consideration. For example, durability must be tested and maintenance is also very important. Likewise, other parameters must be guaranteed if you’re activating an insurance policy to cover damages caused by possible extreme events, either caused by man or by natural events.
However, before any other consideration, and before choosing a waterproofing system over another, two things are necessary. First, to define the precise goal of the work to be done, and second, to envision the use of the area that needs to be waterproofed.
A virtual journey to choose the best waterproofing solutions
Let us assume that we’re on a short virtual journey inside a house, which begins, for example, from the garage. Here, the waterproofing will have to foresee critical situations. In fact, the presence of outdoor areas, which are exposed to rain, allows for possible stagnation of water, snow and ice, and UV rays exposure. In this case, it is necessary to use a liquid waterproofing agent with high mechanical strength (like abrasion for example), which allows the ideal grip and therefore good accessibility for vehicles. The waterproofing system also needs to be resistant to low and high temperatures. Furthermore, it does not have to fear the cycles of freezing and thawing and offers maximum resistance to counter-thrust.
The same reasoning applies to other internal areas of a building, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and every specific space that requires waterprofing.
How about waterproofing external areas of a building?
For external vertical walls, that are mostly in contact with air humidity, transversal rain and sudden temperature changes, it is advisable to use a liquid waterproofing expressly formulated for vertical applications. This product does not produce dripping, but carries out its protective action even in the presence of permanent moisture problems. Most importantly, the essential properties of the product must contemplate the certainty of perfectly resisting thermal shocks and counter-thrust.
For balconies and terraces, in addition to the above-mentioned issues related to air humidity, the variation of temperatures and the presence of water, which can also be stagnant, it is fundamental to consider that these areas are generally walked on. Consequently, they are subject to foot traffic, to the presence of tables, chairs, and so on. A good waterproofing, even under renovation, begins with the preparation of the foundation that will house the flooring. Therefore, it is necessary to use cement-based or bitumen-based waterproofing products and polymers, which are also adhesion bridges when laying ceramic floors.
For the protection of balconies and terraces surfaces, it is advisable to use water-repellent protective coatings, like Winkler Skermo Terrazze, which act as a real screen against atmospheric agents. In addition to that, they also offer protect the surface from puncture and the movement of objects.
Last stop of our virtual journey are flat roofs, another “vehicle” for the transmission of humidity into a house or building, industrial warehouses, shopping centers, and so on. Flat roofs can be waterproofed using both bituminous membranes and liquid waterproofing products such as Winkler One. These technical solutions are increasingly getting attention and appreciation, thanks to the ease and speed of installation, as well as the high-quality performance.
The best waterproofing solutions are based on cutting edge technology
Winkler offers the most advanced technology for the best waterproofing systems. This also include special mortars which can be applied even on wet surfaces, at extreme temperatures (0 to +45 degrees Celsius, 32 to 113 Fahrenheit). These mortars are useful for the restoration of the foundations, which will then prove perfectly homogeneous and without structural defects to accommodate the waterproofing product. The roof is the part of the building in constant direct contact with atmospheric agents, so the waterproofing must guarantee maximum resistance to counter-thrust, freezing and thawing cycles, to UV rays, and of course to water and moisture in general.
Winkler white liquid waterproofing products are also reflexive. This means that, in the summer, roofs that have been waterproofed with these products remain fresh. Also, since the heat does not spread inside the building, this contribute to the building insulation and cooling cost saving.
Winkler products are water-based, as they do not contain solvents, which are harmful to people and the environment.
Conclusion: to each waterproofing need, its proper solution!
Hence, every waterproofing need has a specific solution. This is why it is important to plan the waterproofing process as we plan every other aspect of the construction or the renovation. Winkler offers cutting edge solutions, products which have been developed to solve every specific waterproofing need. Winkler products have been tested and certified, and are the best tools for quality and durable works.
