Waterproofing solutions for commercial construction projects come in a variety of materials or chemical make-ups, from the asphalt-based products of traditional solutions to advanced technologies such as polyurethane, PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), and polyurea.
Liquid-applied waterproofing is an extremely popular option in horizontal deck applications. This application is changing as technologies develop and a wider range of manufacturers and systems fill the space. There are hot-applied solutions for liquid waterproofing comprised of vulcanized rubber, like hot rubberized asphalt (HRA) cold-applied liquid waterproofing solutions made from polymers like thermoplastic elastomers and polyurea.
An elastomeric waterproofing material like ArmorThane’s waterproofing line has benefits over the other technologies because of its capacity in its ability to contract and expand. its toughness prevents puncture indentation, and abrasions and is strong enough to withstand heavy tensile forces. Due to the pressures placed on the surfaces of waterproofed construction in construction and commercial building conditions, it’s essential that the material selected for waterproofing projects have elastomeric properties.
The Benefits of Flexibility
An elastomer is a polymer that has elastic properties that are similar to natural rubber. A liquid waterproofing solution that’s elastomeric is extremely flexible and offers the following benefits for waterproofing.
Crack Bridging
Being able to expand and contract can allow the construction of an elastomeric water-proofing material to adapt to the structure’s structural movements as well as bridge cracks that are caused due to concrete shrinkage.
The ability to carry out crack bridging is an essential feature of liquid waterproofing materials due to the fluid movement of structures and structures which causes cracks. In environments that experience temperature fluctuations in the seasons and especially lower temperatures that are low cracks can move, open, and close. The back-and-forth motion of cracks when temperatures fluctuate can result in a number of strain cycles for the membrane that waterproofs.
An elastomeric waterproofing membrane that is liquid-based can be used to withstand construction movements as well as fatigue, ensuring its strength over a long time and also protecting the structure beneath it by stopping any water from getting in.
Resistant to Damage
The long-term durability of the waterproofing materials which is the resistance to indentations, punctures, and abrasions, as well as the capability to endure tensile and other forces is an important consideration when selecting a liquid waterproofing solution.
There are specific requirements that should be examined to determine the durability of a product:
Resistance to tearing or tear strength resistance also known as tear strength is a measure of the resistance to the tearing process and the force that is required to start the tear of materials and tear propagation. In the case of the waterproofing application, the force needed to trigger the tear is crucial to avoid the formation of a breach.
Shore hardness is the resistance of a material to stress and indentation loads.
Abrasion resistance – The capacity to withstand multiple cycles of abrasion on the surface prior to becoming worn or scratched with friction.
The majority of elastomeric liquid waterproofing solutions are comprised of reacting ingredients that react to form an extremely high molecular weight or cross-linking polymer which provides solid resistance to indentation, puncture or wear and tear as well as other wear and tear. The waterproofing course or exposed waterproofing protection course must be able to withstand any type of foot traffic or construction work. This is particularly important for heavy-duty equipment that is moving, rested or dropped onto the floor, which could cause damage to the concrete beneath. ArmorThane waterproofing is able to remain intact and block water from entering even if the concrete deck beneath the membrane has been damaged.
The reacting, elastomeric, cold-applied liquid waterproofing also provides it with the ability to deal with “point weights,” such as from an equipment piece with legs that are narrow beneath. In this scenario, the membrane will not exhibit any dent or penetration. The point of 3,000 psi load has been demonstrated on elastomeric liquid waterproofing, applied cold without creating one single dent in the membrane.
ArmorThane’s polyurea waterproofing stands against trade-related damage as well as extremely heavy loads and also a large number of cycles of abrasion and provides greater durability when compared to other liquid waterproofing solutions.
Capabilities for Elongation
An elastomeric cold-applied, liquid waterproofing solution’s elasticity coupled together with tensile strength allows it to withstand stretching well beyond the point at which other (particularly applied hot) liquid waterproofing products could break.
Fewer Applications Less Reinforcement
Because of its elastomeric characteristics, cold-applied waterproofing needs only one or two layers for long-lasting and reliable performance. Inter-layer reinforcement is not necessary to ensure the membrane for waterproofing. Furthermore, the use of a protection plan is not needed for construction.
The disadvantages of a non-durable Membrane
Systems for waterproofing that do not have the ability to flex and last as long as an elastomeric waterproofing system need multiple layers, as well as reinforcement layers as well as an protection board. This increases the complexity and possibility of errors occurring in the process of installation.
Because asphalt-type hot-applied liquid waterproofing is comprised of a significant portion of medium and low molecular weight elements that can only withstand small amounts of abrasion over its surface prior to it shows signs of wear, dents or the possibility of penetrations.
Hot-applied liquid waterproofing is pliable in the initial conditions of installation but solidifies when it gets cooler. In cold conditions, hot-applied waterproofing is able to withstand exposures to temperatures as low as 0 degrees F but it becomes hard when exposed to lower temperatures.
All of these are excellent reasons to consider the waterproofing materials’ properties and chemistry must be taken into consideration when choosing a waterproofing solution.
Conclusion
Liquid waterproofing solutions need to be able to perform efficiently, including their flexibility and endurance. Solutions that contain polymers that are elastomeric like ArmorThane’s waterproofing line give flexibility and strength which ensures its long-term endurance, enabling the performance that is crucial for long-lasting waterproofing, as well as protection from your substrate surface. Elastomeric waterproofing material is strong enough to stand up to the abuse of construction sites and aging while preserving its waterproofing properties.
Through the help of an elastomeric liquid waterproofing system, architects and builders can be confident that they have a high-quality and effective waterproofing system that is long-lasting and durable and can reliably protect the structure and protect structures and structures from water intrusion.