If you’re looking to waterproof your property, there are lots of water proofing products available to choose from. Before you start the process, it’s important to know the difference between positive and negative waterproofing to decide which type you require. This blog will also talk about what water damage is and why waterproofing is so important. Here at PaintAccess we offer a range of products for waterproofing by reputable brands such as Zinsser, RustOleum and Drizoro, to suit all your waterproofing needs.
Why is waterproofing important?
Waterproofing of wet areas in buildings is important for health and amenity. Water penetration can cause unhealthy or dangerous conditions and damage to the building structure itself. Water penetration is a health hazard because it creates the perfect environment for mould to grow. Waterproofing is essential in order to prevent water damage, which can have significant consequences for the building.
Who does water proofing?
Some tradies do waterproofing as their sole occupation while others do it in addition to other trades. Examples of this may be tilers, carpenters, plumbers and builders. For the best results, you should choose someone who has the right knowledge of waterproofing materials - or do it yourself if you have the experience!
About water damage
Water damage is tricky because sometimes it can take weeks or even months to notice. The main types of water damage are as follows:
- From leaky roofs
Leaky roofs allow water to get into your home which can cause significant damage. Aging roofs or roofs with significant damage can result in water deterioration. In fact, many older or damaged roofs may seem fine until a particularly heavy rainfall or snow.
- Faulty pipes
Broken or faulty pipes can damage your home through a slow leak, a sudden gush or a combination of the two. Often broken pipes will become apparent quickly, such as when the toilet or sink pipes back up. However, broken pipes can also cause problems that develop slowly.
- Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common causes of water damage in both older and newer homes. It occurs when air conditioning units leak or malfunction or aren’t properly drained. Over time, condensation can penetrate walls, ceilings, and floors and lead to mold.
Why is water damage bad?
Why do we put so much effort into avoiding water damage? Well, if it goes unaddressed, water damage can cause serious issues. In particular, it can have significant implications for health.
Structural damage
Water damage can quickly cause damage to the structure of your home. You don’t want to be faced with cracks in the walls or in the foundation of your property, so it’s best to address water damage as soon as you can.
Mold and mildew
Water damage in your home makes it damp and increases moisture levels which creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew are bad for your home and for your health, so it’s important to avoid it as much as possible.
Health problems
Mold can lead to skin problems or respiratory issues, particularly for those who have underlying health conditions. Addressing water damage quickly to prevent the growth of mould can help protect the health of yourself and your family.
Bad smells
Water damage can lead to unpleasant musty smells which are often caused by mould or mildew. Although you can try to mask these odours, the only way to eliminate the smells for good is to address the water damage.
Electrical problems
Electrical damage can be a dangerous complication of water damage. Deal with water damage as soon as possible to avoid electrical problems.
Types of water
The type of water involved in water damage is important to consider when identifying the level of damage and how to address it.
Clean water
As its name suggests, “clean” water comes from rain, condensation, and leaky pipes. It is relatively harmless to clean it up yourself or you can also seek professional help if necessary.
Gray water
Gray water is slightly dirty water that may come from dishwashers, washing machines, clean toilets, and so on. You can clean it up yourself, but you should ensure that you are wearing proper protective gear to stay safe from any contaminants.
Black water
Black water contains waste, bacteria, and other serious contaminants. It is the most dangerous type of water and you should avoid contact with it. You shouldn’t try to clean this up yourself as it can lead to dangerous health issues.
Types of water proofing
When it comes to waterproofing, there are two main forms: positive side water proofing and negative side waterproofing.
Positive side water proofing
Positive side waterproofing is applied to the wet or exterior face of foundations or slabs on grade and below grade, as well as suspended slabs. It is the predominant type of waterproofing used in new construction. It protects the structure and and the interior from the effects of moisture and pressurised water.
Negative side water proofing
Negative side waterproofing is applied to the dry or inside face of the subsurface. This type of waterproofing is usually used when access to the external surfaces is not possible.
What is the difference?
Knowing the difference between positive and negative side water proofing can help you decide what you need. Both types of waterproofing have their pros and cons. A piled structure cannot be waterproofed on the positive side and it is difficult to waterproof structures where access is limited. To reduce risk in waterproofing, a full site inspection is important. After a site inspection, the type and design of waterproofing that should be used can be determined. Due to environmental changes over time, the design of waterproofing may need to be adjusted. The decision on what type of waterproofing to use is based on a variety of factors:
- Changes in water tables
- Changes in hydrostatic pressure
- Thermal changes
- Dynamic Movement
- Heave
- Subsidence
- Clay soils
- Changes in environment
- Stress
- Changes in ground drainage
- Structural stability
The first waterproofing product that we’ll discuss in this blog is Drizoro Max Seal Flex. It is a two component product, composed of a water-based special acrylic resin and a mortar composed of special cements and additives. Once applied and cured, Max Seal Flex provides a non-toxic, flexible and waterproof coating with very high adhesion on common substrates in construction including concrete, natural and artificial stone, bricks, cement, etc.
Why should I use Drizoro Max Seal Flex?
Why should you choose Drizoro Max Seal Flex over other waterproofing materials? Drizoro Max Seal Flex has a wide range of advantages. It is a complete waterproofing solution with excellent adhesion and flexibility. Have hairline or shrinkage cracks in your concrete? With Drizoro Max Seal Flex, this isn’t a problem. It easily covers such cracks and leaves a perfectly smooth finish. It also protects your health with its non-toxic and chloride free formula, making it suitable for contact with potable water. Since it is a complete solution, it does not require bonding agents and is easy to use. Drizoro’s Max Seal Flex lasts longer than other coatings, which allows you to avoid maintenance costs. Although it protects strongly against water, it is permeable to water vapour which allows the substrate to breathe. It is also environmentally friendly.
Water Tite can stop up to 34lbs of water pressure. It has a unique oil-based formula with state-of-the-art waterproof resin. Zinsser Water Tite is backed by a 5-year water proof and mould and mildew proof guarantee. It is ideal for cellar walls and for sealing concrete cellars slabs prior to flooring installation. It can be applied to wet or dry walls and dries with a perfect smooth finish. Its low odour formula means that it has even less odour than acrylic paint. Here at PaintAccess, we have Zinsser Water Tite available in both 3.75mL tins and 10L drums.
Features
- Guaranteed to stop up to 34 psi - twice the strength of latex waterproofers
- Prevents the growth of mould & mildew on the paint film for 5 years
- Very smooth, bright white, non-gritty finish
- Applies easily to wet or dry walls
- Ultra low odour solvent-based formula
- Interior and exterior use
How do I use Zinsser Water Tite?
On rough, porous masonry, apply both coats at a rate of 7m per 3.75L. On surfaces that are smooth and denser, or surfaces that have been previously painted, apply the first coat as above. The second coat can be applied at a rate of 9.3m per 3.75mL.
Other waterproofing products
RustOleum Leak Seal Rubber Coating Spray effectively fills and seals leaks and cracks with a flexible water-tight seal which prevents moisture penetration, rust and corrosion. It quickly builds a durable barrier and maintains its flexibility, it can be used to seal leaks and cracks on metal, vinyl, plastic, PVC, concrete, and other surfaces year round. The versatility of RustOleum Leak Seal means that it’s suitable for homeowners and maintenance professionals alike. It can be used on gutters, downspouts, air conditioner units, and much more. RustOleum Leak Seal comes in clear and black. To ensure best results, perform a test spray on cardboard to get a feel of the spray pattern.
