The construction sector is the biggest platform for industrial development. The construction of a building without any defect is practically impossible. Hence Slab Waterproofing is indispensable nowadays in Sri Lanka to protect the attractive appearance of the building and to avoid the structural damages caused by water and other chemicals. The main reason for the importance of slab waterproofing is to ensure the safety of the occupants. Waterproofing is essential to resist the penetration of water into the building surfaces, which results in corrosion, leaking, and other problems. The waterproofing system is needed to maintain
- Perfect structure
- Healthy environment
- Aesthetic appearance
Mainly the quality of waterproofing materials reduces the rate of corrosion in the building structure. Hence the quality of materials plays an important role in slab waterproofing. Commonly waterproofing is done by using bitumen materials. To bring effectiveness in waterproofing reinforced materials are used to meet the industrial requirements. Crystalline proofing and flexible waterproofing system were introduced to the construction sector. The slab waterproofing methods have two types, namely roof slab proofing and ground slab proofing.
Slab waterproofing methods in Sri Lanka
Most commonly used slab waterproofing methods as follows,
- Cementitious waterproofing
Cementitious products are easy to mix and apply. Some additional additive can be mixed with cement products to improve the better bonding and durable coating. This type of material cannot undergo expansion and contraction.
- Liquid waterproofing
This method consists of a thin layer primer coat, which is applied by roller, spray, or trowel. It makes a rubbery coating on the wall because of the elongation properties of the coating. Hence liquid waterproofing is more flexible than Cementitious waterproofing.
- Bituminous layering
Bituminous coatings proofings are the best waterproofing agent and preventive coating on concrete foundations. It is also known as asphalt coatings. The bituminous layer is not suitable for long period exposure in sunlight. Its flexibility can be increased by mixing with polyurethane or acrylic-based polymer.
Bituminous membrane proofings are the other method to coat the low sloped roof slabs the membrane made of materials like polymers, fillers, resins, and oils to improve bonding strength.
- Polyurethane liquid membrane
This is a slightly expensive method used to coat flat roof areas. It provides higher flexibility. Polyurethane is sensitive to moisture, which may result in peeling or debonding of membranes.
Common causes of water leakage in buildings
The most prevalent problem in the building is leakage of water through seeps, cracks, and pores, etc. the water seepage may take place due to defects in construction, faulty compaction, uneven distribution of raw materials and improper sloping. If the building is built with zero defect and there will be no requirement for slab waterproofing. Hence the waterproofing plays a major role in the construction sector.
- Hairline cracks
The cracks can be caused by the weak foundation, rusting of reinforced steel, an improper arrangement of cement blocks. Hairline cracks are called settling cracks that appear in new houses after the first two years. The development of hairline cracks allows the entry of water inside the buildings.
- Spalling of concrete
Spalling of concrete is another major defect of the formation of corrosion in the bars within the building leading to the breakage of concrete. The damage of concrete results due to the presence of moisture.
- Biological growths
Biological growth, like fungal growth, occurs because of the presence of pores in the buildings. On top of the roof, more moisture exposure can lead to the formation of fungal growth, which can affect the texture of the roof surface gradually.
MRC Engineering Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, Building Slab Waterproofing Sri Lanka
Our company MRC Engineering Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, is a professional firm that is mainly focused on waterproofing materials. Our company is using two-component polymer modified cementitious waterproofing and liquid waterproofing for roof slabs and bathrooms. These materials are suitable to bridge the hairline cracks up to 1mm. It also acts as an effective adhesive with the concrete surface, making the surface nature is impermeable to water penetration. The flexibility of the proofing materials is more important to be considered. We are focussing on the elongation properties of the materials to ensure maximum flexibility so that the age of the waterproofing can be prolonged. We do very reasonable price building slab waterproofing in Sri Lanka. Finally, in a market sector, the economic products can survive in the competitive platform. Our firm ensures these materials are both economical and eco-friendly (i.e.) non -toxic in nature.
In addition, find our services waterproofing in Sri Lanka.
Please make sure you also check our other fantastic article on Barralastic waterproofing Sri Lanka.
Am interested in waterproofing for my concrete roof