If your below-grade foundations, retaining walls, concrete slabs, parking garages, or other important structures are suffering from moisture damage, leaks, and mold due to inadequate waterproofing, implementing an effective waterproofing solution is crucial.
As per experts like Illawarra Industrial Supplies, while sheet membrane barriers and basic cementitious coatings both have their place in waterproofing applications, seamless liquid-applied membranes in liquid membrane waterproofing offer unique advantages that make them an ideal solution for many situations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at all the key benefits that make fluid-applied waterproofing membranes a top choice for both new construction and building restoration projects.
From unmatched versatility and seamlessness, to long-term durability and fast application, we’ll explore all the reasons liquid membranes should be strongly considered over sheets or other barrier options when selecting the optimal waterproofing system for your specific needs.
What Are Liquid Membrane Waterproofing Materials?
Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes consist of waterproofing resins or rubbers in fluid form that are sprayed, rolled, brushed or squeezed onto the substrate surface and then chemically cured to form fully bonded, seamless barriers.
Popular types of liquid membranes include:
- Polyurethane Coatings – Offer very high elongation and crack-bridging capabilities to accommodate shifting or settling substrates. UV-stable.
- Acrylic Coatings – Provide good breathability and UV-light stability for exposed exterior applications.
- Cementitious Coatings – Incorporate Portland cement for higher compressive strength on below-grade foundations.
- Epoxy Coatings – Excellent chemical and corrosion resistance. Used for industrial applications.
- Bitumen Coatings – Derived from asphalt. Provide a time-tested, low cost waterproofing option.
The main advantage of liquid applied membranes is that they can take virtually any shape or form, coating complex geometries and surfaces that would be difficult for rigid sheets or rolled goods.
Application Versatility for Any Scenario
Unlike pre-formed sheet membrane barriers which need to be cut and pieced together on site, seamless liquid membranes can easily conform and adhere to curved, angled, and uniquely shaped surfaces.
This makes fluid-applied systems extremely versatile to properly waterproof challenging scenarios such as:
- Contoured below-grade concrete foundations, retaining walls, and parking garages
- Intricate tunnels, water tanks, reservoirs and infrastructure
- Smooth rounded arches, domes, and cylinder tanks
- Undulating landscape forms and planter boxes
- Complex roof assemblies including valleys, parapets and protrusions
- Balconies, plaza decks, patios, and walkways
- Ramps, stairs, and other inclined surfaces
- Wet rooms like bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens
Liquid coatings can seamlessly waterproof where sheets simply cannot fit or seal completely.
Superior Bonding and Seamless Protection
One of the most significant performance advantages of fluid applied membranes comes from the truly seamless, monolithic waterproofing barrier they form.
Since liquid membranes are applied in fluid state, they are able to penetrate the microscopic pores and voids in the concrete, wood or steel substrate prior to hardening and curing. This allows the resin-based membrane to integrate more intimately with the building materials and foundations themselves.
Once cured, the resulting fully bonded, impregnation provides far superior waterproofing protection compared to sheet systems that are merely laid atop the substrate.
Preformed sheet membranes have seams between adjoining edges that always present potential leakage points no matter how well they are sealed and taped during installation. Seam failures are a chief reason sheet goods waterproofing fails over time.
Liquid based coatings form no seams whatsoever within the membrane itself, eliminating this primary failure point inherent in sheet goods.
Long-Term Durability Measured in Decades
When selecting a waterproofing system, you want durability that lasts decades, not just years. The top performing fluid-applied epoxy, polyurethane and acrylic-based membranes on the market today provide exactly that.
Once fully cured, these premium liquid applied coatings form rigid, durable barriers that resist weathering, standing water, freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, UV degradation, and temperature swings for over 30 years in some cases.
Sheet membranes simply cannot match the long-term lifespan and enduring performance of the best liquid applied options.
Faster and Simpler Application vs. Sheets
With no tedious cutting, shaping, taping and seaming of sheets on the job site itself, the application process for seamless liquid membranes is inherently faster and more straightforward compared to sheet goods.
Once properly cleaned, liquid coatings can be applied with simple spray equipment, rollers, brushes or squeegees. This enables rapid application over large areas without interruptions.
The Ideal Solution for Restoration and Renovation
For aging structures suffering from failed or underperforming existing sheet membrane systems applied years ago, installing a new seamless liquid membrane system right over the compromised existing waterproofing provides an ideal restoration solution.
Conclusion
Since liquid membranes bond extremely well yet require minimal substrate preparation beyond cleaning, they can essentially be applied right over flaking paint, chalky surfaces, and deteriorated coatings to renew waterproofing quickly and effectively.
