- Bituminous membranes.
- PVC membranes.
- Water resistant coats (Elastomers & Cement based)
- Bituminous membranes
Tarmacs (Bituminous membranes) are broadly used as a means of waterproofing on exposed surfaces like roofs and housetops as well as basement walls. They offer maximum resistance to water inflow provided they are properly applied and high quality tarmacs are chosen. As there name suggests the base ingredient of a tarmac is tar, either oxidized or processed. Applying oxidized tar membranes, especially when waterproofing is the final stage of the procedure, is not advisable due to the sensitivity to the UV radiance and its low grade of elasticity at low temperatures. A safer and more suitable choice for every kind of waterproofing are those membranes which have been processed with asphalt (APP, SBS), their advantages being greater elasticity and durability.
- PVC membranes.
The use of PVC membranes is less popular with conventional water proofing. They are mostly applied on housetops and inclined roofs made of concrete, metal or wood, also on roof – gardens, for the creation of water tubs for waste water tanks, infrastructure and hydraulic projects. Their main advantage lies with a method of application on horizontal roofs, that is free layering without any stress or friction followed by mechanic fixation all around. Another plus is the fact that they are faster and easier to apply compared to bituminous membranes, since they are fused together where their layers overlap. Compartmentalization also gives the opportunity of repair in the case of a hole or incision. Repair work is done with resin infusion using a special nozzle (martyr).
- Water resistant coats.
Water resistant coats are separated in two main categories : Elastomers ( acrylic & polyurethane) and Cement based.
- Acrylic elastomer coats.
Water resistant acrylic elastomer coats are emulsifiers with creamy texture. They are formed from polymerized styrene base and acrylic resin. After they reach maturation they become strong and flexible waterproofing membranes with great durability. They can be easily applied on house tops on top of different pre-existing layers such as : fiber – reinforced mortars, zinc, aluminum, wood, bricks, tiles and concrete. Acrylic elastomers can also be used for the protection of parapets and wall partitions from damp and water permeance – on vertical parapets, zinc, drainpipes, on eaves and chimney footings. Acrylic elastomers present a number of qualities: such as high degree of elasticity, durability in nasty weather conditions, ability to penetrate the underlay and bridge possible splits. They are also impermeable to rainwater, easily applied and their non-toxic composition makes them a safe choice.
- Polyurethane elastomer coats
Water resistant polyurethane elastomer coats are emulsifiers with very thick creamy texture. They are single substance, “cold pressed” materials whose maturation is activated with damp, but still not affected by it .During and after the process of maturation they form a strong, durable seamless membrane. Such membranes are used for waterproofing new structures or in renovation on housetops with complicated details when access is difficult. They are primarily recommended for roofed patios and underneath pasted tiles on balconies. Being one substance coats they are easily applied with no further blending. Neither heating or flame is required, as they are “cold pressed” materials. They bear no seams and can be reinforced where needed. Elasticity and flexibility even at low temperatures is another plus. They are vapour-permeable allowing the underlay to breathe and combined with the suitable primer they can be easily applied on different pre-existing layers.
- Cement-based coats.
Water resistant cement based coats resemble cement powder that has been processed with various additives and fortifiers to enhance its properties. They are widely used due to their liquid texture. These coats can penetrate the body of the structure even at its delicate parts, enabling complete waterproofing and thus protecting the surface of the concrete from water inflow, sealing breaches and splits that may have been caused by contraction or expansion. They can withstand hydraulic pressure, too. Cement based coats are applied on both new or older buildings, especially on basement walls, drain pipes, water tanks and swimming pools to waterproof and fill or seal any joints. Their main characteristics include protection from water inflow, concrete carbonation as well as ability to diffuse vapor. Additionally, they are anti- corrosive to steel and iron, semi-flexible and can be painted.
