Knowing how to avoid infiltration is a very important measure to avoid aesthetic and structural problems. After all, they can lead to other important pathological manifestations of the construction, such as stains, corrosion of steel reinforcements, efflorescence And the Trincas.
In addition, avoiding infiltration of buildings is an essential measure to guarantee the satisfaction of your end customer. This type of pathological manifestation is one of the most frequent complaints in civil engineering projects, causing a lot of inconvenience to people.
Fortunately, it can be easily prevented when you use the right protection. Its prevention, however, must start from the first stages of a project, such as planning, and extend to good practices for the use and maintenance of the building.
In this sense, waterproofing it's essential. There are materials that can be applied under surfaces Or how additives to repel much of the moisture. Do you want to know more? Then, follow this new article!
Combating this type of occurrence requires great care at every stage of the project and the use of construction. Understand better!
1. Have a plan
When planning, it is important to map the exposure of each surface to moisture, as this allows the recognition of those that will require waterproofing. In this sense, currently, the Brazilian ABNT technical standards classify 3 types of areas:
wet — are those that are subject to the formation of water slides on the surface due to exposure or use, such as bathroom floors, the outer face of slabs, outdoor floors, among others;
wettable — they are subject to water splashing, but there is no blade formation. These are those where, during cleaning operations, it is necessary to use liquids directly. Thus, the waterproofing may be less powerful; and
dry — are those that pose no risk of regular exposure to water and can be cleaned without the direct use of liquid with hoses or buckets. They are kept only with damp cloths.
After identifying them, it is necessary to understand the waterproofing needs of each of them. After all, each type this process has a very restricted application.
Rigid waterproofing agents cannot be used on surfaces subject to thermal expansion or intense vibrations. After all, they are not elastic and, faced with these risks, they may have cracks that will not be protected against moisture. The main systems are the additives placed in the mortar or concrete during the manufacture or preparation of the work.
Flexible waterproofing agents, on the other hand, are generally applied to the surface in the form of blankets or membranes. They are elastic and can adapt to cracks if they get dirty, thus maintaining quality protection.
Finally, we have semi-rigid waterproofing agents, which are similar to rigid ones, but have greater flexibility. Even so, they cannot yet be used in structures that expand.
From this, several actions can be taken in relation to the waterproofing strategy, such as:
choice of additives and mortar;
purchase of blankets and membranes;
supplier option;
outsourcing of services.
The important thing at this time is to guarantee a supplier of high quality products that have modern solutions for your works. There are several waterproofing options on the market, but not all of them are very versatile, durable, and effective.
2. Do a survey of the structures
Here, the most important point is to ensure the correct application of the waterproofing agents. This involves actions, such as:
correct dosage of additives;
standardization of surface smoothing mortars to prevent application failures;
proper installation of the blankets and membranes, following the recommendations of each.
3. Think about the finish
At this stage, it is important to assess whether the waterproofing protection measures have been taken. For example, there are materials that have low mechanical resistance and, therefore, need to gain a cover, generally a mechanical protection coating.
Finally, there is quality control to verify that all best practices have been implemented.
4. Consider using the area
In use, there are several important measures. The priorities are the proper maintenance of the structures - since a broken tile may expose the slab to intense humidity - and the periodic replacement of the waterproofing agent after the time indicated by the manufacturer.
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2. Use good products from trusted brands
A waterproofing of a building depends on the quality of the materials used in the project. Often, to reduce the costs of a work, cheap products from unknown brands in the market are used. In this sense, that saying “the cheap is expensive” is very true.
After all, infiltrations soon appear, and the costs to correct them are much higher than if you had used a good waterproofing right from the start. This type of structural damage generally permanently damages the structure, leaving concrete and bricks more fragile, in addition to compromising the entire plastering.
So before making your choice, do a lot of research on the internet and with colleagues. See what users of the brand have already said about it, reviews in stores, and recommendations. With this, you can be much more reassured that the option is suitable.
3. Make a good waterproofing project
Another important point is to prepare a good waterproofing project. This is because another very common flaw is to use the same waterproofing throughout the construction. However, each area and each surface requires a specific type of waterproofing.
A project will analyze the entire architectural plan and verify which are the most appropriate waterproofing techniques and types. For example, an important distinction is between wet and wet areas. The latter require a higher-performance waterproofing agent.
It is also important to assess whether the material will have good adhesion to the surface or a suitable mixture on the base where it will be applied. That way, it will no longer be necessary to worry about its detachment during the use of the construction.
4. What are the advantages of preventing infiltrations?
Prevention of structural pathological manifestations
Her own seepage It is already considered a pathological manifestation in itself, as it causes structural damage in the water path - since the water washes away, little by little, the minerals that form the bricks and the concrete, making them more fragile.
In addition, it generates other important problems, such as:
efflorescence — as the salts that form the structures of bricks and concrete are carried by the liquid, they begin to accumulate on the surface and, in contact with heat and carbon dioxide, they crystallize. Thus, several large spots spread across the construction;
corrosion of metallic armor — water is also a highly corrosive substance, accelerating oxidation. As the infiltration progresses, it causes cracks in the concrete that protects the metal beams and exposes them to air, in addition to catalyzing the process;
cracks — washing the salts also reduces the structure's density and strength, leaving it subject to breakage.
Greater construction comfort
Humidity can also disrupt the lives of residents or users of a building. As the water evaporates, it leaves the air more humid and the indoor climate becomes colder. The persistence of the problem leads to mold, which causes allergic reactions to many people.
5. Choosing the right company for the installation of waterproofing
Finally, choosing a good company for the installation is essential. After all, you may have purchased the best materials and done a careful design, but the wrong application will prevent them from achieving the desired effect.
Waterproofing is a complex procedure, which must be done by an experienced specialist. With this, it makes the correct compatibility of waterproofing with the structure.
In addition, other problems may arise, such as:
high waste of materials, since, since the installer will not have sufficient experience or techniques, several refills will be required;
non-compliance with deadlines due to lack of commitment or lack of ability to make an application at the appropriate time;
misalignment with the initial budget, since, to compensate for the lack of technique, it may indicate new unnecessary inputs, among others.
Therefore, carrying out an efficient waterproofing project, from the choice of supplier to installation, is the biggest determinant for successful seep prevention. That way, you guarantee a strategy that will last for many, many years.
6. What is the role of waterproofing in preventing seeps?
This technique greatly improves watertightness of the structures, preventing water from entering the pores and cracks. In this way, infiltrations are significantly prevented. There are many efficient materials available on the market to ensure the total success of your strategy.
Currently, the NBR 15.575 requires that this action be performed on all surfaces classified as wet areas. Wettable regions can also receive a good application, although it is not a requirement, guaranteeing buyer satisfaction for many years.
In view of all this, it is essential to know how to prevent infiltration with a good waterproofing project from the beginning of planning, following all technical recommendations. In addition, be sure to choose products that deliver a lot of quality and versatility. In this sense, Blok it has high-tech waterproofing agents of rigid, flexible and semi-rigid types.
What is your experience with waterproofing agents and their suppliers in previous projects? What did you miss? Tell us in the comments to this article below!
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