Slab Waterproofing: Discover 5 Types of Waterproofing for Your Work!

Antonio Neves
Written by
Antonio Neves
Published on
9/3/2024
Updated on
5/6/2024
Slab Waterproofing: Discover 5 Types of Waterproofing for Your Work!

A waterproofing Slab sealing is one of the most important processes for protecting a building against the effects of moisture. After all, this is the area with the highest direct contact with water due to rains. In addition, it is subject to the action of winds and other inclement weather, which may compromise the sealing of the slab.

Therefore, it is essential to have quality reinforcement. Thus, no matter how much the surfaces are subject to high risks, it will be possible to avoid infiltration and others pathologies in buildings.

Do you want to know more about the application process and the different types of waterproofing that can be used? Continue reading our article and check it out!

Structured Flexible Polymer Mortar
Blok ST
Waterproofing Resin for Structured Flexible Polymer Mortar
GET TO KNOW NOW
FREE MATERIAL

[Free Book] Negative and Positive Pressure Waterproofing

Download for free

How is the waterproofing process in slabs?

This process begins with the preparation of a waterproofing project. A NBR 9575 established its obligation before the execution of any service.

To do this, the provider will check your entire construction planning and verify which are the best waterproofing agents for each region, Even the slab.

Thus, you guarantee the full compatibility of the products with the surface and avoid problems, such as adhesive failure between the product and the substrate, quotas for applying the waterproofing agent and expansion joints.

After that, the implementation of a solution depends a lot on the waterproofing that will be used. In general, there is only one strategy for applying the products: direct application to surfaces, leaving only at the discretion of the company that will apply it, the specification of the correct product.

The waterproofing agent is applied in layers on solid surfaces with the use of various instruments, such as rollers, brushes, and even special brooms.

As each layer dries, another one is applied until it is completely sealed. There are two different types of processes here: cold and hot.

Generally, waterproofing asphalt blankets require high temperatures to adhere properly to surfaces. Thus, the installation may be a bit more complex and time-consuming.

In turn, the polymeric or acrylic mortar membranes they can be applied cold, as they have substances that are naturally adherent to room temperature.

Where is the waterproofing agent applied?

The waterproofing application can be shaped on site or using prefabricated products. The blankets are prefabricated in rolls with standard size and installed according to the measurements taken by the applicator and assembled into your building quickly. On the other hand, if the application uses in-place molding products, the processes that we explained in the previous item will be executed.

Regarding the application structure, waterproofing can be done directly on the slab, after its regularization. To reinforce protection, some people prefer to apply it to both the slab and the roof. This action may be recommended in places with a fairly hostile climate, with frequent winds and storms.

Finally, attention must be paid to the need for waterproofing protection. Some materials, such as asphalt mantle, do not have sufficient UV resistance to withstand constant exposure to the Sun, such as a slab is exposed. In this regard, it is necessary to apply a protective mortar over the asphalt blanket.

What are the types of floor slab waterproofing?

As we explained, there are different ways to apply a waterproofing agent. Next, look at the main types of waterproofing.

1. Rigid

It is made with additives on traditional civil construction mortars, such as mortars from plaster or cement. When added, it increases the surface tension of the material - so that it is able to repel water - or forms molecular structures with very low porosity.

However, it does not adapt well to thermal expansion, as it is sensitive to cracks. So, they should not be used on slabs.

2. Flexible

It is usually applied to the surfaces of the slabs. The materials used have good elasticity and can adapt to the expansion of the structure caused by thermal variation. In the event of cracks, they can also conform to them.

3. Semi-Flexible

It has greater flexibility compared to the rigid one, but it should not be used on surfaces subject to expansion. Therefore, on slabs, it is much safer to use flexible waterproofing, as it provides greater conformation to the movements and expansions of the structure.

What are the types of waterproofing for slabs?

1. Acrylic Membrane

Manufactured from the emulsification of various thermoplastic polymers. As a result, it gains high adhesive power, great flexibility and mechanical resistance. It must be applied with several cold coats. However, it should not be used on slabs where it is possible to accumulate water sheets, since there may be an interaction between water and the acrylic membrane.

2. Polymeric Mortar

This type of waterproofing agent is the result of mixing acrylic polymers and cement. This type of waterproofing agent has high resistance to exposure to the Sun and is applied cold, making it easy to apply it by specialized labor. Another advantage of this type of product is the non-reemulsifiability due to the accumulation of water, as is the case of acrylic membranes.

3. Asphalt Blanket

Use the tarmac as a base and, depending on the objectives, may include other materials — such as fiberglass and polyethylene. It is flexible, but it has low mechanical resistance and also low resistance to ultraviolet rays, which can cause material degradation.

The installation is usually done using heat to ensure full adhesion. It was one of the most used techniques on the market, but today, cold-applied membranes have taken the lead.

What are the main precautions when it comes to waterproof a slab?

The success of your strategy will depend on two main factors: the quality of the products and the installer's technical capacity. For that reason, you need to purchase your waterproofing agents with reliable, highly recommended suppliers with extensive experience in construction solutions.

A Blok has been operating in the market for almost 30 years, investing in respect, transparency and seriousness. All products have been developed with high technology and quality control processes. In addition, we offer partner technical support, which will answer all your questions and solve your challenges quickly.

Installers, on the other hand, must have specialized knowledge in waterproofing. Do not use an untrained workforce to perform the services. Otherwise, several reworks may be necessary, increasing the final costs of the project.

As we have seen, the choice of waterproofing of slabs must be assisted by a qualified professional and must have a project that follows all the requirements of Brazilian standards, 9474 and 9575. In addition, these structures require reinforced care and, therefore, it is necessary to have the best products on the market.

Do you want to know more about how we can help your company with successful waterproofing projects? So, be sure to get in touch with us!

BLOK'S BLOG

Join the team of the best professionals in the construction industry and always be informed about the greatest advances in your profession.