Commercial Waterproofing: Four Essential Considerations for Membrane Selection

22 February 2018
 Categories: , Blog

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If you are a commercial building owner, you should be diligent in upholding the correct waterproofing practices. In general, a water proofed building will be more hygienic because damp structures attract pests such as cockroaches, termites and rodents. Also, the water penetration will promote the growth of mould and mildew. These fungal organisms will release spores which will compromise indoor air quality and trigger allergic reactions among occupants.

You should remember that a poorly waterproofed building will not draw in new tenants or ensure the retention of the old ones. As a result, your income will decline over time. Fortunately, you can prevent these detriments through the application of a waterproofing membrane. This product is favourable over alternatives because it is continuous, thin and watertight. Here are some considerations to help you choose the right membrane for your building.

Membrane Form

When choosing your waterproofing membrane, you should make a comparison between sheets and liquid-based membranes. Sheet membranes are strong and resilient, and they can withstand high pressure without deterioration. However, you must have expert contractors for the installation because gaps in the sheets could lead to leaks. Liquid membranes are advantageous due to their lack of joints. But, the correct thickness must be applied for optimal performance.

Substrate Compatibility

You should evaluate the compatibility of the different waterproofing membranes in the market with your commercial building. Typically, it is advisable to choose a product which in compatible with diverse substrates because you might need to waterproof diverse surfaces in your structure. For the best results, you should ensure that the membrane will, at least, adhere to concrete, asphalt and masonry as well as steel and timber.

UV Stability

Your waterproofing membrane might be exposed to the sun consistently. For example, if you have an open, solid rooftop, you must ensure that rainwater does not penetrate into the building. Unfortunately, waterproofing membranes, like most products, can be degraded by ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, you should make sure that the membrane intended for such an application is designed for optimal UV stability to ensure longevity.

Profile Termination

Finally, you should check the profile termination of your selected sheet-based waterproofing membranes. In general, if the membrane ends abruptly at the edges, water can seep in from behind and cause water damage. Therefore, you should check the specifications of your preferred membranes and ensure that the problem has been addressed. It is also important to ensure that that your chosen product is elastic for complete coverage when the building moves.