It is a fundamental hurdle of construction since it goes a long way toward making certain constructions are long lasting and robust. Consequently, it should be a tapestry of creativity, technological expertise, information, and material knowledge and skills. Here, we interview experts and stakeholders to share insights into essentially all aspects of waterproofing, including the state of the art in technology and materials, the most efficient practices of maintenance and protection of building structures from the negative impact of water.
A leading identity in this field is Dr. Michael Verdone, Director of Research and Development of a core waterproofing manufacturing company. He also notes that waterproofing is an interdisciplinary concept with a history. “It is the work that brings out a number of things, including the creativity in dealing with probable challenges arising from the surrounding environment and other materials used during construction,” he says. “On the other hand the science entails mastery of the physical and chemical characteristics of waterproofing products and the ways through which water penetrates a structure.”
According to Dr. Verdone, the most remarkable progress in the years has been achieved in the higher membrane technology. “Membranes are now meant to be extremely supple, but at the same time rather resistant to punctures and rips,” he says. ‘This leads to more elaborate patterns and placements of the material and may better suit the contour of a structure while still giving the water tight barrier.’
One is self-adhered membranes; these do not require the use of hot asphalt or torch-on application methods. ‘These membranes employ a PS adhesive technology that enables it to stick on the substrate without the application of heat or solvents’ said Dr. Verdone. “This leads to developing a stronger bond, and means that there is limited chance that water will be able to penetrate the seam.”
Hydrophobic and vapor-permeable formulated coatings constitute another significant aspect in the contemporary waterproofing systems. Waterproofing coatings as described by Sarah Becker a leading architect and expert in the waterproofing industry give a building a secondary line of defense against water damage. ‘These coatings help the walls to breathe in a way thus reducing the chances of moisture accumulation that leads to mold and mildew formation’, she said. ‘They also serve as an added protection against water seepage in areas that have high or fluctuating humidity or instances of flood.’
Beside innovations they see material and technology, proper installation and maintenance are also critical success factors identified by industry gurus. ‘It is not a matter of using the right products,’ noted Becker. It also includes the provision of making sure they are installed rightly; the waterproofing system of the building is properly checked and preserved.
She also explains that waterproofing contractors should adhere to certain procedures and choose the correct practices including the selection of a good substrate as well as correct adhesives which should make the surface completely waterproof. ‘It is also important to ensure that there is correct drainage planning around the building and any problems or factors that might interfere with the waterproofing system must be resolved,’ she said.
This is something that is incredibly difficult to employ and assure for the future, changes in climate conditions and rate of storms occurrence etc. ‘Waterproofing processes and all sorts of materials or systems used to keep out water have to be reviewed time and again considering these new challenges,’ comments Dr. Verdone. ”This requires constant innovation and product development as well as engaging relevant industries and government bodies to provide state of the art waterproofing solutions.”
This is one of the subtopics which researchers take an interest in when addressing the need for sustainable waterproofing products and techniques. This is because; as people become more sensitive to environmental impacts of construction activities, the demand for environmental friendly waterproofing solutions rises as pointed out by Becker. “These are recycled and renewable materials, new products that will consume less energy and emit fewer Green House gases.”
The second major compound is the lack of adequate and effective inspection and monitoring methods. ‘There was a time in the past when waterproofing systems were regarded as those things that once installed, were then left alone to get on with it,’ says Dr. Verdone. ‘However, with emerging flexible sensor system and data acquired as resources we are able to regularly evaluate the functions of these systems and make adjustments as necessary in real time’.
For instance, today people utilize IoT-connected sensors that help to control water levels and temperature inside the walls of a building to detect whether there may appear leaks or some violations in the waterproofing system. Therefore, in addition to forecasting likely failures, this information can be used to build models we can use to prevent them from occurring in the first place, asserts Dr. Verdone.
Last of the concerns identified with the industry is the need for continuing professional development. ‘Well, there is always one or two things that one does not know about waterproofing and the like,’ agreed Becker. ‘Knowing what is new in the material and technologies, improving our abilities in inspecting and maintaining the conduits and pipes, increase our knowledge base is key important on how we can deliver more superior solutions to our clients.’
Therefore, waterproofing as one of the disciplines of construction engineering is always in a process of gradual improvement, where the creativity of the human mind and the tolerance of waterproofing materials and technologies should be analyzed. With the best adaptive membrane technology, coating technologies, and sensors in place, waterproofing contractors, combined with the requisite installation and maintenance regimen of executed guard, play a critical role in ensuring the industry players are ready to confront the issues of the future and protect buildings and structures from water damage, consequently.