Waterproofing is an important step in the overhaul of almost any floor. It reliably protects the structure from moisture penetration from both sides. Usually, waterproofing is done in the bathroom, bathroom and kitchen, but professionals recommend protecting floors with it in living quarters. Especially if it is a private house in which the floors are made on the ground, or a high-rise building, the apartment in which is located directly above the basement. Floor waterproofing keep the concrete screed from moisture coming from below and protect your neighbors if you have a leak. Therefore, do not save and do it throughout the apartment during repairs.
At the moment, there are many types of waterproofing, with which you can create a reliable water-repellent and waterproof layer in the room. It will protect your ceilings, walls and floors from the appearance of dampness, rot, mold, fungus, pathogens, etc.
Waterproofing can be divided into two large groups:
- For interior work.
- For outside work.
We are more interested in waterproofing for interior work, so we will consider its types according to the working water-repellent effect. She happens:
- polymeric;
- bituminous;
- bitumen-polymer;
- mineral.
Also, waterproofing can be divided according to the method of application and installation on the work surface. In the hardware store you can find the following options:
- film.
- Rolls.
- membranes.
- penetrating.
- Plaster.
- Coating.
- Powder.
- Pasting.
- Painting.
Each of the above options has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's talk more about them.
Film and roll waterproofing
These are the most popular materials used in private houses, apartments, offices, commercial and industrial buildings. Film and roll floor waterproofing appeared in the middle of the 20th century - it is represented by various types of roofing felt, roofing felts, glass roofing material. This is a good choice for creating high-quality waterproofing of the floor, foundation and flat roof. Usually, roofing material and roofing felt are made from a thick sheet of cardboard, which is impregnated with a mixture of bitumen and sprinkled with basalt crumbs. Such material perfectly retains moisture, but can be worn out from high loads. Therefore, it is usually placed in several layers or additionally treated with resin.
Waterproofing floors with rolls should be made monolithic and overlapped
A classic double polyethylene film can also act as a protective layer. But you can use it only if you decide to save. Its strength is very low, and the requirements for the base are high. The slightest bump can cause the material to tear or rub, and the layer will let moisture through.
Polymer membranes are considered more modern options, which not only protect the room from moisture, but also reliably retain heat. Usually, membranes are produced on an adhesive basis - it is enough just to roll them out over the base, not forgetting about the overlap (7-10 cm). With the help of membranes, you can create high-quality waterproofing for a classic or dry floor screed. Polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or polyethylene is used as the basis. The main advantage of film and roll waterproofing is the speed of application: you just need to roll the rolls over the surface and connect them to each other. To ensure better protection, the film is wound around the perimeter on the walls, and after arranging the finishing floor, it is cut and the edges are fixed with a plinth.
Waterproofing mastic
No less popular in construction and repair is mastic, consisting of bitumen, resin, liquid rubber, various polymers and plasticizers. Mastics are usually divided into two types:
- Hot type.
- Cold type.
This is a great option for creating reliable waterproofing in the kitchen, bathroom, swimming pool, toilet, sauna. She is treated with both floors and various seams, joints, surface drops.
Note:mastic is a very practical and reliable option. It creates a dense protective layer, filling all the bumps and cracks on the surface.
Waterproofing the floor with mastic allows you to level the surface and fill all the unevenness of the floor
Liquid waterproofing
Strange as it may sound, but waterproofing is liquid. This concept includes various impregnations, varnishes, primers, paints, etc. The principle of operation is simple: the drug is applied to the surface, it penetrates into pores and cracks, and after drying it forms a durable film that does not allow steam or moisture to pass through.
Powder based waterproofing
This group includes all kinds of dry mixes that require dilution with water before use. They include a variety of adhesives, cements, plasticizers. Usually, such preparations are not used as a separate layer, but are added to the screed at the pouring stage. As a result, you get a durable layer that does not allow moisture to pass through. Powder materials are often used for surface and wall treatment in damp basements and underground, in swimming pools and saunas.
Principles for creating a waterproofing layer
All of the above materials are applied to the surface in different ways. But the main thing in them is that the installation should adhere to the principle of continuity. If you are laying the membrane, then overlap and wrap it on the walls. If liquid preparations - then do not allow passes.
Note:don't skimp on the material. Treat various ledges and walls in contact with the floor to a height of 20-25 centimeters.
Liquid based waterproofing
Liquid insulation is divided into two types:
- Impregnation.
- Cast.
The first type is applied to the surface with a roller, brush or a special sprayer. Drying, the material covers the surface with a durable monolithic film that allows air to pass through but retains water molecules.
Floor waterproofing with liquid materials
The second type usually consists of bituminous components with the addition of plasticizers and polymers. The material is heated to the required temperature, after which it becomes liquid and fluid. It is poured over the surface and smoothed, resulting in a strong, even and reliable film. Usually bituminous mastics are used for waterproofing foundations and subfloors. It can be applied in one layer or several. In some cases, the thickness of the waterproofing can reach 100 mm.
Paint waterproofing
Painting materials for floor waterproofing suggest application in a cold way (without heating). They usually have an epoxy or rubber base and are applied like regular paint. To carry out the work, you will need a regular roller (it is advisable to choose high-quality rollers that will not lose lint) or a brush.
The protective layer in this case is quite thin - no more than 2-3 mm. But this is quite enough to ensure that the surface does not allow steam and moisture to pass through, and is not covered with mold and fungus. The average service life of paint waterproofing is not very long - it usually lasts about 5-6 years.
Gluing waterproofing
The principle of applying this material is quite simple - a special glue is applied to a base prepared and well cleaned of dust and debris, on which insulation sheets are laid. There are three application options:
- Laying sheets on the floor and fixing them with glue.
- Laying sheets and connecting them to the surface and to each other using soldering (usually a blowtorch or a special device that supplies hot air is used).
- Laying sheets or rolls with an overlap and securing them with adhesive tape. This option is usually used when pouring a screed or when arranging subfloors. The overlap in such cases must be done at least 15 centimeters.
Note:most modern roll materials are produced on a self-adhesive basis. In order for them to adhere well to the surface, it is necessary to thoroughly clean it of dust.
Gluing waterproofing can be done in several layers
Plaster method
There are many dry mixes on the market to provide high-quality floor waterproofing. Usually they are applied like ordinary plaster: first they are diluted with water until a creamy mass is obtained, and then they are laid on the surface with a spatula. There are also dry backfills - they just need to cover the floor, after which they will absorb all the moisture. Remember that it takes at least two weeks for the plaster to dry completely. To prevent the layer from bursting, it must be moistened periodically - this information is indicated on the bag with the mixture.
In principle, this is all the information on how to waterproof the floor. Which materials to choose depends on your requirements and capabilities. Usually, rolls are used for apartments and houses, in especially difficult cases - coating. The remaining methods are considered situational.
