Waterproofing in buildings is of critical importance, especially in countries located in earthquake-prone regions like ours. The “Waterproofing Regulation” introduced in recent years has established the principles of waterproofing. According to this regulation, waterproofing must be applied to prevent buildings from being damaged by water or moisture.
What is Waterproofing?
Waterproofing refers to the applications made to extend the life of buildings, making them resistant to wear, corrosion, and leaks. Waterproofing is done to prevent water or moisture from causing damage to the structure.
Waterproofing is necessary for the longevity and reliability of buildings. It is performed to protect against environmental factors such as rain, hail, snow, humidity, and groundwater. Additionally, waterproofing is carried out to prevent bathroom, toilet, and kitchen water from harming the building.
What Are the Applications of Waterproofing?
Buildings have areas that come into direct contact with water, often referred to as wet areas. These areas include terrace roofs, bathrooms, kitchens, and toilets. Buildings have various regions where they come into direct contact with water, making waterproofing essential in many areas.
The areas where waterproofing is applied are defined as follows:
- Foundations and floors
- Walls and facades
- Exterior walls
- Roofs and terraces
- Pools
- Window edges
- Water tanks
- Wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and toilets
- Substructure areas
Waterproofing is carried out in areas such as walls and facades, terraces and roofs, foundations and floors, pools, and special spaces. The attic and terrace sections of houses are crucial for waterproofing. Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or hail can damage roofs and terraces. In such cases, water on the roof or terrace can penetrate the building. To prevent water leakage and seepage inside the building, waterproofing must be applied to terraces and roofs.
What Are the Advantages of Waterproofing?
Waterproofing offers several advantages. Firstly, it protects the building against water leakage. It prevents the formation of organisms such as mold, black spots, and fungi on interior surfaces. Waterproofing also prevents natural materials from decaying and plaster from swelling.
Waterproofing protects the building from corrosion and wear. It extends the lifespan of structures by guarding against the adverse effects of water and moisture.
How Is Waterproofing Done?
Waterproofing must be carried out during the construction phase of a building. Waterproofing is applied to specific areas of the structure during construction. It is crucial to ensure that waterproofing is done correctly in these areas.
Waterproofing of Foundations and Retaining Walls
The waterproofing of foundations and retaining walls is carried out during the construction of the building. To do this, the surface should be prepared smoothly. Any imperfections on the surface should be removed, and the area should be prepared for application. Liquid membrane waterproofing is commonly used for the insulation of foundations and retaining walls.
Waterproofing of Floors
Waterproofing applied to the floors of buildings helps prevent water seepage and penetration. Waterproofing is essential for the long-term durability of buildings. With floor waterproofing, structures are protected against water damage. Floor waterproofing is done in areas that may be exposed to water, such as metro and tunnel construction, the interior insulation of basements and walls, and areas where floors and horizontal joints could come into contact with water.
Waterproofing for Terraces and Roofs
Bituminous, acrylic, or polyurethane materials are used for waterproofing on terraces and roofs. When performing waterproofing on terraces and roofs, the surface must be prepared perfectly. The waterproofing material is mixed with water and then applied to the terrace using a roller or brush.
Choosing the Best Waterproofing Material
The best waterproofing material is selected based on requirements and conditions. If waterproofing is to be done for foundations and terraces, membrane material should be used. Liquid membrane waterproofing is often preferred due to its ease of application and durability. Liquid membrane, being completely waterproof, also has the advantage of being easy to clean.
