To create comfortable living conditions in modern homes, waterproofing is used, which prevents moisture from entering the building. The most popular is cement waterproofing. It is an affordable alternative to expensive materials. In addition, its indisputable advantage is that even an inexperienced builder can cope with its application. The installation technology is similar to applying plaster to the wall.
Water-repellent properties are not inferior to other types of waterproofing materials. Properly applied to the wall surface, insulation becomes a reliable protection against moisture for many years.
Types of coating type waterproofing
The materials used as cement waterproofing have a high density, which makes them resistant to moisture from the external environment. Among the huge variety of building materials, several types of coating waterproofing are distinguished:
- polymer mastics are characterized by a long shelf life without visible defects;
- polymer cement mortars not only performfunction of protection against moisture, but also have a firming effect;
- Astringent plaster containing hydrophobic, non-shrinking ingredients;
- bituminous mastics, which are not so attractive, but have excellent water repellency.
Each of the materials described above has a number of advantages and disadvantages. The selection is carried out individually, taking into account the features of the structure.
Bitumen waterproofing
This type of waterproofing has good moisture-repellent properties and can withstand a jet load of up to 0.2 MPa. The disadvantage is that the service life is not long enough, which, if properly applied, is only 6 years. Also, mastic loses its properties at a temperature of 0 degrees and is prone to cracking.
This waterproofing is rarely used as the main component of a water-repellent layer. Most often, it serves as a primer for applying stronger compounds.
Varieties of cement waterproofing
Today, there are many varieties of cement mixtures that have high water-repellent properties.
They have some differences:
- Mixtures containing inorganic binders. It is customary to apply such compounds both with a sprayer and with a spatula.
- Cement-sand waterproofing is used for monolithic bases. Feature isthe fact that after application it must be moistened every 15 days until completely dry, in order to avoid cracking of the material. The composition includes Portland cement, gypsum and aluminous cement.
- Cement-polymer waterproofing is distinguished by the presence of additives in the composition that form a coating resembling rubber.
The choice of material depends on the place in which it is used, as well as on the desired result.
Cement coating type waterproofing
Cement waterproofing has a number of benefits that keep it popular with builders:
- applying procedure is similar to plastering, so the waterproofing has high density and layer thickness;
- material is convenient and reliable, as it contains only 2 components: cement and liquid base;
- properly applied waterproofing can withstand pressure up to 6 atmospheres, which not every material can boast of.
Due to its unique properties, waterproofing cement mortar is used for finishing not only external and internal walls of buildings, but also for swimming pools, saunas, where there is a high level of humidity.
The nuances of applying cement-based waterproofing
Applying cement-based waterproofing is a simple procedure, so even a beginner can handle it. It consists of several stages:
- The surface before applying cement waterproofing is cleaned of dirt, dust and residues of other constructionmaterials.
- The wall is well saturated with moisture.
- Preparing a waterproofing mixture from an aqueous emulsion and a dry cement mixture.
- The thick composition is applied to the surface of the wall with a spatula and leveled using a building level.
After applying a layer, allow it to dry for the time indicated in the instructions on the mixture packaging. During this period, it is important not to violate the integrity of the coating.
The principle of operation of coating type waterproofing
Cement-based waterproofing has been used by builders for many years. The solution well covers holes and cracks in the walls through which moisture can enter. Cement waterproofing is used for both exterior and interior decoration, and is also a good primer for subsequent painting or tiling.
Due to the increased thickness of the waterproofing layer, the cement-based water-repellent material is also used as insulation. When properly applied and completely dry, the mixture has a long service life without cracking or other visible defects.
Material advantages
Cement based waterproofing has a number of advantages:
- environmental and non-toxic materials;
- quick curing: finishing work can start as soon as 2 weeks after applying the mixture;
- no need for frequent repairs to the waterproofing layer;
- possibility of application on the surfaceany form;
- no complex application tools required: only spatula, brush and building level can be used;
- low cost of materials.
The advantages described above are often decisive when choosing waterproofing for interior decoration. The positive qualities of the material allow it to be used in places with high humidity without compromising quality.
Disadvantages of cement mixtures
Despite all the apparent advantages of using cement mortar as a waterproofing, it has several minor disadvantages:
- the process of applying the mixture to the wall takes a long time;
- Do not use ordinary mortar of cement and sand as a waterproofing (it has no elasticity and is prone to cracking), additives should be added to make the material soft;
- if cracks appear, it is recommended to remove a layer of material at the crack site and apply the mixture again;
- despite the length of the service life, the wall under the waterproofing is gradually saturated with moisture, resulting in the destruction of the cement layer; after a few decades, the waterproofing layer should be changed, as moisture can get on the wall and cause its destruction.
Modern ready-mixes contain the necessary components to extend the service life, therefore, they are devoid of most of the shortcomings described above. They include materials such as wateremulsion, fine cement, quartz sand, chemicals to increase elasticity and viscosity, crystallizing polymer to help set the mortar.
The choice of waterproofing for the room depends entirely on the requirements for quality and durability of the material. The decisive factor can also be the cheapness and availability of the components of the cement mixture. Despite this, it has excellent properties that do not deteriorate over time.
