White Cap has the capability to supply the full system for all of your waterproofing projects, as well as all the items on your material list, including sealants, adhesives, joint tapes, mastics, and waterstops. These high-quality products are paired with expert advice that can support not only your design phase, but also the timely delivery of products to your jobsite. Let’s look at some of the types of waterproofing systems often specified on commercial projects. Cold Fluid-Applied Membranes Cold fluid-applied membranes provide a waterproof barrier on both horizontal and vertical applications and can be applied post-placement, both above and below grade. Compared to sheet membranes, these solutions are typically faster to install because there are no sheets to cut. Installers can coat the entire surface with a continuous membrane that leaves no open seams at joints and can also use common tools such as sprayers, rollers, squeegees, and/or trowels to apply. As the structure settles or moves, the fluid-applied membrane moves with its host substrate. These membranes are well suited for projects that have irregular shapes and surface textures. Sheet Membranes Sheet membranes are factory-produced sheets that meet thickness standards. The thickness is determined based off the resistance required for the anticipated hydraulic pressure. Manufacturers offer these sheets in a wide array of materials including bentonite clay, modified bitumen, rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and reinforced polymers. Contractors can also choose the manner they affix these membranes to both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Sheet membranes can be applied prior to or following concrete placement. Pre-placement membranes are placed on the inside of the concrete form. As the concrete hardens, the membrane fuses to the concrete element with a chemical reaction. Post-placement membranes often have adhesives on one side that securely affix the membrane to the concrete, known as self-adhering or ‘peel and stick membranes.’ Alternatively, contractors secure non-adhesive sheets using straps, anchors, and fasteners. Sheet membranes eliminate the uncertainty of proper coverage thickness as compared to other types of membranes and have good elongation. Hot Rubber Membranes Hot rubberized membranes are fluid-applied waterproofing systems used to create monolithic membranes on large surface areas. Contractors have found the continuous elastomeric membranes to be an efficient material to waterproof bridges, parking structures, promenade decks and tunnels after they are constructed. Hot rubberized materials consist of a blend of asphalt and modified rubber polymers containing mineral stabilizers. The formulations provide an excellent combination of toughness and low temperature flexibility. The fully cured membrane features a very low absorption and vapor permeance. These products also conform well to surface irregularities. Bentonite Membranes Bentonite is a naturally occurring material that expands when contacting groundwater. For effective sealing, bentonite materials must be confined to wet surroundings so as the material expands it exerts enough pressure in the joint to fill any voids (this pressure normally ranges between 30 to 60 pounds per square foot.) Bentonite is versatile and can be used in difficult applications, such as blindside waterproofing in deep applications. Cementitious Membranes Cementitious membranes are materials made with a portland cement-based coating combined with a waterproofing agent. You apply them to prevent water, water vapor, and moisture from penetrating concrete surfaces. The membranes are flexible so you can easily bend and position them on curved exteriors. These materials are commonly used on structures that contain water such as storage tanks, swimming pools, and pumping stations. WATERPROOFING MEMBRANES SCAN TO LEARN MORE
