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Waterproofing is the process of installing a protective insulating system designed to prevent the seepage and/or penetration of liquids or other fluids into or out of a structure.

Waterproofing a building or structure should always be carried out as part of a system, utilizing one or more products tailored to the desired level of protection and the intended use of the structure or building.

Protecting structures and buildings against moisture is essential for health reasons, to maintain the building’s aesthetic appearance, to avoid the need for remedial work, and to extend the structure’s service life.

Every construction project contains areas that require waterproofing.

The first step for builders is to identify the areas that require waterproofing and select the most suitable type—but which one is best?

Contractors should be required to use the optimal system based on specific needs; for example:

Interior and/or exterior waterproofing

Structures or buildings can be waterproofed from the inside, the outside, or both, depending on construction conditions and the desired level of protection.

Generally, a waterproofing material is one that prevents water from passing through it, acting as a protective umbrella over the surface to which it has been applied. Consequently, there are many materials that can serve as waterproofing, though some consistently deliver better results than others. For this reason, we want to distinguish between the different types of waterproofing products available and identify which are best for protecting roofs, terraces, and flat rooftops.

Types of waterproofing for roofs and terraces

As previously mentioned, there are various materials used for waterproofing surfaces. The most common types include the following:

• Acrylic waterproofing: This is a type of liquid waterproofing—similar to exterior paint—formulated with synthetic resins and glass fibers. This category also encompasses products based on acrylic resins.
• Asphalt-based waterproofing: These products consist of emulsified water, polyester, and glass fibers. These fibers provide greater strength to the system, thereby enhancing its durability.
• Cementitious waterproofing: These products are highly resistant to weathering, making them ideal for both temperate and cold climates. Furthermore, they offer great durability and prevent the appearance of efflorescence (salt deposits).
• Elastic waterproofing agents: These are made from acrylic copolymers and provide high elasticity, allowing them to effectively withstand contraction and expansion movements.
• Liquid membranes: These involve applying a primer coat followed by additional layers of polymers. They are highly flexible systems with good durability properties.
• Polyurethane membranes: These are ideal for outdoor surfaces, although they are very sensitive to moisture. They are primarily characterized by the high degree of flexibility they offer.