Waterproofing Products

An impermeable surface or object is impermeable or resistant to the passage of water because of its make or because of the application of a waterproofing agent. Therefore, the process of securing/sealing a surface or object to make it water resistant is called Waterproofing. There are many waterproofing products available in the market to imbibe water-resistant quality to surfaces. While some are used exclusively in the construction industry others, are made for domestic applications.

In the past, waterproofing was extensively used with boats and ships. Pitch and Tar were two of the agents used to waterproof their hulls. Today, modern chemical sealants, O rings or gaskets are used to seal seams. Furthermore, many boat owners prefer polyurethane sealants over other methods simply because it is easy to use and it is readily available. In fact, the similar materials are also used to seal and waterproof the swimming pool area. Polyurethane sealant spray is commonly used to secure joints between the tiles of a swimming pool.

In the world of construction, waterproofing is an essential aspect of prolonging the life of any building. Concrete is not a waterproof substance since it allows seepage of water. Therefore, any surface that is exposed to water will require some sort of waterproofing. Some of the more commonly used waterproofing products with concrete surfaces are bitumen, PVC, silicate, PVDM etc. Furthermore, mixing water repellant additives to concrete before setting it, gives concrete water resisting capabilities. This work by blocking the pores in the hardened concrete or by substituting water in concrete with insoluble crystals.

Basements are prone to water seepage. The waterproofing products used in construction is ideal for this purpose. To cover hair line cracks simply applying a sealant should do. However, for larger cracks, using epoxy glue along with a sealant mixed into it should stop the seepage. For areas that are prone to water seepage even after waterproofing, a deeper application shall be required. For this purpose, the area should be cleaned and then dug into until dry concrete is reached. The whole area is to be then cemented with concrete mixed with a waterproofing agent.

Waterproofing is not just restricted to the world of construction. In industries, sealants are used to keep water out of seams of car windows, electronic parts and machineries. Watches in particular use a specific product called Golden shellback coating, which gives them, a vacuum waterproof coat.

In homes, silicone sealants and epoxy adhesives typically handle waterproofing. These two cheap waterproofing products should suffice for any domestic applications such as fixing pipes, cracks in the floor etc. A silicone gun is used to seal cracks and joints by simply smearing the silicone inside the cracks and over it. Whereas, an epoxy adhesive that come in the form of gums just need to be molded into shape of the joint and then with a little water applied over it. These are perfect for joints that will have to withstand high pressures.