Waterproofing is the process by which an object or structure is made relatively impermeable to water – that is, one that under specific conditions repels water or absorbs only a minimal amount. Waterproofing is most commonly used in environments with high humidity or underwater up to a certain depth.
Why is waterproofing necessary?
The primary purpose of waterproofing is to protect building structures from the harmful effects of moisture and water. Properly and professionally executed waterproofing ensures long-term service of structures – it prevents moisture ingress, thereby avoiding mold formation, decay, and corrosion, as well as fungal growth, which poses a significant threat to human health. Waterproofing is an essential requirement in almost all phases of construction – whether building roads and bridges, laying foundations for buildings, installing lintels, erecting walls, installing roofs, or laying floors, etc. Waterproofing is also crucial indoors in areas with regularly high moisture levels, such as bathrooms, saunas, and swimming pools.
We, the “Hidroizolacija.lv” team, as industry professionals, understand the critical role waterproofing plays in the longevity of building structures, which is why we offer our clients various solutions to waterproofing challenges. Having operated for many years as the official representative and material supplier of the ALCHIMICA S. A. factory, we can provide our clients with only top-class waterproofing materials, as well as perform waterproofing work and offer training and consultations on the proper, technologically correct application of waterproofing.
What risks exist if foundation waterproofing is not carried out?
Building foundations, which are most often made of concrete, lie deep underground beneath a thick layer of soil. There, foundations are constantly exposed to moisture (groundwater, rainwater, snowmelt), and moisture poses serious threats to the entire structure. If foundation waterproofing is not performed, water penetrating the pores of the concrete expands when temperatures drop and over time gradually damages the foundations, significantly shortening their service life. Moisture also enters basements through the underground foundation walls, creating a favorable environment for mold fungi development and thus posing a huge risk to the health and even lives of occupants. From all of the above, it follows that a building without foundation waterproofing, or with improperly executed waterproofing, is not suitable for long-term, full use.
Our proposed solution for the longevity and safe operation of building foundations is foundation waterproofing with the Hyperdesmo® bitumen-polyurethane coating produced by ALCHIMICA S. A., which has a minimum service life of 25 years. The main advantage of the material is its elongation capacity above 1000%, making it an excellent solution not only for foundations and other underground structures but also for roofs, bridge decks, terraces and balconies, sanitary units, even flower beds and roof gardens. Its total thickness is only 1.5 mm, yet the benefits are substantial!
Which waterproofing materials are the best?
To ensure proper protection of building structures against the destructive effects of moisture, only high-quality waterproofing materials should be selected – it is definitely not advisable to choose the cheapest products, as they may not always deliver the expected results. You should also consider each type of structure – ceilings, walls, floors, foundations, roads and bridges, or other elements – and select the most suitable waterproofing materials specifically designed for the characteristics of each building element.
In our company’s extensive product range, we offer high-quality surface protection and waterproofing materials from ALCHIMICA – Hyperdesmo®. Hyperdesmo® is a liquid, single-component material formulated on a pure, durable, and flexible polyurethane resin base, with special inorganic additives that give Hyperdesmo® waterproofing materials excellent resistance to weathering, chemical, mechanical, and thermal stress, as well as ultraviolet radiation. Hyperdesmo® materials are available on both polyurethane-bitumen and pure polyurethane bases and are suitable for use on building foundations, verandas, balconies, roofs, sports fields, joints, asphalt, water reservoirs, chimneys, pipes, floors, and many other surfaces and structures.
For consultation on the most appropriate waterproofing solution, contact our “Hidroizolacija.lv” team, and we will be happy to assist you!