Vertical waterproofing for residential and multi-family projects can be difficult with the number of products available in the industry, their unique installation instructions, and the speed often required to complete jobs. Thankfully, there are some easy tips and tricks to ensure your application is watertight and prevent callbacks. Read on for some frequently asked questions about fluid-applied waterproofing, as well as common mistakes to avoid on your next project.
Here are the questions I hear most often related to liquid waterproofing membranes and their answers to help guide your project preparation and product application:
When working with polymer-modified asphalt products, most application instructions will offer a range between 2200 and 2800 psi (pounds per square inch) for spraying. Because products, equipment, and project conditions will vary, be sure to refer to the application instructions and data sheets that come with your product or are available on the manufacturer’s website to ensure you follow the correct guidelines.
The recommended size of the sprayer tip will depend on the selected product and environmental factors. The product application instructions should contain specific recommendations since the product’s viscosity, which may be impacted by temperature, will affect the proper tip size selected.
Like the tip size, your pump choice will depend on the product and the project. When considering sprayer size, smaller units usually only spray out of 5-gallon pails of material, and larger sprayers can spray out of both the 55-gallon drums and the 5-gallon pails of material.
Manufacturers will outline the required product and outside temperature ranges for proper installation. Environmental factors, such as wind speed and precipitation, can impact the performance and cure time of waterproofing products, so thoroughly review manufacturer’s literature to line up your application with proper jobsite conditions.
Most products should be stored and kept above 50ºF (10ºC) , although some membranes can be applied in temperatures as low as 20ºF (-6 ºC), provided there is no frost on the wall to act as a bond breaker.
Similarly, some products benefit from the use of a heat exchanger, per manufacturer’s recommendation, which takes the product from ambient temperatures up to 110-160ºF (43-71ºC). While this process adds some extra setup cost, it speeds the cure time and enables application in cold temperatures.
What Happens When These Errors Aren’t Resolved?
Inadequate substrate preparation and improper membrane thickness can lead to a lack of adhesion or delamination of the product from the wall, which essentially lessens the protection and shortens the life span of the product. Even seemingly minor errors during waterproofing applications can cause big headaches in the long run for the builder, the owner and the building’s occupants in the form of moisture penetration, mold, mildew and ultimately warranty claims and call-backs to repair the damage.
Residential waterproofing membranes can be applied using a sprayer or a roller. The resulting performance of the applications, if done correctly, are comparable, so the choice is really up to contractor preference.
Spray Applications
Traditional waterproofing membranes were long applied with rollers, but as technology advanced, spraying with a hydraulic pump and hose became the predominant method. Today, spray applications are the most popular choice in the residential and multi-family sectors for their speed and efficiency. While requiring more equipment for installation, contractors tend to prefer using a sprayer for several reasons:
Roll-On Applications
With the many advantages of spraying a waterproofing membrane, rolling is no longer a common practice, as it can be time-consuming and messy. However, with the construction labor shortage, roll-applications can be enticing for beginner applicators since there is minimal learning curve. Contractors who continue to use this method typically have been doing it for decades and therefore have the procedures down efficiently and may not want the added expense of spray equipment.
In residential waterproofing applications, co-spraying can be used to speed the membrane cure time. Through a special co-spray or low-pressure pump and a modified gun, the process breaks the emulsion of the material with a calcium chloride solution so that upon spraying, there is a touchable, semi-cured membrane almost immediately.
This time factor helps fast-track construction and reduces the potential for washout if there is inclement weather. Plus, co-spraying only adds about two cents per square foot to the overall product cost, so it is not a financial strain.
Despite these benefits, however, most residential and multifamily waterproofing contractors prefer to spray wet for their projects as the extra pump, hoses, and chemicals add more complexity to their jobs.
Always Be Prepared Before Starting Your Project
Although there are a number of product, equipment, and jobsite factors to consider, a successful waterproofing project is feasible with proper preparation and application. Upfront training can mitigate field errors, and manufacturers offer data sheets and application instructions for easy reference at a moment’s notice.
Utilizing these documents and properly executing the product installations will preserve the long-term waterproofing protection of the home, saving money on future warranty claims for the contractor and maintenance costs for the building owner.