Waterproofing

Structural Waterproofing is an essential safeguard in the majority of construction; water ingress can lead to corrosion, increased heat loss, frost damage to masonry and unsightly water damage to both internal and external surfaces, amongst various other associated problems, therefore making the need for Structural Waterproofing increasingly fundamental in both new and existing structures of all backgrounds.

APA Concrete Repairs Ltd are experienced suppliers and applicators of numerous systems and methods of Waterproofing and are equipped to offer this service for a variety of structures, notably including roofs, balconies & walkways, podium decks, bridge decks, carparks, tunnels and many others. Our staff are also qualified to the Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) standard, ensuring the most accurate diagnostics and recommended design solutions for all waterproofing needs.

APA Concrete Repairs Ltd are vastly experienced in the provision and installation of multiple methods of Structural Waterproofing application:

Waterproof membranes

A Waterproofing Membrane consists of single or multiple layers of a continuous, watertight material or substance that is laid over a surface to prevent the passage of water. These can be applied both internally or externally, with interior Membranes being bonded to other materials, often directly to a surface or to a hard secondary surface, with the layers allowing water to penetrate one half of the wall but blocking its penetration to the other half. Exterior Membranes are designed to be significantly stronger and placed directly to the outside surface of a structure, preventing any water penetration and often including UV resistant properties.

Waterproof coatings

A Waterproof Coating is a substance or material used to coat surfaces to prevent their suffering from any detrimental effects from water exposure. These are precisely designed and installed in order to handle the specific threat which water may pose to an untreated surface. Waterproof Coatings can be categorised into four main types:

Epoxy Resin Coatings
Methyl Methacrylate Coatings (MMA)
Cementitious Coatings
Polyurethane Coatings

Waterproof Renders

Waterproofing Render systems function through blocking the capillary pore structure of a concrete surface to liquid water ingress, however most will remain permeable to water vapour for the purpose of allowing any entrapped moisture to escape and allow the structure to ‘breathe’. These systems are typically trowel, brush or spray applied depending on the specific nature of the product, and can withstand high water pressures, provide a hard-wearing surface and follow the contours of the structure in question when applied.

Resin Injection (Leak Sealing/Waterstop)

Waterstop is the term given to the technique where advanced resin technology is used to stop and prevent further water ingress within underground and water retaining structures. Resin injection systems as a means of Waterproofing can be used to seal permanently wet or leaking cracks and construction joints, or to provide a “waterproof curtain” behind a structural envelope. These systems can often provide an identical service life to that of traditional sheet and liquid applied membranes and is an ideal method for smaller and localised areas requiring water protection, eliminating disruption and excessive costs.

Polyurea Sprayed Waterproofing

Polyurea coating/lining solutions are more advanced than traditional coating systems, offering an array of advantages that cannot be achieved by others. Polyurea coatings contain high water, chemical and abrasive resistant qualities, and are additionally UV resistant and environmentally friendly as they are VOC free. One of Polyurea’s major benefits is its rapid curing and return to service characteristics; tack free/cure times can be as little as 10 seconds and can be open to light traffic within as little as an hour, returning a structure to service significantly faster than traditional coatings, avoiding potential lengthy closure time and resultant costs.

Joint Waterproofing

In many projects – structures in both public and private sectors – watertight movement, construction and expansion joint systems are of vital importance for the durability and life cycle expectancy of the structure: Important building parts of car parks, multi-storey car parks, underground car parks, pedestrian bridges, exhibition halls, industrial facilities (warehouses, factories), swimming pool areas, hospitals, sport facilities and stadiums have to be protected from water penetration.