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Published on 26 July 2018 09:38 - Last updated on 24 August 2018 10:25

Internal Wet Area Damp Proofing

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Key Learning outcomes
  • How to distinguish wet, damp and dry zones in a room.
  • How to distinguish wet, damp and dry zones in a room.
  • What layers should be included while applying damp proofing?
  • How to apply damp proofing.
While choosing materials for rooms such as kitchen, bathroom or any other that may have any contact with water or may be affected by increased humidity, it is strongly recommended to consider using damp proofing. Damp proofing is a solution to protect wet zones of building against ingress of moisture. The type of damp proofing is closely associated with the moisture load and room or building designation. The inappropriate selection of materials and method of application in wet zones can cause immense damage such as tiles coming off, paint flaking, crystallising salt or even presence of fungus which can result in costly and difficult repairs. This article explains how to distinguish wet, damp and dry zones in a room, how to choose appropriate products and how to apply them in a proper way.

1.0 Introduction to appropriate selection

Damp proofing is a solution to protect wet zones of building against ingress of moisture. The type of damp proofing is closely associated with moisture load and room or building designation. The inappropriate selection of materials and method of application in wet zones can cause immense damage such as tiles coming off, paint flaking, crystallising salt or even presence of fungus which can result in costly and difficult repairs. The waterproof materials market offers a wide range of products for waterproofing including one- and two-component products intended for light-, medium- (groundwater) and heavy weight damp proofing (water under pressure).

To avoid problems with incompatibility of elements, proofing systems including accessories should be provided by one manufacturer. Whole system strategy simplifies and speeds up the work progress. System manufacturers usually anticipate potential problems which may occur during the system installation and improve systems to eliminate them. Thus, we get certainly that the entire system has been tested in view of adhesion of particular elements. Application of incomplete damp proofing system can result in unpleasant consequences as well. The dampness which ingresses through the building partition may cause the occurrence of mould and efflorescence. The consequences of this process are harmful not only in view of performance and aesthetics of a building, but above all, in view to health of the building residents. To top it all, drying wet walls is much more difficult and more expensive than executing a proper damp proofing system.

The type of tile adhesive recommended to use on damp proofing is C2 S1. Due to their high deformability, adhesives perfectly compensate thermal stresses occurring on balconies and terrace slabs and in the case of underfloor or wall heating systems. They are also recommended in places exposed to mechanical stresses where they should be applied on elastic damp proofing.

While using damp proofing on surfaces of gypsum plaster it is important to use products which do not contain cement. It is strongly recommended not to combine cement and gypsum, as it may lead to formation of ettringite. Crystallizing salts cause swelling and increase their volume up to 168 %. Direct combination of gypsum plaster and cement damp proofing will cause destruction of the top finishing layer. A damp-proofing agent should be applied on a primed substrate. The primer separates the layer of gypsum plaster from the damp proofing coat.
1.0 It is recommended to stir the products before use
1.0 It is recommended to stir the products before use
 
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