Waterproofing Film: Waterproofing Film For Floors And Pools, For Foundations And Other Applications

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

In previous years, during the construction of buildings, protection from steam and moisture was far from always provided - most often homeowners limited themselves to laying roofing material on the roof. The technology of compulsory waterproofing came to us from abroad not so long ago, but it has already perfectly taken root in the construction industry. One of the most popular materials for this purpose is film, and we will talk about it in our article.

What is it and why is it needed?

The construction of a private house involves an obligatory stage of waterproofing work. Waterproofing allows you to avoid frequent repairs of the rafter system, elements of the foundation and walls, high-quality moisture protection extends the operational period of the building as a whole.

The use of film is considered an effective solution. It protects the insulation layer from the ingress of water and condensate, creates conditions for the unhindered evaporation of moisture into the atmosphere or its removal through special building elements.

So, if we are talking about the roof, then this is a properly equipped gutter, fixed to the eaves board and directed downward.

The waterproofing film has obvious advantages and some disadvantages. The pluses include a number of positive characteristics.

• High strength . The material is resistant to significant wind and snow loads. The film can withstand mechanical damage during the installation of roofs and other structural elements. Due to this degree of reliability, the film can be used even in winter when there is a large amount of precipitation.
• Resistant to UV rays . The film withstands solar radiation without any difficulties, while it does not lose its density and retains its original appearance. The waterproofing film can lie in the open sun for several months - only after that it begins to slowly deteriorate.
• Waterproofing . The material has the ability to withstand static loads even when exposed to large volumes of water. Most film manufacturers expose the material to a water column and a "rain test" before releasing a material to the market, in which the impact resistance of drops is determined.
• Thermal stability . Under the influence of temperature differences, the film material does not age. This is due to the presence of special additives introduced into the raw materials at the production stage. As a result, the film acquires increased resistance to high temperatures and their changes.
• Water vapor permeability . Due to diffusion, the film can allow steam to pass through. That is why most waterproofing materials are able to maintain a comfortable level of steam exchange in the room.
• Affordable price . The cost of waterproofing material is low, so almost everyone can afford to purchase it.

The film has fewer drawbacks than advantages

• Complexity of installation . When laying film waterproofing, it is necessary to form ventilation gaps and this greatly complicates the performance of all work.
• Difficulties in the design of a complex roof . In this situation, it can be challenging to create an efficient passage for the air flow. As a result, humid air is not completely eroded from the insulation layer, but accumulates inside - as a result, the material becomes a breeding ground for fungus and mold.

Where is it applied?

Waterproofing film is used in the construction of wooden houses, baths, and summer cottages. It is used for various types of work.

Foundation waterproofing

In this case, it performs two important functions at once:

• arrangement of the main waterproofing - for this, special diffusion materials are usually taken;
• auxiliary waterproofing layer - formed with PVC, the film is usually fixed between the insulation layer and the concrete screed (it can be laid between the base waterproofing and open ground, and in some cases it can be laid under concrete).

Floor waterproofing

It is necessary to protect the floor covering from moisture vapor and condensation. The use of special waterproofing films for the floor allows you to create a special coating that protects the concrete screed from wet vapors from slab floors . Usually this material is fastened with an overlap; to achieve maximum strength, it is welded with a construction hairdryer.

Waterproofing for floor coverings is usually laid in only one layer, then screed and further reinforcement of the structure are performed. After the surface has finally hardened, all protruding sections of the membrane waterproofing are cut off.

Wrapping moisture-proof film for laminate flooring is especially distinguished.

Roof waterproofing

One of the main areas of use for waterproofing films. This stage of work is important, since the lack of waterproofing will inevitably lead to roof leakage . An increased level of humidity causes oxidation of the metal and, as a result, its corrosion. Such a roof is short-lived and collapses much faster than protected with a film material.

For roofing, special films are used, they are placed under the roof so as to provide a good degree of ventilation in the roofing cake . The material is fixed to the rafters so that it does not adhere to the insulation, there must be a gap between the heat-insulating layer and the film. The crate is mounted on top, the slats are hammered in - this maintains the waterproofing in a taut state, preventing it from sagging.

Waterproofing can be used for both insulated and non-insulated roofs.

Species overview

Various types of waterproofing films are suitable for construction work, usually made of PVC or membrane.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene is one of the most popular options for waterproofing films, while affordable for people with a wide variety of incomes. The polyethylene-based material has a thickness of at least 200 microns and has good water resistance . However, polyethylene does not allow steam to pass through, so ventilation must be provided using an air gap - it is made between the film laid on the crate and the thermal insulation layer.

Membranes

This category includes breathable perforated materials with increased vapor permeability and adsorption capacity. They have a complicated structure, the presence of micropores makes it possible to actively absorb water, which subsequently evaporates under the action of air masses circulating in the under-roof zone . The only drawback of membranes is that during their installation it is imperative to provide for an air gap.

Several types of films are considered the most popular

• Standard . It is made from polyethylene. This material provides an effective water barrier and vapor protection, is widely in demand in the decoration of cellars, bathrooms, as well as swimming pools, saunas and other rooms that require maximum moisture protection. Polyethylene film can also be used for waterproofing a warm floor.
• Antioxidant . Such a vapor-tight base includes an absorbent layer as well as a hydrophobic spray. Due to these design features, water vapor is pushed out of the roof. The antioxidant film allows you to keep condensation that appears on the inner surface of the metal tile, galvanized sheet. Lay the film between the insulation and the outer cladding. Often used to protect the roof under construction.
• Diffusion It is made of polypropylene and has a rather complex structure. Effectively removes all condensate outside the protected space, but steam and water do not pass inside. Such a film has high tensile parameters, so that it can effectively protect the entire coating. During installation, you need to leave a thin air gap between the insulating layer and the film itself. If this is neglected, then the pores of the material will be closed, and this will reduce the vapor permeability parameters. With proper installation, film material 100x100 cm in size can pass up to 1 liter of liquid - this is quite enough to maintain the natural level of vapor exchange.
• Super diffusion . Devoid of all the disadvantages of diffusion coatings. Fastened to insulation or other protected surface. Does not require a ventilation layer. It has an outer and inner surface: the outer one during installation should be placed towards the finish, and the inner one should be fixed to thermal insulation.
• Pseudodiffusion . Not as common in construction as other types of waterproofing films. This is due to the fact that no more than 300 g of moisture can pass through a 100x100 cm base per day - this level is clearly not enough to maintain the natural ventilation level.

How to choose?

A high quality waterproofing material must meet several basic criteria. Resistance to temperature changes - a high-quality film must withstand temperature fluctuations in the range from -30 to +85 degrees Celsius.

Long service life - this period is usually indicated on the packaging of the film . If such information is not there, then it is better to refuse such a purchase. It is worth giving preference to films of well-known brands that have received good user reviews. One of the most durable coatings is considered multilayer waterproofing - it includes a reinforcing component, which greatly increases the service life of the material.

The presence of antioxidant characteristics is essential if the coating is to be installed in contact with a metal base, for example, during the construction of a roof. This material is covered with a layer of cellulose, so it retains and absorbs a large amount of moisture. Thanks to this, during a rainstorm and heat, a favorable microclimate is maintained in the room.

Elasticity - a film with increased elasticity parameters does not tear even under the influence of a powerful stream of water and wind . In terms of their functionality, films can have not only hydro-vapor barrier properties, there are wind-proof, hydro-wind-proof, and also fire-resistant waterproof materials.

Mounting

To equip high quality waterproofing, you must familiarize yourself with the basic recommendations for its installation. Before starting work, it should be borne in mind that the laying of different types of film has its own characteristics.

Films with antioxidant properties can only be installed in warm and dry weather. In this case, it is important to place it so that the absorbent coating is located in the direction of the heat-insulating layer. When fixing the material, it is necessary to use nails made of galvanized metal. Superdiffusion films can be installed on an insulated surface without an air gap.

A conventional diffusion film is attached with a gap, while for installation it is better to use nails with a large head.

The vapor barrier film is usually installed together with thermal insulation. It can be fixed with glue or with a tape with an overlap of 10-15 cm.

It's obvious that in the construction of buildings and structures, waterproofing film has become an indispensable material . Its use allows you to protect such important structural elements as the roof, floor, ceiling, and walls from the adverse effects of moisture. At the same time, the film is easy to install, and you can buy it at any store at an affordable cost.