WATERPROOFING MATERIALS

Waterproofing is the process of making an object or structure waterproof or water-resistant so that it remains
relatively unaffected by water or resisting the ingress of water under specified conditions. Such items may be used
in wet environments or underwater to specified depths.
Water-resistant and waterproof often
refer to penetration of water in its liquid
state and possibly under pressure,
whereas damp proof refers to
resistance to humidity or
dampness. Permeation of water
vapour through a material or structure
is reported as a moisture vapor
transmission rate (MVTR).
The hulls of boats and ships were once
waterproofed by applying tar or pitch.
Modern items may be waterproofed by
applying water-repellent coatings or by
sealing seams with gaskets or o-rings.
Waterproofing is used in reference to building structures (such as basements, decks, or wet areas), watercraft,
canvas, clothing (raincoats or waders), electronic devices and paper packaging (such as cartons for liquids).

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATERIALS USED IN WATERPROOFING

Polyurethanes

Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a

polyol (an alcohol with more than two
reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule)
with a diisocyanate or a polymeric
isocyanate in the presence of suitable
catalysts and additives. Because a
variety of diisocyanates and a wide range
of polyols can be used to produce
polyurethane, a broad spectrum of
materials can be produced to meet the
needs of specific applications.

Polyurethane (PUR and PU) is a polymer

composed of organic units joined by
carbamate (urethane) links. While most
polyurethanes are thermosetting
polymers that do not melt when heated,
thermoplastic polyurethanes are also
available. Polyurethane polymers are traditionally and most commonly formed by reacting a di- or triisocyanate
with a polyol. Since polyurethanes contain two types of monomers, which polymerise one after the other, they are
classed as alternating copolymers. Both the isocyanates and polyols used to make polyurethanes contain, on
average, two or more functional groups per molecule. Polyurethanes are used in the manufacture of high-
resilience foam seating, rigid foam insulation panels, microcellular foam seals and gaskets, durable elastomeric
wheels and tires (such as roller coaster, escalator, shopping cart, elevator, and skateboard wheels), automotive
suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, high-performance adhesives, surface coatings and sealants,
synthetic fibers, carpet underlay, hard-plastic parts etc. The main ingredients to make a polyurethane are di- and
tri-isocyanates and polyols. Other materials are added to aid processing the polymer or to modify the properties of
the polymer.

Cementitious coating

Cementitious coating refers to a coating that

contains Portland cement as one of its
components and is held on the surface by a
binder. A cementitious coating provides
corrosion resistance to substrates; for example,
steel is protected from corrosion by maintaining
the pH level above 4.0 at the metal/coating
interface because steel corrodes at a lower rate
in this pH range. Cementitious coating is a two
component, thixotropic, cementitious modified
polymer coating. This coating provides high
adhesion to both concrete and steel. This
coating provides protection from the effects of
aggressive acid gases, moisture and chlorides
and also resists chemical attack on the concrete
or other substrates. This coating forms a highly
elastic hard and alkaline coating on the
substrate. Cementitious coating protects
concrete in sulfate contaminated ground
conditions.

Cementitious coating is useful for internal and

external structural waterproofing of concrete
and other mineral substrates. It is also useful for
underground structures as well as roofs and
decks. Cementitious coating can protect
highways and coastal structures from a
chlorides environment and enhance the
durability of reinforced concrete.

Bitumen

Bituminous waterproofing systems are

designed to protect residential and
commercial buildings. Bitumen (asphalt or
coal-tar pitch) is a mixed substance made
up of organic liquids that are highly sticky,
viscous, and waterproof. These systems
are sometimes used to construct roofs, in
the form of roofing felt or roll roofing
products.

The primary use (70%) of bitumen is in

road construction, where it is used as the
glue or binder mixed with aggregate
particles to create asphalt concrete. Its
other main uses are for bituminous
waterproofing products, including production of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs.Bitumen properties change
with temperature, which means that there is a specific range where viscosity permits adequate compaction by
providing lubrication between particles during the compaction process. Low temperature prevents aggregate
particles from moving, and the required density is not possible to achieve.
 EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer

rubber) is a type of synthetic rubber that is used in
many applications. EPDM is an M-Class rubber
under ASTM standard D-1418; the M class
comprises elastomers having a saturated chain of
the polyethylene type (the M deriving from the more
correct term polyethylene). EPDM is made from
ethylene, propylene, and a diene comonomer that
enables cross linking via sulphurvulcanisation. The
earlier relative of EPDM is EPR, ethylene-propylene
rubber, that contains no diene units and can only be
crosslinked using radical methods such as
peroxides. Dienes used in the manufacture of EPDM rubbers are ethylidene norbornene (ENB), dicyclopentadiene
(DCPD), and vinyl norbornene (VNB). EPDM is derived from polyethylene into which 45-85 wt% of propylene have
been copolymerised to reduce the formation of the typical polyethylene crystallinity.

Roofing felt

Roofing felt (similar to tar paper) is the base material

used to make roof shingles and roll roofing. Used for
decades as waterproof coverings in residential and
commercial roofs, these bitumen compositional
membranes incorporate two layers. The first
underside polymer membrane is used as a solid
background, often reinforced with glass fibers.
Mineral granules make up the self-protective top
layer, with a final bituminous mixture encapsulating
them both. Typical uses of felt paper are as an
underlay beneath other building materials, particularly
roofing and siding materials, and is one type of
membrane used in asphalt built up roofing (BUR)
systems.

Mastic Asphalt

Mastic asphalt (MA) is a dense mixture

consisting of coarse aggregate, and/or sand,
and /or limestone fine aggregate, and/or filler
and bitumen, which may contain additives (for
example polymers, waxes). The mixture is
designed to be of low void content. The binder
content is so adjusted that the voids are
completely filled and that even a slight excess of
binder may occur. Mastic asphalt is pourable
and able to be spread in its working temperature
condition. It requires no compaction on site.

Its durability and seamless application means

that it is one of the few membranes able to
 handle consistent heavy foot and vehicular
traffic, including from Heavy Goods Vehicles,
and still maintain its waterproof integrity. With
no application too tricky, it is also easy to
repair should alterations or damage occur.

Thermoplastic

A thermoplastic, or thermosoftening plastic, is

a plastic polymer material that becomes
pliable or moldable at a certain elevated
temperature and solidifies upon cooling. Most
thermoplastics have a high molecular weight.
The polymer chains are associated by intermolecular forces, which weaken rapidly with increased temperature,
yielding a viscous liquid. In this state, thermoplastics may be reshaped and are typically used to produce parts by
various polymer processing techniques such as injection molding, compression molding, calendering, and
extrusion. Thermoplastics differ from thermosetting polymers (or “thermosets”), which form irreversible chemical
bonds during the curing process. Thermosets do not melt when heated, but typically decompose and do not
reform upon cooling.

Sheet waterproofing membrane

As the name implies, these are membranes that

arrive at the site in the form of rolls. These are
then unfurled and laid on a firm surface. The most
common type of sheet based membrane is a
bituminous waterproofing membrane. This type of
membrane is stuck to the substrate with a hot tar
based adhesive using blowtorches.

Joints between adjacent membranes are also

made with the same hot adhesive. The sheets are
overlapped by about 100mm (4″) to form a
waterproof joint. Some membranes are even
joined by melting them with a hot air gun and then
overlapping them on the previously laid sheet.
With this type of membrane, joints between sheets are critical, and must be done perfectly to avoid leakage.

PVC waterproofing membrane

The polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) waterproofing

volume material is one performance outstanding
high quality, joins processing assistants and so
on plasticizer, anti-ultraviolet ray medicinal
preparation , anti-aged medicinal preparation,
stabilizer after the PVC resin, through squeezes
out the law production formation the high
polymer waterproofing volume material.
Because this product has used the unique
product formula, the product life has far
exceeded the general waterproofing material,
the entire waterproofing system life is long, the
roofing surpasses for 30 years, underground surpasses for 50 years, in the construction, the civil engineering
obtains the widespread application.

Liquid applied membranes

Liquid applied membranes come

to the site in liquid form, which are
then either sprayed or brush-
applied on the surface. The liquid
cures in the air to form a
seamless, joint-free membrane.
The thickness can be controlled
by applying more of the liquid
chemical per unit area.Since the
application procedure is very
quick, a contractor will try and
finish the entire area to be
waterproofed in a single day to
avoid cold joints. However, if a
very large area is to be done on
successive days, cold joints can
easily be done by overlapping the
new membrane over the old – the
chemical will stick to itself readily.

These are generally considered to be superior to sheet based membranes as they are joint-free. However care
must be taken in application to provide just the right thickness. The membrane can tear or break if it is too thin.
The adhesion of the membrane to concrete must be good. If a concrete screed  (layer) is to be applied over a
waterproofing membrane, the membrane is made rough by sand broadcasting. This is throwing a thin layer of
sand by hand over the wet membrane (before it has set fully) so that the sand sticks to the membrane and
provides a rough surface the concrete can adhere to.
 ROOFING MATERIALS
It is the outermost layer on the roof of a building,
sometimes self-supporting, but generally supported by
an underlying structure. A building's roofing material
provides shelter from the natural elements. The outer
layer of a roof shows great variation dependent upon
availability of material, and the nature of the supporting
structure. Those types of roofing material which are
commercially available range from natural products such as thatch and slate to commercially produced products
such as tiles and polycarbonate sheeting. Roofing materials may be placed on top of a secondary water-resistant
material called underlayment.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATERIALS

USED IN ROOFING
1. Solar tiles
Advanced solar collectors integrate seamlessly into existing
shingles, generating up to 1 kilowatt of energy per 100 square
feet. They’re particularly good for sunny roofs in homeowners’
associations that forbid typical solar panels. While they may help
offset energy costs with solar power, they also cost more than
traditional solar options.

2. Asphalt shingles
Are the most common roofing materials in America because they’re
effective in all environmental conditions. Quality varies widely, so
ask whether they pass the ASTM D3161, Class F (110 mph) or
ASTM D7158, Class H (150 mph) wind tests and the AC438 durability test. Upfront costs are low, but you should
expect to replace the shingles after about 20 years. If you live in a hail prone area, consider impact resistant
shingles which have a UL 2218 Class 4 rating. Impact resistant shingles may qualify for a discount on your
homeowner’s premium.
3. Metal roofing
Metal roofing comes in vertical panels or shingles resembling
slate, tile and shake – and lasts about 60 years. Metal excels at
sloughing off heavy snow and rain, won’t burn and resists high
winds. It is lightweight and can be installed over existing roofs.
However, metal can be noisy during rainstorms, and may dent
from hail. Average costs range between $5 and $12 per square
foot, depending on type and style of metal – which is more than
asphalt but less than concrete tiles. Corrosion also varies by
material.
 4. Stone-coated steel
Interlocking panels mimic slate, clay or shingles and resist
damage caused by heavy rains (up to 8.8 inches per hour),
winds of 120 miles per hour, uplifting, hail and freeze-thaw
cycles. Consequently, they’re an economical, effective
choice for wet, windy regions or areas prone to wildfires.
Some stone-coated steel roofs are warranted for the lifetime
of the house.

5. Slate
Slate roofing lasts more than 100 years. It won’t burn, is
waterproof and resists mold and fungus. Slate is
effective in wet climates but is expensive, heavy and
may be easily broken when stepped on. Keep this in
mind if you live in an area that experiences hail.

6. Rubber slate
Rubber slate looks natural and can be cut with a knife to fit
intricate roofs like those found on Victorian homes. Rubber
slate roofs can last 100 years but can be damaged by satellite
dishes and walking – so may also be susceptible to damage by
hail, similar to slate. Roofing professionals that are trained to
install rubber slate may be hard to find.

7. Clay and concrete tiles 

Clay and concrete roof tiles can withstand damage from
tornadoes, hurricanes or winds up to 125 miles per hour and
even earthquakes, according to "A Summary of Experimental
Studies on Seismic Performance of Concrete and Clay Roofing
Tiles" by the University of Southern California for the Tile Roofing
Institute. They are good in warm, dry climates. They may require
extra support to bear their weight, and they are likely to break
when walked on.

8. Green
roofs
Green roofs are covered with plants and can improve air quality,
reduce water runoff and insulate homes to reduce urban heat
islands. However, they need extra structural support, a vapor
barrier, thermal insulation, waterproofing, drainage, water
filtration, soil, compost and plants. Their estimated lifespan is 40
years.
9. Built-up roofing
This heavy roofing consists of layers of asphalt, tar or adhesive topped with an aggregate and is only for flat roofs.
Tar and gravel roofs, also for flat roofs, are best for roof-top decks with heavy foot traffic. These roofs may become
sticky in summer, and it is harder to shovel snow off of these roofs when compared to smooth surfaces. They can
last 20 to 25 years.

The best type of roof for you really depends on your climate, budget and house. To see what’s best in your area,
talk with licensed roofing contractors and look at some of the newer developments nearby to get ideas on what
type of roofing material to use.

Roofing Tools and Equipment

Nail Guns and Roofing Hammers or Hatchets

Roofing hammers and hatchets are specialized tools
intended to help residential roofers cut shingles and drive
nails into them. They have unique features to make this
job more efficient, such as magnetized faces to help you
pick up a stray nail and even gauges that help you
position shingles with the right exposure.

Hammer Tacker Stapler

Felt underlayment may be installed with staples, or cap nails,
depending on your building code requirements. If you use staples,
you will need a staple gun. If you’re using air nail guns, it makes
sense to also use an air staple gun. There are even 2-in-1 nail and
staple guns.
When you install felt underlayment, you also need to add plastic or
metal caps that are 1 inch in diameter. These caps prevent water
 from getting beneath the underlayment in the
event of a tear.

A Shingle Cutter: Either Roofing Blade or Utility

Knife
Roofers need utility knives or roofing hook blades for
many jobs, including as shingle cutters. If you
install 3-tab shingles, you’ll need to cut the shingles in
sections to form hip and ridge shingles. No matter
which shingle you use, you’ll also need to cut a roof
underlayment as well as an ice and water protector. A
utility knife is a fine choice that can handle the job, but a roofing knife is a bit more specialized and makes your job easier.
Roofing blades have special hooks near the edge to help you control the cut when you’re working on thicker material, like
shingles.

Scoop Shovel, Roofing Shovel or Pry Bar

Scoop shovels are large, deep shovels without a point,
as opposed to the flat, pointed landscaping shovels
meant to dig. A roofer can use a scoop shovel to move
loose shingles into a dumpster. A scoop shovel may be
your best choice at first because it will be cheap and will
get the job done. However, you should also consider
roofing shovels or tear-off shovels. These specialized
tools are the best roofing tear-off tools you can get. They
have steel teeth to help you lift old shingles off the roof
and sweep them down to the dumpster or tarp. Some
even have angled faces so you don’t have to crouch as
much to use them.

Tarps
During any roofing job, you will need to have tarps on
hand in case you have worse weather than expected
that prevents you from continuing the job. You’ll use
the tarps to protect any exposed portions of your
customer’s roof to keep it safe from water damage.
Tarps are also very useful for other tasks during a roof
tear-off. You can lay tarps down as preparation before
a re-roof job. Lay them on the ground over the
landscaping, and they will collect shingle pieces and stray nails. Tarps make cleaning up much easier and
can protect fragile plants. You might also use tarps to protect your materials from the weather, including when
you’re stacking shingle bundles outdoors.

Chalk Line Tools

Roofers need to snap chalk lines frequently, including when
they install open valleys and align gutters. To do so, you’ll
need a chalk reel. When you purchase the reel, it will come
with its own chalk. You only buy a chalk reel once, and they
aren’t too expensive; so look for quality. You can save by
buying bulk replacement chalk.
 Measuring Tape or Laser Tool
Laser tape measures are alternatives to traditional
metal tape measures; they're used to calculate lengths, widths and
heights of up to about 650 feet (198 meters). The process is similar
to using a conventional tape measure, except you use a laser beam
instead of metal tape.

Caulking Gun
A caulking gun is a tool that holds a tube or cartridge that's
filled with material used for sealing up gaps and cracks in the
home. Caulk can be made of silicone or latex, and is used to
bond a wide range of materials like metal, glass, wood and
ceramic. You need a caulking gun to get the caulk out of the
tube.

Tin Snips
Tin snips are designed to cut and trim sheet metal and
other thin yet tough materials. Sheet metal can come in
a variety of shapes and sizes and so tin snips are
useful for cutting the sheet metal to the desired
measurements.

Reciprocating Saw and Circular Saw

Well, you’ll need a reciprocating saw when you’re
cutting out roof decking for a skylight or when
removing some decking that has suffered water
damage. While less precise than circular saws,
reciprocating saws are easier to use on rooftops
and able to get into tight spots without over-
shooting. Experienced roofers may find that by
adjusting the circular saw depth and working
carefully they can get away without a reciprocating
saw.

Ladders and Extension Ladders

You will need at least one step ladder and one
extension ladder to reach roofs of different heights.
Ladders will also limit how fast you can work. If you only
have two ladders, only two people will be able to bring
up shingles at a time, and you’ll only be able to access
two parts of the roof at once. Depending on the size of
your team, more ladders may make your team more
efficient. 

Hard Hats
Hard hats are essential to protect your head. Hard
hats are designed to protect the head against falling
objects and the side of the head, eyes, and neck from
any impacts, bumps, scrapes, and electrical exposure.
When choosing a hard hat, be sure that it conforms to
the current safety regulations in your area

Roofing Shoes
You need soft soles that can bend a bit to avoid
applying undue stress to shingles. If you walk on a roof
while wearing shoes that have tough plastic soles, you
may harm the roof. On the other hand, you do need
steel-toed shoes to protect your toes from heavy
equipment. Otherwise, dropping a single bundle or a
hammer on your toe may result in injury.

Roof Brackets or Toe Boards

On roofs with a steep pitch, you may need roof
brackets or toe boards to give you some footing.
A PFAS is not always enough on these roofs
because, though the PFAS may stop your fall,
small falls are still dangerous and will interrupt
your workflow. Plus, on the steepest roofs, there
simply may be no way to stand on them without
some bracing.
Roofing toe boards are 2-by-4-inch boards that are screwed into the roof. You use them as footing or to safely
load shingles onto roofs of specific pitches. You will need 4-inch Ardox Nails for installing brackets/toe boards.

Other Safety Equipment

Rake and Broom
It is important to clean up after your work. Use a stiff broom to clean up stray
nails or shingles on decking and patios. Use a rake for the same purpose in
landscaping or on lawns.

Magnetic Sweeper
A roofing magnetic sweeper picks up stray nails after a
roofing job. It’s important to make your best effort to clean
up stray nails so that you will feel secure stepping onto their
lawn.