Why You Should Consider Silicone Rubber Waterproofing
Posted on: 12 February 2018
Have you been advised to apply a waterproofing coating on the basement floor of your home? Read on and discover why it may be advisable for you to choose waterproofing materials that are made from silicone rubber when you look at building supplies.
Greater Chemical Resistance
The process by which silicone rubber waterproofing materials are made transforms the ingredients into an inorganic substance. This inorganic product (silicone-rubber waterproofing coating) has a greater resistance to chemical attacks, such as the acidic chemicals that may be contained in the moisture that is seeping up from the foundation of the building. The waterproofing material will also withstand any airborne particles that can corrode other coatings.
Higher Elasticity
Another reason why you should select silicone rubber waterproofing products instead of any other option is the greater degree of elasticity of this material. This elasticity allows the material to stretch and repair many of the minor fractures or cracks that may develop in that floor over time. The waterproofing coating will, therefore, remain intact despite the changes that may occur in the substrate (the basement floor). This is unlike some other coatings that can degrade when the floor expands or contracts as its moisture content varies.
Durability
Silicone rubber waterproofing coatings also tend to last longer than coatings which were made from other products. This is because the rubber-base of the coating makes the material able to resist degradation by impacts, abrasion and ultraviolet radiation. Other substances, such as alkalyd-based products, become unstable and break down once exposed to a variety of forces over an extended duration.
Minimal Penetration
Another good quality of silicone rubber-based waterproofing products is that they usually penetrate any substrate to a minimal depth. This minimal depth of penetration can be an advantage in case you are dealing with a substrate, such as concrete, which remains chemically active due to its prolonged curing time. Substances that penetrate deeply can interfere with those chemical reactions which may still be taking place in the deeper layers of the substrate. Minimal penetration also means that removing the coating will be easy once you decide to switch to another waterproofing product later. Products that penetrate deeply are costly to remove because you have to use stronger chemicals to go deep into the substrate to dissolve the waterproofing product.
Discuss your specific waterproofing needs with an expert before you visit a building supplies outlet. That expert advice will help you to select the best product from the different options available for waterproofing.
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