What are the Best Waterproofing Materials for Buildings in PA, NJ & DE?
Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions has over 25 years of experience in installing, repairing, and replacing waterproofing materials in residential and commercial buildings in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware using only high-quality brands.
When you start the initial discussions with a basement waterproofing company, they will tell you about various types of waterproofing materials and recommend the best solution. This choice depends on the specific waterproofing works your building needs and your available budget. We want to give you a comprehensive list of waterproof materials used by our professional contractors in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Types of Waterproofing Methods
So, what are the types of waterproofing for a building? Specialists in waterproofing building materials use one of the following tried and tested waterproofing methods:
- Sprayed
- Injection
- Lining
- Rigid
- Paintable
- Plaster
The choice of method and waterproofing materials depends on the part of the building you want to insulate. Here are the three main situations.
1. WATERPROOFING APPLICATIONS ON ROOFS
The roof is one of the two most vulnerable parts of a building when it comes to water infiltration. In general, roofing materials are waterproof, but this is not enough. A roof is subject to intense wear and tear and should last for at least 4-5 decades. it is necessary to add supplementary waterproofing materials. They are either applied as a protective coating over the roof or installed under it, as part of the roof frame. A professional contractor will recommend the best waterproofing products depending on the roof type and the climate in your area (average number of rainy days per year, air humidity, etc.).
2. WATERPROOFING ON WALLS
Waterproofing materials for walls must offer more than just protection against water. They also need to incorporate vapor barriers or air barriers. Otherwise, moisture may become trapped in the masonry and carpentry, under the insulation, resulting in the spreading of mold, mildew and/or fungi.
3. BALCONY AND TERRACE WATERPROOFING
Waterproofing building materials for the balcony and terrace must have several specific characteristics, such as resistance to UV rays and flexibility. Balconies and terraces are subject to slight movements due to temperature variations. Rigid waterproofing materials would crack and need repair or replacement in a short time, under the average lifespan of these materials.
Types of Waterproofing Materials
As promised, we will give you now a comprehensive list of waterproofing materials.
1. POLYURETHANE
Polyurethane is considered one of the best waterproofing materials. It can be applied seamlessly and penetrates the surface deeply and evenly. Thus, the polyurethane membrane will fill in even the finest cracks in concrete, reducing its water absorbency capacity. Another key benefit of polyurethane is that it resists oil, detergents, and various chemicals. These characteristics and benefits recommend polyurethane as one of the most versatile waterproofing materials. It can be applied or walls, balconies, terraces, and walls. As for the cost, it is in the premium range. The average application price is $10 per square meter of building.
2. CEMENTITIOUS COATING
Cementitious coating is a powder mix of sand, organic, and inorganic substances plus silica-based materials. It is very popular among waterproofing contractors because it is very easy to apply. They only have to mix the powder with a specific quantity of water and they can start the installation work. The downside of this benefit is the lack of flexibility of cementitious coating. For this reason, we list it among the recommended waterproofing materials for the basement and foundation. Another benefit of cementitious coating is its affordable cost – between $2 and $4 per square foot installed.
3. EPDM RUBBER
EPDM rubber is one of the recommended waterproofing materials for roofs. It is available in membranes with two thicknesses: 45 mils and 60 mils. Flexibility is the key benefit of this waterproofing product – a critical aspect for roof waterproofing, as it expands and contracts constantly due to temperature variations.
EPDM rubber cost varies depending on thickness and brand between $3.25 and $15 per square meter.
4. RUBBERIZED ASPHALT
This is one of the waterproofing products used especially on the roofs of commercial buildings. It is a very tough and flexible material, offering excellent protection against all weather conditions and has very low water vapor permeability. It also dries quickly, in 3-4 hours after application. The average cost of rubberized asphalt is $50 for a 4.75 gallon bucket.
5. THERMOPLASTIC
This is one of the waterproofing materials with the longest lifespan – around 50 years. When heated correctly, thermoplastic becomes semi-solid and is an excellent option for sealing sheets and panels. Since it contains elastomers, thermoplastic is very flexible and resistant to impact. The only downside of thermoplastic is its cost – around $10 per pound or $42 for a 48-inch roll.
6. BITUMINOUS MEMBRANE
Versatile, easy to apply, and recommended both for commercial and residential buildings, the bituminous membrane is obtained by mixing bitumen (a substance similar to tar) with a mixture of materials. The result is a sticky and viscous substance, with great endurance. However, you should know that this is not one of the eco-friendly and sustainable waterproofing products as it is made from crude oil. On the other hand, bituminous membrane has a very affordable application cost – between $2.73 and $5.21 per square foot.
7. PVC WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE
PVC membrane is one of the most frequently used waterproofing products for roofs. It is both water and vapor permeable and can be reinforced to offer extra durability. It is also very easy to install and has a long lifespan.
However, these benefits come at a premium cost – around $55 per foot of membrane.
FINAL WORD
The professionals from Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions know everything about waterproofing materials. We have over 25 years of experience in foundation repair using advanced waterproofing methods in the Tri-State territory of Southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware:
- Horsham
- Jenkintown
- Fort Washington
- Wyndmoor
- Berwyn
- West Chester
- Springfield
- Glenolden
- Havertown
- Ardmore
- Media
- Philadelphia
- Pottstown
- Drexel Hill
- Downington
- Norristown
- King of Prussia
- Wayne
