Waterproofing foil for foundation: overview, types, features, advantages and disadvantages

At the initial stage of any construction, a very urgent issue is the waterproofing of the foundation. If the base will be affected by moisture in the form of abundant rainfall or groundwater, this will lead to the destruction of a monolithic structure. Corrosion of the metal elements of the foundation will begin, the integrity of the building support will be violated. The strength of the foundation depends largely on the hydrotechnical materials used to protect the underground part of the basement. The range of these materials is quite wide. But the quality, efficiency and cost are different. One of the universal and practical solutions is the waterproofing film for the foundation.

Requirements for materials for waterproofing

Increased humidity and its impact can destroy all elements of construction. To protect buildings from harmful effects of moisture, waterproofing is necessary. It has certain requirements.

Thus, the material must be highly hydrophobic or waterproof. The product should neither absorb nor let in liquid. In addition, the materials must be sufficiently strong and elastic. A quality product is able to effectively protect the foundation in a wide temperature range, be vapor-proof and resistant to UV radiation.

All these requirements are common to many types of films for waterproofing the foundation. The main condition - the material must "breathe" and not cause condensation.

Features of a polymer film

In calculations that are necessarily made before any construction, one of the priority issues is the maximum reduction in the cost of work, as well as materials. At the same time, affordable prices should not affect quality. Specialists recommend the use of polymer films for waterproofing. Let's consider the main types and their features. Among the general list can be identified flat polyethylene or PVC materials, reinforced and membrane films.

Construction waterproofing foils for the foundation differ significantly from the traditional materials used for the roof. It is ruberoid, mastic. First of all, one can single out simplicity and ease of installation, as well as the possibility of combining layers. Waterproofing with the use of a film provides reliable protection against moisture, and the durability is proved and confirmed by years. The only negative feature - the film does not withstand the effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Some types of these materials are reinforced with a layer of rubber or bitumen. They are more stable and can withstand not only the effects of moisture, but also corrosive liquids. These are different salts and acids. These types of waterproofing films for the foundation are widely used in problem soils and in severe technogenic conditions.

Types of Films

Materials intended for waterproofing work on the modern construction market are presented by both domestic and foreign manufacturers. There are several types of these products:

• Rolling shutters.
• Reinforced.
• Diffusive.
• Membrane.

Consider the main types of this product.

Simple roll

The thickness of this film can vary in the range from 0.6 to 2 millimeters. In addition to waterproofing works, the material is also widely used in household needs as a cover for greenhouses and greenhouses. What is the popularity of this waterproofing film for the foundation? Price - the main plus. The cost of the material is very affordable (380 rubles / m ² ). But it should be noted that for the use of simple films, favorable conditions are necessary, because the material is easily damaged. Due to the vulnerability to UV rays, this material is placed only under the ground, on the ground.

Polyethylene film for waterproofing the foundation can withstand certain loads. But in the process of pouring the solution, it can clump and break down. To work with it you need special attention. Manufacturers now add to the composition of various polymer substances and additives designed to increase the strength characteristics of the product.

Reinforced film

These materials are supplied in the form of a roll, and the film itself is multilayered. The central part is made on the basis of a non-woven base or polypropylene mesh. Between the outer layer the film is carefully sealed.

Now a perforated waterproofing film is produced for the foundation or unperforated. They differ in technical characteristics and quality. Therefore, their price is different.

The first product has very small holes, responsible for the passage of a small amount of moisture. This film is most often used only for waterproofing works on a pitched roof.

Non-perforated film does not allow moisture. The reinforcement layer allows to protect the product from various deformations - this significantly increases the service life. Films reinforced, designed for roofing and waterproofing the foundation, are also made in the form of rolls and have different colors.

When selecting, one should take into account such parameters as the density of the surface, but not the thickness. So, the density should be from 100 to 200 grams per square meter.

Diffuser membranes

It is also a multi-layer material. Among the features - the product skips the hydroid vapor, but at the same time remains completely waterproof. These types of waterproofing films for the foundation are widely used for roofing works. The material has a distinctive feature - steam is removed from the special thermal insulation layer outwards. Due to this feature, the product protects the foundation from the effects of moisture, various kinds of destruction and putrefactive processes. These products are used in very wet areas. These are saunas, baths, restaurants, cafes.

There is also a superdiffusive film on sale, which has high technical characteristics and protective capabilities. The price between the usual membrane and its "super" modification differs little. Therefore, for greater reliability and guarantee of maximum protection, experts recommend to purchase superdiffusive species.

Membrane materials

This waterproofing is a product of the newest generation. The membranes are a self-adhesive film consisting of three layers. The first is an ordinary polyethylene film. Next is the bitumen-polymer layer, and then a special adhesive layer.

These solutions are not afraid of sudden temperature changes. They are easy to pack, they do not require care. To connect the membrane you need to use a hairdryer. Due to heating, a monolithic waterproofing is obtained.

Advantages and disadvantages

Consider the pros and cons of waterproofing films for the foundation. These materials are a worthy alternative to coating waterproofing compositions. Thus, films are widely used to provide protection of the vertical and horizontal walls of the foundation. But before the installation it is still recommended to conduct geological studies.

Among the shortcomings of the films can be identified a high degree of risk of damage to the material due to low strength. Also the surface must be well prepared before laying. Jointing seams are problematic places. Possible damage to the film due to the influence of aggressive components contained in water. The film can be spoiled by rodents.

Conclusion

Despite all the shortcomings, it is an excellent waterproofing material with high characteristics and low price. These are the most popular products in the process of building residential and industrial buildings. Many choose films because of the ease of installation. If you fully comply with the laying technology, the material will provide reliable protection for a long time. It is only necessary to choose the right waterproofing film for the foundation. The types and features of it are different and suitable for specific situations.

So, we examined the types and properties of waterproofing films.