Liquid Applied Waterproofing Membrane on a Commercial Building Products
Liquid applied waterproofing membranes have been trending for some time in the commercial roofing industry.
The trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down either, as more and more building owners and material specifiers are moving towards products like HyKote™ 900, HyKote™ 500 and Hyload’s Hyproof LAM (liquid applied membrane).
When a building is being constructed, one of the most critical aspects of design is preventing or minimizing moisture penetration of the structure. Even the slightest permeation can lead to large failures that will impact a building’s foundation.
The ultimate solution for any below-grade, above-grade or plaza deck building is Hyproof LAM. It’s a cold applied, moisture cured, single component waterproofing membrane that uses polyether technology. Liquid applied membranes fill, seal and level grout lines, voids, seams and surface damage on construction materials.
What should you expect from liquid applied products when deciding which type of waterproofing application is best for your current project? We review some highlights, benefits, and limitations of liquid applied waterproofing.
Product Highlights
Products like Hyproof LAM are solvent-free, non-flammable and do not emit a strong odor, making them safe for regular use. The fast curing elastomeric membrane can be used in a two-ply, fabric reinforced application or a single ply application as it cures into a seamless monolithic system.
Hyproof LAM meets requirements for California regulations, including Proposition 65, meaning it doesn’t contain any disease-causing materials that can be harmful to handle. It also meets green home building guidelines of the National Association of Home Builders.
Application should be done on a clean and dry substrate that is both smooth and level. Hyproof LAM can be applied to wood, steel, masonry, aluminum, stone, galvanized metal, concrete and even surfaces such as asphalt BUR, modified bitumen or EPS/Styrofoam protection board.
Benefits
As liquid applied applications start to gain more ground on traditional forms of waterproofing, their benefits continue to be the main reason for the shift. Application is an obvious benefit and, because of its liquid form, can be applied with rollers, brushes, and sprayers. This allows for a rapid and less strenuous application. It can also be applied to any surface, even those where a sheet membrane won’t work.
Because of its liquid properties, it is easier for applicators to see they have applied a uniform and adequate coat. When applied, the wet film thickness is the same as the dry film thickness with no shrinkage.
The potential application projects are endless, including above grade, below grade, between horizontal slabs, plaza decks, balconies, tunnels and even roofing repair. It can also be utilized in small and confined spaces.
Liquid applied waterproofing involves a moisture curing process, which is another benefit. Moisture curing takes place by using natural moisture of the air, allowing applications to set in cold, damp and less than optimal environments. Curing is also extremely fast, so more than one application can be done in a day. Often an initial coat will set in about an hour, with a full set taking around three hours to complete.
When cured, the liquid applied membrane will become a seamless shield, blocking water and other moisture from being able to cause an issue. Without seams, this waterproofing membrane has fewer vulnerabilities than other methods.
Limitations
While liquid applied waterproofing’s benefits far outweigh its drawbacks, it has some limitations.
Hyproof LAM isn’t intended for use on a permanently exposed surface. If applied to an above grade structure, a UV barrier should be added for protection.
It cannot be thinned with solvents or water and cannot be applied in an environment that is less than 35°F.
Contact Hyload to protect your foundation and learn more about our waterproofing products.