What kind of waterproofing for filling the floor with cement. Do you need waterproofing under the screed? The importance of waterproofing the floor before screeding

From this article you will learn:

• What are the main types of waterproofing
• What materials will be required for this?
• How to waterproof a floor under a screed using rolls and plaster
• How much does it cost to waterproof a floor under a screed from professionals?

The comfort of living in a private house in Moscow is largely determined by how well its renovation is done. This process includes several stages, each of which requires certain financial investments, time and strict adherence to the technology of performing the work. The list of the most important activities includes floor repair. In this article we will tell you how to waterproof a floor under a screed.

What does it mean to waterproof a floor under a screed?

To understand the issues of arranging waterproofing for a subfloor, you need to understand exactly what function the screed performs and what requirements are imposed on its installation. Let's start with the definition of the concept of “screed”. This term is used to designate a durable layer, which is the base for laying the finishing coating on the floor surface. One of the functions of the screed is to provide a level base for the subsequent installation of the facing material. This will allow you to make a perfectly even laying of the decorative coating for finishing the floor, and will also prevent its deformation and rapid destruction.

There are several options for floor screeds.

• Concrete (cement) screeds classified as wet types of flooring. This option is most often used in the process of renovating houses and apartments. The construction of concrete screeds is carried out by pouring a rough base with a composition that includes water and a certain brand of cement. In addition, polymer components can be added to the cement screed.

• Self-levelingcompositions also referred to as wet screeds. In this case, the base is filled with special building mixtures, which are evenly distributed over the rough surface. This property of the material greatly simplifies the arrangement of screeds with a high-quality and smooth surface.

• For dry screeds Only bulk materials are used. To make it, gypsum fiber is used, which is laid on logs. Dry floor screed (waterproofing of such a layer will be discussed later) is the fastest option for leveling floors.

Wet types of screeds take almost 30 days to dry. The base for the floor must be thoroughly dry, and only then can you proceed to finishing. The range of companies involved in the sale of building materials also includes quick-drying compounds that significantly reduce the time required to complete the work. But even such mixtures do not allow you to equip the base of the floor in one day. In addition, manufacturers indicate that dry screeds should not be used in rooms with high humidity levels.

Arrangement of the base for the floor is a necessary stage in the renovation of an apartment or private house, regardless of the chosen flooring option. Floor screed using waterproofing and beacons is necessary both before further painting of the floor and before laying expensive parquet.

The quality of the screed is largely determined by proper protection from moisture. Waterproofing the floor before or after screed is an important stage in its repair. It provides protection against moisture penetration from the outside, and also prevents flooding of other rooms. In addition, the waterproofing layer protects the floor screed itself from high humidity, which is especially important for basements and rooms located above them. The fact is that a concrete base in damp conditions quickly collapses and loses its strength and performance qualities.

The protective layer should be especially reliable in places where there is an increased risk of water leakage. For example, waterproofing the floor in the garage before the screed, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, etc.

If a room is accidentally flooded without a protective layer under the screed, moisture will quickly seep down through the pores and microcracks. If this room is located in an apartment in a multi-storey building, then as a result the renovation of the neighbors below will be seriously affected. Places of increased danger from the point of view of water leakage include the joints between the floor surface and the wall.

Waterproofing the floor screed solves another important problem in protecting the health of the residents of the house. The fact is that moisture collecting in the concrete base creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi and mold, which can provoke various diseases.

Waterproofing the floor under the screed in the house is a necessary condition for subsequent high-quality floor installation. The cement composition that is applied to the protective layer will receive higher strength. In addition, leveling its surface will be much easier. The role of waterproofing the base floor is especially important in those houses where there is no basement. Such buildings especially suffer from moisture, which comes from the soil through micropores.

Waterproofing floor screeds under tiles is necessary not only in the bathroom or kitchen. This operation must be carried out in all premises. The fact is that the heating system pipes run through all the rooms and there is always a risk of them leaking. Such an accident can have serious consequences if there is no proper moisture protection installed on the subfloor.

The cost of waterproofing materials is quite affordable, so installing a system that can protect the floor from excess moisture will not lead to a significant increase in the cost of repairs. Possible damage from flood, dampness and fungus will be much greater.

Main types of waterproofing

The procedure for arranging waterproofing of a screed consists of forming a water barrier. For this purpose, special materials are used that do not allow water to pass through. First of all, it is necessary to apply a waterproofing layer in those places where there is an increased likelihood of moisture penetration through the subfloor (wet areas). Various means can be used for this:

1. Pasted waterproofing involves the application of sheet or roll materials on a synthetic or cardboard base, impregnated with a bitumen composition. To ensure the elasticity of such materials, they are heated. Then the adhesive waterproofing is fused onto the prepared floor surface. It is very inconvenient to work with such materials in bathrooms or bathrooms. To heat them, a gas burner is used, which cannot be used in cramped, poorly ventilated rooms. In addition, working with adhesive waterproofing requires appropriate experience and skills.
2. Painting waterproofing produced using mastic based on bitumen or polymers. These materials penetrate the pores of concrete and, by clogging them, close the paths for moisture penetration. Painting waterproofing is applied in several layers with each of them thoroughly dried. It should be noted that bitumen materials have a specific pungent odor, and polymer-based mastic is considered a more environmentally friendly and safe option for waterproofing. The drying time of high-quality waterproofing mastics is one day.
3. Coating waterproofing– polymer compositions, including fine quartz sand, plasticizers and cement. Such materials are applied to a prepared and cleaned surface in the same way as plasters. The application process involves coating the floor surface using a trowel and spatula. The material is applied in several layers, drying each of them for six to eight hours.
4. Cast waterproofing applied by pouring hydrophobic materials onto the floor surface. For this, different compositions can be used. Depending on the material, this protective agent is applied cold or hot.
5. Impregnating (penetrating) waterproofing involves applying a water-repellent impregnation for concrete, which fills pores and microcracks to a depth of 15 to 18 cm. In addition to the main function of protection against moisture, waterproofing penetrating materials prevent further appearance of cracks and efflorescence on the concrete surface.

A correctly applied waterproofing layer should form a sealed hydrotrough over the entire floor area extending onto the wall to a height of about 200–300 mm.

Materials for waterproofing floors under screed

Coating compounds

Coating materials for moisture protection can be produced on various bases. Depending on the components used, the following types of compositions are distinguished:

• acrylic-based water-based;
• bitumen-rubber;
• bitumen-polymer;
• cement-polymer;
• polyurethane;
• bituminous.

Materials for waterproofing bitumen-based floor screeds are available with various fillers, as well as with the addition of organic solvents. Fillers give mastics elasticity. Plasticizers, latex, and crumb rubber are used as such additives.

Mastic compositions have a high level of adhesion. They are used for concrete and wooden surfaces.

Coating waterproofing agents based on bitumen have a number of disadvantages:

1. after application, the mastic may crack, and chips may appear on the surface due to temperature changes;
2. biological corrosion;
3. pungent odor during work on applying a protective layer.

Despite the disadvantages of coating waterproofing listed here, it is this type of material that is used for work in the bathroom (this is the most affordable way to protect the screed from moisture penetration).

The price of materials of this type is affordable for the consumer, but they do not last more than 5-6 years.

Mastics, which are produced on the basis of polymers, have almost no negative qualities, therefore they can be used on various objects without restrictions.

Experts attribute the advantages of coating products to the ease of applying the material with a paint brush to the surface under the base of the floor, to the bottom of the walls, as well as to corners and joints.

Plaster mixtures

Plaster waterproofing mixtures can also be classified as coating types of protective materials. But they should be separated into a separate group, as they differ in their composition.

Plaster mixtures are produced from components such as gypsum, cement and polymer components. As noted above, bitumen-based coating materials begin to lose elasticity at temperatures below 0 °C. They become brittle, and cracks may form on the surface of the waterproofing layer. Plaster compositions are not afraid of even strong temperature changes.

The catalogs of companies selling waterproofing materials present a wide selection of mixtures for protecting floor screeds from moisture using plaster. The most popular products in this area are the products of the Knauf and Ceresit brands.

For example, the KNAUF FLACHENDICHT waterproofing mixture contains artificial latex, which gives high elasticity to the protective layer of the screed. This material, after polymerization is complete, is capable of maintaining performance characteristics in the temperature range from -18°C to +55°C. The FLACHENDICHT mixture can be immediately applied to the surface to be treated without preheating.

Another example of high-quality plaster waterproofing material is Ceresit CR-65 brand compositions. These mixtures are characterized by improved adhesion to concrete surfaces (provided that such a surface has been pre-treated with a primer). Waterproofing Ceresit CR-65 is one of the most popular waterproofing materials on the domestic market.

To apply a protective plaster layer under the floor screed, rollers or brushes are used. If there are joints on the surface to be treated, they must be sealed using sealing tape. Experts note that for waterproofing and arranging floor screeds, it is better to select materials from the same brand, which are perfectly adapted to each other.

Materials for adhesive waterproofing

The most popular materials for adhesive waterproofing of floor screeds are: roofing felt, isoplast, ecoflex, iselast, mostoplast, uniflex, hydroisol.

All of them are resistant to temperature changes. Provided the installation technology is followed, lining materials can provide reliable protection of the floor screed from moisture for a long time.

These materials are available in the form of rolls or sheets. For their production, components are used that provide a high degree of water resistance and elasticity. At the same time, with the help of such materials it is quite difficult to waterproof floor screeds in difficult places, for example in the corners of a room.

Manufacturers produce 2 types of adhesive waterproofing materials. The first type is applied to a special adhesive composition (bitumen mastic), and the second refers to self-adhesive materials. On the back side, sheets of the second type have a mastic layer covered with a protective film, which is removed before installing the waterproofing layer.

Until recently, the most famous type of lining materials was ordinary roofing felt. With the advent of more modern means, it began to be used much less frequently. Various types of adhesive waterproofing can be produced either on a polymer or bitumen basis, and therefore have different characteristics. This point must be taken into account when choosing the type of protection.

Polymer material Available in the form of film or membranes made of vulcanized rubber. Most types of such products have an applied adhesive composition, so they are easy to install.

Polymer waterproofing floor screeds are different:

• small layer thickness;
• long service life;
• high mechanical strength;
• no shrinkage;
• resistance to vibrations.

Pasting waterproofing materials bitumen based have become more widespread due to their affordable cost. Let's take waterproofing as an example. It is made from fiberglass with bitumen impregnation. To give this material elasticity and resistance to mechanical deformation, special plasticizers are used. Hydroisol is resistant to fungi and biological decomposition. On the building materials market it is presented in single-sided or double-sided versions.

Double-sided waterproofing can be distinguished by the presence of a protective film coating on both sides. During installation, this material melts under the influence of high temperature. This type is used exclusively when it is necessary to equip multi-layer waterproofing protection.

One-sided waterproofing has a protective film on one side, and a layer of mineral chips on the other. Its main purpose is to provide roof waterproofing. Single-layer adhesive material can be used as an external covering for soft roofing. With its help, you can protect both concrete and wooden bases from moisture. This material is laid on the surface of the wood using bitumen mastic without melting.

Materials for cast waterproofing

Various components can be used to produce cast waterproofing compounds. The method of constructing a protective layer using such materials is indicated in their name. Waterproofing work involves pouring a cold or heated product.

Hot waterproofing In the domestic building materials market it is represented by asphalt and polymer-asphalt materials. These include asphalt concrete, pitch and hot bitumen. This protective layer for floor screed has a high resistance to deformation, and is also durable, elastic and has a long service life.

Before applying the material, it is necessary to seal the existing seams (for this you will need mastics and sealants). Hot waterproofing compounds are more often used for work in private houses, rather than in apartments.

To cold types of waterproofing include several well-known materials, which are often called “liquid rubber” or “liquid glass”. They may have different compositions, but do not differ in application technology.

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Liquid rubber is produced on a bitumen base with polymer fillers, which give the waterproofing layer higher performance qualities.

The fixative for the emulsion of such components is CaCl₂ (calcium chloride), which helps reduce the density of the mixture to levels at which it is possible to apply waterproofing to the floor screed by spraying. Before adding calcium chloride to the emulsion, it is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10.

To ensure the reliability of the protective layer, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the technology. It is necessary to ensure preliminary preparation of the floor base and carry out work at an air temperature of more than +5 ° C.

On sale you can find liquid rubber in the form of emulsions with different consistencies. This allows you to select a material with a different application technology:

• Pouring installation method- the most common option, in which you can do without the use of expensive equipment and efficiently fill even small cracks in the coating, ensuring a flat and smooth surface.
• Sputtering– characterized by a higher technological efficiency of the process of applying a waterproofing layer. Professional skills and equipment are required to perform the work. Compliance with the requirements of spraying technology allows you to create a high-quality protective layer on the floor screed. In this case, the waterproofing composition is supplied under pressure, which helps fill not only microcracks, but also the smallest pores.
• Painting (coating) technology- the easiest way to apply waterproofing material under the subfloor. Materials of this type are sold in the form of solutions or pastes, which are distributed over the surface to be treated using a brush.

Liquid rubber, after being applied to the base of the floor, forms a dense elastic film that provides a high degree of protection against moisture penetration.

Different types of liquid rubber may differ in their performance properties, but their common characteristic is environmental friendliness. These materials do not emit substances harmful to human health either during application or during further use.

The advantages of all types of compounds from the liquid rubber category include:

• high adhesion rates to surfaces made of different materials;
• resistance to chemically active substances;
• no need for additional preparation of the treated surface;
• formation of a continuous protective layer without seams;
• high flexibility, resistance to deformation and strength of the waterproofing layer.

Liquid glass can also be applied to the surface of the subfloor using a cold method. This type of cast waterproofing is similar in consistency to the liquid rubber discussed above, but differs in composition. To produce this material, potassium-sodium silicates (K2SiO3), soda and quartz sand are used.

Excellent performance qualities make liquid glass an ideal material for waterproofing floor screeds in the bathroom.

1. Antiseptic properties provide reliable protection against mold and mildew.
2. As a water repellent, liquid glass forms a continuous, seamless water-repellent layer.
3. Antistatic characteristics ensure complete absence of electrification.
4. After treatment with this composition, the strength and durability of concrete increases.
5. A high adhesion coefficient ensures the penetration of liquid glass into microscopic cracks and pores.
6. By adding liquid glass to the concrete solution in proportions of 1:8, an increase in the hydrophobicity of the concrete structure is achieved.
7. Low cost and economical consumption of material when installing waterproofing floor screeds.

To complete the picture, it is necessary to point out some of the disadvantages of this waterproofing material:

• During operation, liquid glass can self-destruct in the absence of a decorative coating. If finishing finishing material is not laid on such a screed, the service life of the protective layer is limited to five years.
• Inadmissibility of use for treating brick surfaces (liquid glass contributes to its destruction).
• High fragility of the resulting protective layer.
• When pouring this material, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the time limits specified by the manufacturer. Liquid glass hardens very quickly, so working with it requires certain skills.

Materials for impregnation waterproofing

The catalogs of manufacturers of waterproofing materials present a wide range of impregnations that have different characteristics. As an example, consider one such product.

The dry mix “Penetron” has a 3-component composition: special cement, quartz sand with a fine fraction and special chemical additives. This material belongs to the types of penetrating waterproofing. "Penetron" protects concrete structures from water and aggressive environments, and also helps to increase their strength.

The active fillers present in this material form hydrophobic barriers inside the concrete structure, providing protection of the screed throughout its entire thickness from moisture. This becomes possible due to the ability of the Penetron mixture to penetrate into the concrete structure 50 cm from the application surface. This is the best indicator among deep penetration impregnations presented on the domestic market.

In the case of using such a composition, liquid waterproofing of the bathroom floor after screed is applied to the moistened surface. After processing, the components of the mixture quickly penetrate into the concrete structure. This process is carried out due to the phenomenon of osmosis (the spread of molecules of a hydrophobic agent in concrete). During the chemical reaction that occurs inside the concrete, substances crystallize and lose their ability to dissolve in water. The result is a layer that does not allow moisture to pass through. The more the surface of the screed is moistened, the faster and more effective the chemical reaction will be.

The advantage of using this technology for waterproofing floor screed is that the resulting crystals are embedded in the crystal lattice of concrete. The result is a monolithic concrete layer that can effectively retain water that falls on the surface of the concrete, including under pressure.

At the same time, particles of the waterproofing mixture that penetrated into the concrete structure and did not react remain active. When microcracks appear, into which water penetrates, they begin to work. As a result, the damaged surface is restored.

In its composition, “Penetron” resembles a gray homogeneous powder. This material must not include foreign matter or lumps. In dry form, its density is 1170 kg/m³, which is almost equal to the density of cement.

Concrete screed treated with Penetron improves a number of its performance characteristics:

• the waterproofing qualities of concrete increase three times;
• the strength of the screed increases by 5%;
• Concrete becomes resistant to acids and alkalis.

The finished mixture sets within 35–40 minutes after mixing. It takes about three hours for the solution to completely harden. The decorative coating of a screed waterproofed with Penetron can be laid no earlier than 14 days after treatment.

The components of this product are environmentally friendly and do not pose a threat to human health either during storage or during reaction with concrete.

Preparing the floor for waterproofing

Before you begin arranging the waterproofing of the screed, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory measures. You will need to completely empty the room of various objects, remove debris and even small particles of dust from the rough surface of the floor. It is necessary to level the surface to be treated, seal the joints of the slabs, as well as the gaps between the walls and the floor using cement mortar.

After the base of the floor is cleaned and well dried, you need to apply a primer to it. Primers dry quickly, so you can soon begin the main work.

Roll waterproofing of floors under screed in an apartment: 6 stages of work

There are two main types of roll waterproofing: adhesive and weld-on materials. The application of each of them has its own technological differences. To work with welded material, it is necessary to clarify how the waterproofing of the floor screed is heated (how to install it). For this, special construction burners are used. Installation of adhesive waterproofing is carried out by fixing it to the base of the floor.

The procedure for arranging the waterproofing layer:

This option for arranging a protective layer of screed is inexpensive and reliable, but the procedure for performing the work itself is very labor-intensive. To apply waterproofing material, professional skills and special tools are required. In addition, it is worth protecting the resulting layer from mechanical damage.

How to make liquid waterproofing of the floor in an apartment before screeding

Let's take an example of how to waterproof a bathroom floor before screeding. The main stages of work are as follows:

• Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the base of the floor. At this stage, you need to clean the surface from dust and various debris. The presence of dust does not allow the mastic to adhere to the base of the floor. In addition, if there are oil stains on the surface being treated, they can contribute to the destruction of the waterproofing layer, so they must be removed without fail. All protrusions should be knocked down, and microcracks and other defects in the base should be repaired with cement mortar.
• To increase the adhesion of the mastic, the surface of the base must be treated with a primer. It is better to use a deep penetration primer (primer) from the range of the same manufacturer that produces mastic. After application, the primer must dry for two hours. When performing work, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are indicated on the packaging of the composition.

• The mastic is spread over the surface of the subfloor with a roller or brush. It is necessary to apply several layers of the substance. In this case, you need to let each layer dry for 3-4 hours. Please note that layers should be applied no more than six hours apart. After this period, the polymerization process is activated for most mastics, as a result of which the subsequent layer will not adhere to the previous one.

When arranging waterproofing of a floor screed, we recommend that you take into account that each layer should be applied only in one direction. Thus, perpendicular application of the subsequent layer of mastic will increase the reliability of protection.

Using the same technology, it is necessary to carefully process the joints between floor slabs, between floors and walls, as well as in places where pipes pass. The applied mastic strip must cover the surface to be treated by 150 mm on all sides. In rooms with high humidity (bathroom, bathroom, kitchen), waterproofing should be done over the entire floor area (in such rooms, to increase the effectiveness of protection, it is better to use several methods of waterproofing treatment). The process of complete drying of the mastic takes up to 48 hours.

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Liquid waterproofing under floor screed has a number of advantages. It is completely safe for human health, is fire resistant and highly reliable. Its application does not require a large number of tools or special qualifications of the performer. Experts call the disadvantage of liquid waterproofing a low degree of resistance to mechanical damage.

Waterproofing for floor screed in an apartment using plaster

The main stages of work on forming a protective layer on the screed using plaster compounds:

Stage 1. Prepare the mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Stage 2. Apply the first layer of plaster waterproofing and let it dry for a quarter of an hour.

Stage 3. Apply the second coat in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the starting coat was applied.

Stage 4. Using the same technology, apply a third and, if necessary, a fourth layer of waterproofing composition.

Stage 5. Over the course of 24 hours, it is necessary to periodically moisten the formed protective layer. After this, it should dry for about two weeks with periodic moistening in the first days. During this stage, it is necessary to protect the waterproofing layer of the floor screed from mechanical damage.

For mixtures such as plaster waterproofing of floor screeds, prices on the domestic building materials market are very low. The advantages of this method also include the absence of the need for special equipment and tools, and the obvious disadvantage of this technology is the long drying of the waterproofing layer.

Penetrating waterproofing of concrete floor screed

The main stages of work on waterproofing screeds using penetrating materials:

1. Unlike other technologies, preparation for applying penetrating waterproofing involves not only cleaning the concrete surface and filling microcracks, but also abundantly moistening it. The concrete surface must be well saturated with water (take precautions so as not to flood the neighbors below).
2. If you purchased a dry waterproofing mixture, you must make a water solution in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Before applying the prepared composition, you need to wet the concrete base again.
4. After applying the first layer of solution, you must wait some time until it dries (the waiting period must be indicated in the manufacturer's instructions). After this, you need to moisten the surface and apply the penetrating mixture again.
5. After applying several layers of waterproofing composition, the treated surface must be covered with film. The base under the screed should be periodically moistened for 14 days, after which the floor should be completely dried.

Features of waterproofing a wooden floor under a screed

Wood flooring requires especially careful waterproofing. This is because wood absorbs moisture well and quickly deteriorates in high humidity conditions. The structure of a wooden floor is as follows: a rough base, a thermal insulation layer, waterproofing and a finishing coating. In addition, one of the intermediate layers of such a structure can be a heated floor system. You need to select materials for waterproofing a wooden floor based on the following criteria:

• light weight;
• excellent waterproofing characteristics;
• high strength of the waterproofing layer;
• durability;
• ease of application.

1. To ensure effective polymerization of mastic and other coating materials, after applying them, you need to wait a certain time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. Only after this can you begin laying the finishing coating. In addition, experts recommend applying mastic in at least two layers (in this case, you need to wait until the first layer dries well, and only then apply the next one).
2. Layers of coating waterproofing under the floor screed are applied perpendicular to each other. After the last layer has dried, you can carry out work on pouring screed or laying decorative coating.
3. When treating the base of the floor with mastics, you need to coat the surface of the adjacent walls to a height of at least 120 mm in height. This will allow you to form a reliable waterproofing bath.
4. To calculate how much it will cost, for example, to waterproof a bathroom floor screed, you need to determine the amount of coating material required. For 1 m2 of concrete surface, at least two kilograms of the finished composition will be required. It should also be taken into account that to waterproof the joints between the wall and the floor surface, a special sealing tape is required.
5. Using cement-polymer mastics, you can not only create a moisture-proof layer on the base of the floor, but also level the surface and raise its height to the required level. The advantage of such compositions is that after waterproofing the subfloor, there is no need to install a screed. After this, you can immediately begin laying the finishing coating.
6. You can prepare the composition for plastering waterproofing of the base under a floor screed with your own hands. To do this, you need to make a regular cement mortar with the addition of a waterproofing mixture. First you need to clean the base of the floor from debris and dust, and then apply the first layer of prepared cement mortar. After this, you need to wait about 15 minutes until the solution dries. Then you need to apply about three or four more layers of solution in the same way.

After the final layer has been applied, the surface of the base must be moistened with water every three hours for 24 hours. A day after the formation of the waterproofing layer, the base will be ready for further work.

The price of waterproofing a floor under a screed from professionals

When ordering the service of waterproofing a floor under a screed, the price for the work is calculated taking into account several factors:

• floor area and room features;
• deadlines allotted for work;
• materials selected for waterproofing the screed;
• the need to perform additional work.

How much it will cost to waterproof a floor under a screed (price per m2) at your facility can be accurately calculated only after specialists have visited and drawn up a repair estimate.

Today, on the domestic building materials market, it is quite possible to buy waterproofing for floor screeds at an affordable price. Therefore, even high-quality waterproofing materials are available to not very wealthy homeowners.

Average prices for some types of materials for waterproofing floor screeds:

For reinforced concrete floors in rooms with high humidity levels, it is better to use Betonokontakt penetrating waterproofing.

Cooperating with the “My Repair” Company is reliable and prestigious. The specialists working here are professionals of the highest level. The company "My Repair" operates throughout Moscow and the Moscow region.

Properly performed waterproofing of the floor allows you to avoid problems associated with the appearance of mold and dampness in the room. Therefore, this issue requires a careful and serious approach, especially if the premises are located on the ground or first floor. Let's look at how to waterproof a floor below.

Waterproofing floor screed: features and characteristics

There are two main types of floor waterproofing:

• antifiltration;
• anti-corrosion.

What type of waterproofing to choose should be decided based on the condition of the floor itself, the individual characteristics of the room and the financial condition of the home owners. Regardless of the type of material, in relation to the method of application, waterproofing can be:

• coating - for its production, oxidized bitumen is used, to which organic-based solvents and various additives are added; materials such as rubber crumbs, plasticized elements, latex substances are used in the form of additives; with their help, the elastic characteristics of the treated coating are significantly improved; a high degree of adhesion inherent in bitumen-polymer or rubber types of mastics, thus, with the help of waterproofing it is possible to ensure reliable protection of the floor from moisture; when waterproofing using reinforcing fiber, it is possible to significantly improve the strength and mechanical characteristics of the floor, in addition, it is possible to minimize cracking concrete;
• the second option for waterproofing is glued, for its implementation the same bitumen is used, but in a roll version, in addition, some materials are distinguished by the presence of reinforcement made of fiberglass, polyester or modified additives; materials of the self-adhesive type are easy to install, since installation of guided waterproofing materials will require a special burner, under the influence of which they stick to the coating; the most affordable option would be to use roll-type waterproofing, due to its low cost.

The third type of waterproofing is combined. It combines the two previous options: first, the floor surface is covered with bitumen mastic for waterproofing the floor or a special waterproofing solution, and then covered with roll materials.

Floor waterproofing technology - preparatory stage

Before carrying out waterproofing work, the coating should be prepared. This stage consists of the following processes:

• removal of old flooring;
• Thorough cleaning of the floor from debris and dust;
• sealing all cracks and cracks on the floor;
• surface treatment using primer compounds that improve adhesion between the floor and the waterproofing material, and are also an antiseptic.

In relation to the technology of waterproofing, there are three options for its implementation. We invite you to consider them in more detail:

1. Adhesive waterproofing of floors - using this method it is possible to create a multi-layer floor covering, using a special carpet based on sheet or roll materials. Most often, this method of waterproofing is used in rooms with wooden or concrete bases. For gluing polymer materials to the floor, bitumen-based mastic is used. First, it is applied to the surface, and then the material is glued. After this, all joints of the rolled material are processed using a special putty, which contains waterproofing additives.

2. Painting option for waterproofing - ideal for wooden or concrete coatings. To perform this, a polymer or bitumen based varnish is used. Among the advantages of this method is the high efficiency of waterproofing, but among the disadvantages there is a short period of action of waterproofing - no more than five years. Before performing this type of waterproofing, you must first clean and prepare the surface, remove greasy stains from it, if any. Protrusions or depressions on the floor are not allowed; they must be sealed with putty on a waterproofing basis. After leveling the floor as much as possible, two layers of bitumen-based mastic should be applied; after it dries, the floor is varnished.

3. Self-leveling floor waterproofing - this method is quite relevant for concrete-based floors. In order to perform self-leveling waterproofing, you will need concrete in combination with mastic. It is recommended to give preference to cold-use mastic. It is easy to use and easy to use; in addition, this version of mastic does not require additional costs compared to hot mastic, which is heated to a certain temperature before use. To perform self-leveling waterproofing, you must first clear the floor of debris and dust and carefully level the surface with plaster mortar. After it dries, a primer is applied to the floor surface, then a fence up to forty centimeters high is installed along its perimeter, then the height of the floor is determined and the fence is filled with a concrete solution in combination with mastic. To level the floor, special mechanisms are used - scrapers.

Recommendations for waterproofing cement floor screed

In order to ensure polymerization of the composition, after applying any kind of coating materials or mastic, they should be left alone for a certain time. It is preferable to apply the mastic in at least two layers, and the previous layer must dry well before applying the next one.

In addition, the second layer, in relation to the first, is applied perpendicularly. After the last layer has dried, the screed is poured or the main floor is installed.

When treating the floor with coating materials, it is recommended to also treat the surface of adjacent walls at a distance of at least 12 cm in height, thus achieving complete and high-quality waterproofing.

When calculating the required amount of waterproofing compositions, you should take into account the fact that at least two kilograms of the finished composition will be required per square meter. A special sealing tape is used to seal all joints between the wall and the floor.

When using cement-polymer mastics, not only the waterproofing of the coating is ensured, but also the leveling of the floor, bringing it to the required height level. Thus, after waterproofing, there is no need to additionally equip the screed; a finished floor is installed on the floor.

It is possible to independently prepare a waterproofing composition on a plaster basis. To do this, you should prepare a standard cement mortar, and dilute it in a ratio of one to two. First, the floor is cleaned of dirt and dust, first the first layer of this solution is applied, then you should wait about fifteen minutes until it dries completely. Next, about three or four more of the same layers are applied, observing fifteen-minute intervals. After this, the coating should be periodically soaked with water throughout the day, at intervals of three hours. After two days have passed from the moment of waterproofing, the floor becomes ready for further finishing.

DIY floor waterproofing

The most affordable and easiest to implement is the painting version of waterproofing. To carry it out, it is enough to purchase bitumen materials and tools for their application. At the same time, the floor is covered with a waterproofing compound in several layers. However, this option is not suitable for unheated rooms, since after several years, the bitumen cracks under the influence of low temperatures. Thus, the surface becomes covered with cracks and begins to let moisture through. The average service life of this waterproofing option is no more than seven years.

To perform waterproofing using a painting method with your own hands, you should perform a number of steps:

1. Remove dirt, dust and grease stains from the surface, if any. If there are corrosion damages, they should be thoroughly cleaned. Next, the surface is leveled and bitumen mastic is applied. Next, the floor is painted with a roller or brush.

2. This method is relevant when waterproofing floors made of wood. If you plan to waterproof floors in a room with a high level of humidity, then experts recommend covering the walls 300 mm with mastic.

3. In order to extend the life of waterproofing by painting, new materials have been developed in the form of bitumen-polymer and rubber mastics.

The next option is waterproofing the floor. This material has the highest degree of reliability and durability. It is based on filling with a continuous layer of waterproof layer that contains mastic.

There are two ways to perform this fill:

• hot execution;
• cold performance.

The main condition for high-quality waterproofing is the presence of a rigid, homogeneous base. Therefore, this method is especially relevant when waterproofing concrete floor screed. First, the first layer of the composition is applied to the surface; its thickness should be about five centimeters if only mastic is applied and fifteen centimeters when applying the solution. Two or three layers of material should be applied, and after it hardens, the floor is covered with a cement screed, if necessary.

Waterproofing a floor with your own hands using hot mastic involves performing the following actions:

• first the surface is cleaned of dust and debris
• then it should be leveled with plaster mortar;
• the floor is dried using a hot method, namely, infrared light or a gas burner;
• the floor surface is covered with a primer;
• bitumen is prepared for work;
• a fence up to forty centimeters high is installed;
• the composition is heated to a temperature of about one hundred and forty degrees;
• hot mastic is poured onto the floor;
• Using special tools, it is leveled.

Thus, in the end it is possible to obtain a continuous impermeable coating, which is characterized by excellent waterproofing characteristics.

For additional reinforcement of this layer, it is recommended to use fiberglass or steel mesh.

The next option for waterproofing is pasting. This method is based on layer-by-layer gluing of waterproofing roll, sheet or polymer materials onto the floor surface. These actions are carried out under the influence of high temperature, and the base must first be coated with a primer.

The method of installation of materials of different compositions differs in the temperature of their heating, for example, to soften bitumen and polymer compositions, it is enough to heat them to 50 degrees. The main condition for choosing this method is to provide protection against landslides using structures based on concrete, reinforced concrete or brick. In order to carry out waterproofing of the floor, follow the instructions:

• apply a mastic composition to the previously prepared floor, the thickness of which must be at least 15 mm;
• roll out and fix the floor waterproofing film on the floor surface;
• lay the material in several layers;
• Putty the edges of the material with putty on a waterproofing base.

This material and method of waterproofing are often used when finishing floors in basements.

Dry floor waterproofing is based on filling the floor with bulk material that has waterproofing characteristics. Expanded clay is used to waterproof the floor.

Another option for protecting the floor from moisture is plaster waterproofing. In this case, the floor is covered with a cement solution containing polymer-based additives. This method is easy to perform and has a wide range of uses.

In order to waterproof a floor using plaster, you should follow a number of steps:

• Apply a mixture of cement and sand to the previously prepared surface in a ratio of one to two;
• arrange waterproofing by applying three of the same layers, with intervals of fifteen minutes, after applying each layer;
• every three hours, spray water on the floor surface.

Waterproofing wooden floors

Wooden floors require special waterproofing, as wood can absorb moisture and be damaged by it. To properly install a wooden floor, you must first lay a subfloor, a heat- and waterproofing layer, and then complete the finishing process.

A possible option is to install it in the intermediate layer of a heated floor. When choosing waterproofing materials that protect wooden floors from moisture, preference should be given to materials that have the following properties:

• light weight;
• excellent waterproofing properties;
• presence of strength characteristics;
• long service life;
• ease of installation.

An excellent option would be to use polyvinyl chloride-based membranes, polyethylene films or roofing felt.

Waterproofing under the video:

The pleasure of living in a cozy home begins with renovation. This is a long and costly process that requires attention and responsibility at all stages of the work. One of these stages is waterproofing the floor before screeding.

As you know, pouring screed is one of the most time-consuming components of a good repair. It does not forgive mistakes, you will have to redo everything again, so it is very important to do even the most insignificant work correctly.

The most obvious function is protection against leaks. No one is immune from accidents, therefore, in order not to spoil relations with neighbors and not compensate them for damage from a possible flood, it is better to take care of everything in advance.

In addition to leaks outside the apartment, leaks inside are also possible. Of course, this problem primarily concerns residents of private houses and first floors, as well as owners of garages and basements.

Another function of waterproofing is to improve the quality of the screed. Usually they try to slow down the drying process: they moisten the surface and cover it with polyethylene to avoid cracks that occur when the solution quickly sets. Waterproofing helps slow down the drying of concrete, so it becomes more durable.

Waterproofing is recommended in all cases where you need to protect yourself from possible exposure to moisture. In city apartments it is required in the bathroom, kitchen and toilet. In these rooms, the entire floor is insulated, since the risk of flooding is greatest.

Many craftsmen recommend doing waterproofing in living rooms, since the pouring mixture that makes up the screed also contains a lot of water, and it may well seep into the neighbors, but usually in these rooms they are limited to insulating the joints of concrete base slabs, walls and floors , and spaces under pipes.

Residents of the first floors do not have to worry about flooding their neighbors, but they are recommended to waterproof all rooms. The proximity of the screed to cold, damp air will not do it any good. Concrete is a porous material and tends to absorb moisture, which accelerates its destruction.

They are usually a mixture of bitumen and special synthetic additives based on fiberglass, which makes them reliable and durable. Previously they were produced on paper, which reduced their service life. Such products can still be found now, and they are very attractive in price, but it is not recommended to buy them. Still, they have a considerable responsibility, and people usually plan to live in a house after renovation longer than it will take for such waterproofing to fail.

Modern roll insulation comes in two types: fused and adhesive. When laying the first type, construction gas burners are used to heat the bitumen in the composition, and to install the second type of insulation, the roll is fixed to the base.

roll waterproofing

Work order

1. The first stage of any waterproofing is to foundation preparation. It is cleaned, existing cracks and potholes are rubbed with cement-sand mortar.
2. . This is required when laying roofing felt. You can additionally treat the base slabs with penetrating insulating compounds.
3. . It is needed to compensate for the expansion of the screed that may occur due to temperature changes.
4. The sheets must be laid with an overlap of 10-15 cm on each other, and at least 15 on the walls. This forms a sort of bowl for the screed. After completion of the work, the remaining insulation can be cut off. If necessary, several layers of material are laid, with offset joints.
5. Overlapping polymer sheets are welded using a construction hair dryer. The deposits are heated with a burner and fixed to the base. Ruberoid, which usually requires several layers, is attached with bitumen mastic to the base and to the bottom layer. The joining seams are also connected.
6. If waves and air bubbles appear somewhere, then these places are pierced with a knife and carefully smoothed out to expel the air. Then you need to bend the edges of the cut, coat the inside with mastic and glue it again to the base.

Such waterproofing is accessible, reliable, relatively inexpensive, but very labor-intensive to install, and also requires experience, tools and protection from mechanical damage.

These are liquid materials based on bitumen. Apply with a brush like thick paint. The cheapest option is simply bitumen heated to the desired consistency, but this method is less reliable and durable. It will be much more convenient and efficient to use bitumen-rubber and bitumen-polymer mixtures. They are more expensive, but easier to use, reliable and durable. Mixtures with polymer additives, moreover, are not afraid of low temperatures.

Work order

1. Preparing the base for work: All debris and dust that may prevent the mastic from adhering to the insulated surface are removed. Be sure to remove stains from oils and any other substances that can destroy the insulation. All cracks and cracks are rubbed with cement-sand mortar, peelings and sharp protrusions are knocked down.
2. . This will help improve adhesion. Usually the primer is purchased from the same manufacturer whose mastic will be used. The product is applied thoroughly to the entire surface and dries for about two hours. More accurate information is indicated on the packaging of the product.
3. . Several layers of the product are applied, and each subsequent layer is placed on top of the dried previous one after 3-4 hours, but not later than 6. The fact is that after 6 hours, most of these products begin to polymerize, and the second layer will simply peel off. Another important point is that each layer is applied in strictly one direction. This makes it possible to apply the next layer in the opposite direction, which increases the reliability of the insulation.
   The junctions of walls and floors, slab joints, and the space under pipes are treated in this way. The width of the applied mastic strip should overlap the insulation areas by 15 cm on each side. In the bathroom, toilet and kitchen, where there is constant contact with water, the entire floor will have to be treated, so in such rooms it is appropriate to combine various methods of waterproofing. Complete drying of the mastic occurs within two days.

Such waterproofing is affordable and very reliable, while being environmentally safe, non-flammable, and does not require experience or many tools. The only negative is that it has poor resistance to mechanical damage.

hydrophobic mastic

Plaster mixtures with low moisture absorption

Dry plaster solutions for waterproofing floors have appeared relatively recently. They are diluted with water to the consistency of condensed milk and applied to the prepared surface with a wide spatula. The specificity of these materials lies in their composition: in addition to ordinary sand and cement, they also contain various polymer components that reduce the moisture absorption coefficient. After drying, the resulting coating is resistant to deformation and mechanical damage.

Work order

1. Preparing the base and applying an insulating compound prepared in accordance with the instructions.
2. Break to dry the first layer, approximately 15 minutes.
3. Apply a new layer in the opposite direction to the previous one and dry the second layer.
4. Apply the third and, if necessary, fourth layer in the same way.
5. During the first 24 hours, the insulation surface must be constantly moistened. Further drying, depending on the type of mixture, can take up to two weeks, during the first days of which it is also necessary to moisten the treated surface. At this time, it should not be subjected to any mechanical stress.

This type of waterproofing is quite cheap, easy to apply, requires a minimum of tools, but creates a durable and stable coating. The downside is that it takes a long time to dry.

This is one of the most modern and effective technologies today. Penetrating waterproofing can change the physical structure of the foundation itself. The components of the mixture react with concrete, as a result of which insoluble crystalline formations appear in its structure. They literally seal up the smallest pores of concrete without damaging its structure, and prevent the penetration of moisture even under pressure. In addition, treatment with such compounds increases the resistance of floors to aggressive chemical attack.

Compositions for such waterproofing are available in the form of liquids or dry mixtures.

Work order

1. Preparation of the surface, which in this case will require not only cleaning and grouting cracks, but also abundant moisture. The base should be saturated with water, but in moderation so that moisture does not seep into the neighbors.
2. If the composition is dry, then it must be diluted strictly in accordance with the instructions.
3. Before application, the surface of the base is wetted again.
4. The first layer of waterproofing is applied. Next, you should wait the time specified in the instructions and reapply the solution to the newly moistened surface.
5. Then cover the surface with film or constantly moisten it for another two weeks before final drying.

These were the most basic and frequently used methods of waterproofing, but besides them there are many others, for example, cast, liquid rubber, naive mixtures. The choice depends on the preferences and financial capabilities of the developer.

After all work related to moisture protection has been completed, you can begin screeding. For more reliable waterproofing, it is better to use not one, but several methods, for example, combining impregnation with coating cracks and cracks with mastic in living rooms. The protection and durability of the floor and screed will depend on the professionalism and competence of the actions; therefore, you should not skimp on materials. If you don’t have experience and self-confidence, you should entrust this task to professionals, but if you have the skills and desire, all actions to waterproof the room can be done on your own.

Floors in an apartment or house are a kind of moisture accumulator, a mandatory attribute of any structure. According to the laws of physics, warm air in a room moves upward, and cold air sinks to the floor. Therefore, in apartments, the floor slabs, which are both the ceiling for the lower floor and the floor for the upper floor, are exposed to a cold flow from above and a warm flow from below, which causes the formation of condensation.

Humidity negatively affects any flooring material, destroying its integrity, impairing performance properties, promoting the formation of fungus, mold and the appearance of insects. And this applies not only to floor coverings (laminate, parquet, carpet and others), but also to seemingly durable materials such as concrete and reinforced concrete. Therefore, it is an important stage in the arrangement of an apartment; it is especially necessary in rooms with high humidity.

Features of water protection

Before you protect against moisture, you need to carefully inspect the old floors. In a private house, floors are most often made of wood, and if the building is old enough, then it is better to completely dismantle the floors. It is not worth making a screed on such an unstable foundation. In an apartment located in an old building, experts recommend removing the floors down to the concrete slab, this is especially true for rooms with high humidity.

After we have decided on the old floors, we select materials for waterproofing. Some of them can be used before the screed, others are applied directly on top of it, and then the decorative flooring is laid.

There are two reasons for installing waterproofing material before creating a screed:

• waterproofing will prevent moisture vapor from the basement or lower floor from harming the concrete screed;
• The floor slabs will be completely protected from moisture in the event of leaks.

In a private house that does not have a basement, the waterproofing of the floor before screed must be of especially high quality: moisture coming from the ground has an acid-base environment, it actively contacts the concrete components, which can lead to cracking and destruction of the material.

If you are going to remodel your home, you must first demolish all the partitions, and only after that install a waterproofing system. Its design requires a completely sealed coating, but this cannot be done under partitions. It is not worthwhile to carry out partial waterproofing: water will definitely find a place to leak and all savings will be reduced to zero.

It must be remembered that in rooms with a high level of humidity, both floors and walls need waterproofing: they absorb moisture perfectly, and the neighbors below suffer from it, surfaces and decorative finishes deteriorate.

Laying technology

There are several types of floor waterproofing under screed: pasting, coating, plastering, bulk, penetrating, self-leveling and spraying.

If the waterproofing will be installed independently, without the involvement of professionals, then the pasting and coating options are considered the most convenient and easiest to install.

Any waterproofing consists of the following stages: preparation of the base, treatment with a primer and construction of a waterproofing cover.

Pasting protection

This type of floor waterproofing before screed involves the use of bitumen-based roll materials.

Preparation

The surface is carefully leveled using self-leveling mixtures: this will avoid the formation of voids between the concrete base and the waterproofing.

Remove dust and debris from the floor. Then the surface is treated with bitumen emulsion (primer) twice. After applying the first layer, the corners and joints are sealed with sealing tape, pressing it into the wet layer of emulsion. The next layer is applied perpendicular to the first, carefully treating the joints. Allow the floor to dry completely.

Installation

The rolled bitumen material is heated using a burner or a hair dryer and immediately pressed against the floor surface. The overlaps of the strips should be 10-15 cm: these places are also melted and the strips are joined together. It is necessary that the waterproofing cover the surface of the walls to a height of 20-30 cm. Before pouring the concrete screed, the excess will be cut off.

The device involves the creation of a monolithic sealed coating that has good adhesion to the base.

The bitumen carpet must cool completely, after which you can make a screed. If self-adhesive materials were used, then the creation of a cement screed can be done only after the glue has dried.

The disadvantage of adhesive waterproofing is the impossibility of using it with a “warm floor” system (as a result of heating, bitumen emits a not very pleasant odor), installation at high temperatures (up to 160 ° C). This type of waterproofing is best used in the hallway.

This type of waterproofing does not require leveling the floor or using special equipment.

Coating protection technology is the use of dry mixtures diluted with water in the proportions indicated on the packaging, or ready-made liquid formulations.

Preparing the foundation

Before making a waterproofing layer, the floors are cleaned and vacuumed. The surface is treated with a primer. The corners and joints are sealed with sealing tape.

Then knead the mastic by adding the powder to the water (necessarily this way, and not vice versa). The consistency of the mixture should resemble thick sour cream.

Application of material

The finished composition is applied to the floor and walls (to a height of 30-35 cm) using a brush or roller. It is rubbed into the floor, there is no need to smear it too much.

When the first layer begins to set, it is moistened. The second layer of mastic is applied perpendicular to the first. The third is perpendicular to the second. This is quite enough. But if the floor surface is strongly curved, then the number of layers can reach up to five.

When the waterproofing layer has dried, you can begin pouring the cement screed.

You can apply coating compositions directly to concrete, and lay floor coverings (for example, tiles in a bathroom) on top of the waterproofing.

Coating-type waterproofing technology is quite simple to use and can be done by a person who does not have the skills and abilities in this area.

Waterproofing the floor before screeding is a sure way to protect the concrete coating from moisture, increase the reliability and service life of your home, and improve the microclimate in its premises.

In the renovation process, finishing the floor is one of the key stages. Following the correct technology will allow the coating to serve for a long time and not lose its decorative qualities. Among the conditions for installing a high-quality floor covering is the installation of waterproofing under the screed. Its correct implementation is the most important task, which will save the owner from many problems in the future.

Features and device

Waterproofing is a concept that appears whenever any mention of renovation work in new buildings or major repairs is made. This is the process of laying insulating materials in various ways on the base before installing the floor screed. Many people wonder how necessary this is, and in what cases this step can be skipped.

Main functions of waterproofing:

• Protection of the screed layer from moisture. This is especially important if the apartment is located on the first floor above the basement. Due to high humidity, concrete coatings can lose their basic functions, reduce their properties, become cracked and crumble.
• The insulating layer prevents moisture from entering the adjacent room from the room being furnished. There is a high risk of flooding in the bathroom or toilet. If water gets on the floor in large quantities, then without waterproofing you will in any case flood the neighbors on the floor below. The cement base is porous and may have defects. Water will seep through them, as well as through the joints between the slabs and loosely sealed holes for the pipeline.

In other rooms (bedrooms, halls, offices) the risk of flooding is significantly reduced. However, they contain heating pipes, the installation of which creates cracks. It is also better to treat them with waterproofing compounds.

• Maintaining a healthy and safe indoor environment. Blocking the entry of moisture from the outside prevents the development of fungus and mold in the space under the screed, which develop well in a warm, wet environment. This is especially true for dry screeds. Between the expanded clay granules there is more space for the development of harmful microorganisms.
• The additional coating pre-levels the surface and makes it easier to lay the screed. It lays down in a more uniform and even layer.
• An additional barrier to external influences in rooms located directly above the ground. This primarily applies to private houses. Evaporation from the soil will lead to damage to the integrity of the floor covering and the need to replace it.

Types and options

There are many ways to waterproof. The choice of the most suitable one depends on your budget, the availability of the necessary materials on sale, and the type of room you are going to renovate.

Typically, the following types of insulating coatings are distinguished:

• Coating (plaster) waterproofing. It is produced using dry powder mixtures based on cement. They are sold in bags, diluted with water according to the instructions on the package. This coating is applied in a similar way to plaster. The mixture gives the layer greater strength, stability and long service life.
• Painting room. Liquid mixtures, mainly polymer mastics, sold in special plastic containers, are applied with a brush or a special roller.

• Pasted insulation. It is produced using rolled materials in two ways. In the first case, layers of coatings are glued using various compounds onto the base, not forgetting to glue the joints of the material and the points of contact with the walls. In the second case, the layer is glued in a heated state, the seams are also treated to avoid leaks.

Due to its non-environmental friendliness, this technique is undesirable for use in an apartment. It is better to use it in utility rooms.

• Composite. This type of waterproofing is installed from different parts of the material with the seams treated. A relatively new technique provides guaranteed protection against leaks.

• Impregnation insulation. It is performed with various liquid solutions with the addition of polymers. The application is effective only when working with porous bases that easily absorb moisture: low-quality concrete coating and if you want to install a screed on top of a wooden floor.
• Penetrating waterproofing. This type is mainly used to repair the waterproofing layer. A mixture of astringent or hydrophobic components is introduced into defective areas, cracks and seams.

Coating waterproofing is the most common, affordable and quite reliable. Along with the painting and roll method, it can be used both in an apartment and in a private house. It is recommended to apply plaster insulation under a dry screed.

You can apply mastics or roll coatings under either semi-dry or liquid screed. It is necessary to check that all seams on the insulating layer, if any, are securely processed and taped.

If you are renovating a new building, you should opt for using bitumen mastics. They are easy to use and, due to their elastic structure, will not crack when the building shrinks.

If the ceilings in your bathroom do not allow the height of using a thick layer of insulating materials, you can apply an impregnating composition. It will protect even in case of heavy water flow.

Materials

If quite recently almost all types of waterproofing work were carried out using roofing felt or bitumen, now you can choose more environmentally friendly, affordable and effective products.

Below are several groups of materials for waterproofing:

• Liquid materials. The most famous of this group are mastics. Their main varieties are: bitumen, bitumen-polymer and polymer. The first type is the most common and cheapest. You just need to strictly follow the work technology, since when heated, harmful substances are released. In order to improve the properties of bitumen, various components are added to it, such as latex or acrylic. The surface is painted in a dense layer using modified mixtures.

• Primer– material based on bitumen and various polymers. But its main function is to prepare the base for applying waterproofing. Unlike mastics, it is perfectly absorbed into the surface, strengthening it and reducing moisture absorption. After applying it, apply mastic.
• Liquid rubber– polymer composition for waterproofing. The material got its name due to its resemblance to a dense and viscous material, although it is made on the basis of bitumen. It is very convenient to cover bases of irregular shapes with it. It easily fills surfaces evenly and hardens quickly.
• Impregnated insulation– liquids with the addition of various polymers (polyurethane, solvent and others), used as a kind of primer for various porous substrates: mineral or made of wood. They are popular for insulating flooring in parking lots, garages, warehouses and other industrial premises.

• Film waterproofing. Films have found quite wide application before laying screeds. The layer turns out to be quite thin, but the installation method requires care and time. They are made from polyolefin, PVC or polyethylene. In this case, the material must have sufficient thickness and density to perform its functions well.
• Membrane materials. One of the latest developments in the construction industry is made of PVC, polyethylene or with the addition of rubber. Products are often reinforced for strength. Fire retardants are added to the composition to increase fire resistance. In general, membrane insulation is characterized by high resistance to aggressive environments and low temperatures. TechnoNIKOL and Tayek Soft membranes are very popular on the market.

• Roll materials. This is one of the first types of waterproofing. The coverings are produced in the form of rolls and are laid overlapping on the floor with a plant on the wall. They are made from cardboard, non-woven synthetic fibers and fiberglass. Often you can find various resins and bitumen in the composition. Ruberoid, self-adhesive insulation "TechnoNIKOL", "Gidrostekloizol" and glassine are common and popular for various applications. Roofing felt is still profitable and easy to insulate foundations. Cheap and easy to install, the material does not have much durability due to the cardboard content in its composition. Over time, cracks may appear in it.

• A relatively recently appeared type of rolled materials – self-adhesive. The glue has already been applied to the inside, and on the outside it has been applied to one edge at a distance of approximately 5 cm. This greatly simplifies the installation of such a layer. Also, rolled products can have a special coating, due to which they can be fastened together using the fusing method.

• Dry mixes– widespread and familiar products. It contains cement, sand, various additives to improve the properties of the coating, better adhesion, deep penetration, quick drying, etc. Rigid waterproofing mixtures are diluted with water and applied like plaster in a dense layer on the entire insulated base. They can be used for waterproofing in bathrooms and toilets, coating pipes in apartments, private houses and even in open areas. They will even withstand the effects of pool water. Drying usually takes more than a day.

It is not difficult to choose the appropriate composition in stores. High-quality and well-known brands: “Ceresit”, “Master”, “Kraiser”, “Bergauf”, “Starateli”.

Sequence of work

When waterproofing a room, several conditions must be met:

• Air temperature not lower than +5 C.
• Humidity no more than 70%.
• Standard parameters must be set several days before the start of work and sudden temperature changes and drafts must be avoided.

Outside, mostly positive temperatures are required, absence of rain, strong wind, ice and snow on the surface, and direct exposure to the sun.

The first step in installing a waterproofing layer is surface preparation. It is cleaned of dirt and dust using a brush or spatula. It is better to remove greasy stains and chemical residues using specially designed solutions to improve adhesion to the insulating layer.

Next, the surface must be leveled as much as possible: measure the curvature, remove slides and growths, seal cracks and depressions with repair compounds. First, the cracks must be primed. After processing, the coating must comply with the deviations accepted in current standards.

• Before applying coating insulation with dry mixtures, the surface must be treated with a primer in 1-2 layers, then allowed to dry. After this, apply the mixture diluted according to the instructions on the package and level it with a spatula. The base is usually covered in two layers. Moreover, the second one is applied when the first one has already set, but is not completely dry.

Be sure to coat the walls to a height of at least 15 cm from the floor. After all manipulations, the surface is allowed to dry and the required type of screed is applied.

• In the case of painting materials, the scheme is similar to the previous one. Only instead of a primer, you can use primers or spray insulating compounds. But this is only necessary for rooms with constant humidity or a high risk of flooding. The mastics are applied with a roller in two layers, going onto the wall.

• The polymer or bitumen composition sets, fills all defects and forms a perfectly flat and smooth surface. Before pouring the concrete screed, you need to make sure that the composition is completely polymerized.
• To lay roll insulation after cleaning the base, it is necessary to apply markings. All coatings are applied with an overlap of about 5 cm wide. Next, depending on the type of waterproofing, the sections are fused to each other, glued together using heat with a construction hairdryer, fastened or self-adhesive sheets are used. After installation, you can immediately begin installing dry or wet screed.
• In some premises, testing for the quality of the insulating layer is required. To do this, the floor is filled with a couple of centimeters of water and kept in this state for about an hour. After this, the adjacent rooms are inspected for leaks. This is very important when equipping a swimming pool.

• It is believed that rolled materials provide the most effective protection. But modern builders have a different opinion. Films, roofing felt and other canvases do not allow air to pass through. Therefore, over time, air layers form between the screed and the waterproofing. Accordingly, the quality of the screed may suffer or lead to the need for dismantling.
• It is better to use dry mixtures or membrane layers. After this, you can equip the finishing screed and waterproof it using other methods.
• When working with roll insulation, all seams must be carefully taped or treated to avoid leaks. The more the sheets overlap each other, the better, but not less than 3 cm.

All types of waterproofing must cover the lower part of the walls adjacent to the floor. Otherwise, there is no point in such a layer - water will seep through the seams between the wall and the base.