Choosing materials for waterproofing the blind area

Waterproofing the blind area is a crucial step in preserving a building’s longevity and durability. The blind area—also referred to as the pavement encircling a building—is essential for shielding the foundation from water damage. In order to avoid erosion, cracks, and leaks, proper waterproofing makes sure that groundwater and precipitation are efficiently redirected away from the foundation. Selecting the appropriate materials for this task is essential to guarantee protection over time.

There are various materials that can be used to waterproof the blind area, and each has pros and cons of its own. Rubber-based membranes, different sealants, and bituminous coatings are some of the materials that are most frequently used. Before choosing one of these materials, it’s critical to comprehend their characteristics as they vary in terms of cost, protection, and flexibility. For example, bituminous coatings are often utilized because they are inexpensive and efficient, but in order to guarantee continuous protection, they might need to be maintained on a regular basis.

Polymer-based membranes are another well-liked option because of their exceptional waterproofing qualities and long lifespan. These membranes are easily installed and adaptable to various surfaces because they can be applied as sheets or liquid coatings. In contrast, sealants are frequently used to close gaps and cracks, adding an additional layer of defense against water intrusion. Every option has advantages and disadvantages of its own, so it’s important to assess the particular requirements of your project.

Considerations including climate, soil type, and building design should be made when choosing waterproofing materials. More durable materials might be required in regions with frequent freeze-thaw cycles or high rainfall to withstand the extreme weather. In addition, the long-term advantages of shielding the building’s foundation from water damage should be evaluated against the expense of labor and materials. Making the proper material selections now will guarantee that your building is protected for many years to come and that your blind area continues to function effectively.

Material Description
Bitumen Bitumen is a common choice for waterproofing blind areas due to its affordability and effective water resistance. It creates a thick, durable layer that protects against moisture.
Liquid Rubber Liquid rubber offers excellent elasticity and adhesion, forming a seamless waterproof membrane. It is easy to apply and highly durable, making it ideal for areas with high water exposure.
Polymer Membrane Polymer membranes are synthetic sheets that provide excellent waterproofing. They are highly resistant to UV rays and temperature changes, offering long-lasting protection.
Cementitious Coating Cementitious coatings are a mixture of cement and waterproofing additives. They are easy to apply and bond well to concrete surfaces, providing a strong, water-resistant layer.
EPDM Rubber EPDM rubber is a flexible, synthetic material known for its excellent weather resistance. It is ideal for long-term waterproofing and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Materials for blind area

The waterproofing of the blind area is composed of a bulk material coating and an underlying layer that is 20 cm high. This layer prevents water from penetrating inside the structure. Occasionally, extra insulation is placed in between these layers.

Crucial! Water-repellent medications must be applied to each layer if the raw materials have a porous structure.

Blindfolds are now waterproofed using the following materials:

  1. Hot bundon or bitumen mastic. These compounds are used when coating the foundation.
  2. Roofing material, hydrostecloisole, geotextiles.
  3. PVC film.
  4. PVP membranes (profiled).
  5. Geotextiles, rubles.

It is best to use asphalt concrete or hydro-cement if you intend to create a solid plate. Additionally, there are specialty substances with waterproofing qualities, such as polymer preparations like "Xypex" and "Masterseal." They are able to seep into concrete and consistently shield it from the damaging effects of moisture.

Roll materials are used to waterproof soft blind areas; however, polyethylene and roofing felt are not able to completely shield the foundation from moisture. Consequently, it is preferable to give polyvinyl chloride films priority.

Roll materials also have the following drawbacks:

  • The surface of the basement must be leveled, cleaned and thoroughly dried.
  • Materials of this type have very low strength and are short-lived.
  • The process of laying such materials requires a lot of effort and time.
  • The waterproofing layer must be protected from mechanical damage.

Practical! It is advised to create additional vertical waterproofing if you use roll materials. In order to accomplish this, the material needs to be wrapped 150–200 mm up the house wall.

How to waterproof the blind area

There are two types of blind areas—one level and one level—based on whether a basement exists:

  • If the house does not have a basement, then the waterproofing layer is laid at the base level, that is, 200 mm above the ground. Since the foundation is necessarily made at a slope of 2-5 degrees, the protective layer is laid on special protrusions. Thanks to this, each subsequent layer will protrude at a certain distance.
  • If the building has a basement, then it is necessary to perform two-level waterproofing. The first layer is placed at the floor level of the basement, and the second – at the base level, above the blind area.

To create the base, do the following:

  1. Remove the top layer of soil, having previously calculated the width of the blind area (usually it is from 60 to 120 cm).
  2. Put a 10 cm layer of clay on the bottom of the trench.
  3. Put the waterproofing material, bending its edge onto the wall of the house.
  4. Pour sand 10 cm high and tamp it.
  5. Lay geotextile and sprinkle it with a thin layer of sand (about 5 cm).
  6. Pour crushed stone, pebbles or gravel 15 cm thick.
  7. Lay another layer of geotextile and sprinkle it with sand again (if the blind area is soft, then this step can be skipped).
  8. Fill the base with cement and lay paving stones on it. If you are preparing a soft base, then you can immediately lay out paving slabs, tapping them with a rubber hammer.

Additionally, horizontal waterproofing can be done with:

  • Cement screed made of PC and sealants 20-25 mm thick.
  • Roofing felt or roofing felt, which is laid in two layers and glued with mastic.
  • Asphalt screed 25-30 mm thick, which is laid at the level of the foundation of the building.

It is important to consider certain waterproofing features when working.

Features of waterproofing the blind area

The following advice needs to be considered when waterproofing the blind area:

  1. When making a protective "tape" around the building, it is best to use solutions that include waterproofing substances.
  2. Roll materials can be used only if the differences in the height of the base do not exceed 2 mm.
  3. If there is often heavy rain in your region, then after the foundation is erected, dig a gutter along its perimeter that will drain the water.
  4. It is not recommended to use scrap as a filler for the base, since this material will shrink and expand with temperature changes.
  5. The depth of the blind area may vary depending on the level of groundwater, the amount of precipitation and climatic conditions, the presence of sewage systems.

The blind area is also painted and waterproofed, using bitumen mastic to accomplish this.

The environmental impact, cost, and durability of the materials you choose for waterproofing the blind area surrounding your home should all be taken into account. Superior materials can shield your property from water damage, stop foundation erosion, and increase its lifespan. Examples of these materials are bitumen, rubber membranes, and specialized waterproofing paints. Purchasing the appropriate waterproofing material guarantees the blind area’s preservation, efficiently diverts water from the foundation, and eventually lowers maintenance requirements. Homeowners can achieve long-lasting protection and peace of mind by choosing the right materials.

Paint waterproofing

Paint waterproofing is an inexpensive and simple way to protect the blind area’s base from moisture. The base needs to be primed with bitumen mastic before it can be processed. Next, a brush is used to apply a bitumen-polymer, cement-polymer, bitumen, or polymer paint composition to the primer layer.

Practical! Rubble walls must be leveled before the composition is applied.

Layers of bitumen mastic are applied thinly, no thicker than two millimeters. The surface is examined for flaws such as swelling, cracks, and other issues after processing. If any are discovered, the surface is restored with a waterproofing composition after being cleaned.

It is important to remember that the following safety measures need to be followed when handling hot materials:

  1. The boiler for boiling bitumen must be installed at a slight angle so that the molten liquid does not get into the fire. You also need to prepare sand and a fire extinguisher nearby.
  2. When using several grades of bitumen, first the lower grade is melted, and then the high one. If you add low-grade bitumen to hot concrete, this will lead to rapid foaming, which can cause the composition to spill out.
  3. The amount of bitumen in the boiler should not exceed 2/3 of the capacity.
  4. To avoid hot splashes, slowly lower pieces of bitumen along the side of the boiler.
  5. Work with molten mastic only in protective clothing.

Selecting the appropriate materials for waterproofing the blind area surrounding your home is crucial to guaranteeing long-lasting defense against moisture and damage. From the flexibility of rubber membranes to the durability of bitumen, each material has specific advantages, so it’s critical to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Bitumen-based materials are widely used because they are inexpensive and efficient, and when used properly, they offer a strong waterproof barrier. Nevertheless, to keep them from cracking over time, they need to be applied and maintained carefully. Conversely, rubber membranes are a great option for regions with varying climates because of their exceptional flexibility and resistance to temperature changes.

Modern materials such as spray-on coatings and liquid-applied membranes are available for those looking for environmentally friendly options. These solutions ensure that every square inch of the blind area is shielded from water infiltration and are simple to apply. They also offer seamless coverage.

The best waterproofing material option will ultimately rely on your unique needs and the surrounding circumstances. You can guarantee the longevity of your home’s structure and prevent water damage to your foundation by making an investment in high-quality materials and installing them correctly.

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Andrey Ivanov

Experienced civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing in the construction of industrial and civil facilities. Author of many publications in professional journals.

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