Indice
Waterproofing durability: key factors and informed choices
How long does waterproofing last?
Just as we are used to assuming the life cycle of any product (a car, a pair of shoes, a piece of clothing), in the same way we have to consider the duration of the effectiveness ofwaterproofing on a roof. The perfect efficiency of a waterproofing depends on several factors: to establish at the table, perhaps only by consulting the data sheet of a product, the effectiveness over time of thewaterproofing is a partial assessment that then, on the practical side, can reserve unpleasant surprises.
In order to maintainwaterproofing over time, the first, really not optional, step is scheduling thorough maintenance. To return to the example above, just as we resole our shoes, or do car servicing, in the same way we must provide for the checks that must be done periodically to make sure that the surfaces treated withwaterproofing are intact and not damaged, for example, by a sudden hailstorm, by any antennae-laying or technical volume work that might have scratched the surface. Or, there are cases where thewaterproofing loses its effectiveness not because of the wrong type of products applied or from human action. For example, if the drains of a roof are not periodically cleaned, the gutters could become clogged and rainwater flood the roof.
Therefore, it cannot be assumed that a waterproofing can be effective 10 years without proper maintenance. Concrete help with the long-term effectiveness of waterproofing comes first from the questions a professional must ask himself before using certain products or systems. The first concerns, for example, the intendeduse of the roof. Or, should the intended use change over time, in the ability to take action to refine the level of protection.
Products and regulations
Unlike in other countries, we must remember that regulations on waterproofing products and systems in Italy are optional. This fact sometimes encourages the installation of shoddy products from which the client still demands the highest guarantees. The EAD (European Assessment Document) documents for the European evaluation of construction products are the voluntary process that a company may choose to do in order to obtain the European Technical Assessment certifying certain characteristics. The number of tests required is at the manufacturer’s discretion: some do many and some do few; therefore, to find out whether the type of performance required can be met by a particular product, it is necessary to read all the documentation carefully. In Europe, there are three acronyms that determine the characteristics of waterproofing products, liquid or paste, according to the duration of their effectiveness: W1: duration 5 years; W2: duration 10 years; W3: duration 25 years. Today in Italy, the 25-year duration of a waterproofing is taken for granted, but it clearly cannot be so, because there are numerous variables that could compromise such a high-performance result. For example, exceptional weather events, little or no maintenance, improper product installation-an event that is much more common than one might think-or the choice of a product that does not conform to its intended use, and so on.
In the United States, regulations are much more pragmatic and selective: it is indeed necessary to prove that waterproofing agents last 10 years, and what is written on the package is not enough. In fact, U.S. certifying bodies take care to do very rigorous testing themselves before issuing CERTIFICATES OF CONFORMITY. Knowing how to read and interpret product data sheets and certification reports is therefore an essential step before choosing products to use..
The choice of products
As mentioned above, market expectations are not always consistent with the choices of waterproofing products and systems. The tendency to use low-priced solutions is ever-present, and it is not for nothing that an area where disputes are the order of the day is precisely that ofwaterproofing. Therefore, the choice of a waterproofing product or system cannot disregard careful evaluations that, in addition to the intended use, for example of a flat roof, must consider the characteristics of the location (marine locations where the action of saltiness is present, mountain locations where freeze/thaw cycles reach extreme values, large cities for pollution problems, and so on). Other considerations relate to the timing of interventions, because in many cases the speed and effectiveness of applications must go hand in hand to avoid excessive disruption of activities, for example in the case of garages, hotel terraces, workshop floors, shopping malls, and so on, which receive continuous stress.
Given for certain the correctness of the information contained in product sheets, however, it is equally clear that if one product has a higher price than another in all likelihood it will also offer guarantees and benefits of a certain kind. When choosing a product, therefore, it is always good to ask what its price promises (or hides). Above all, it is good to learn how to correctly interpret the indications in the data sheets, delving with the help of specialists into the peculiar characteristics of the products, verifying that they are really suitable for the type of work to be carried out. Thelong-term effectiveness of waterproofing can thus not be defined a priori, but only through careful evaluation of numerous, possible variables. A professional and competent approach to the problem, which therefore goes beyond easy definitions that belong more to marketing than to technique, is certainly the best way forward to ensure truly long-lasting protection.
FAQ
How long does waterproofing last?
Durability is not fixed. It depends on the product (certified W1 for 5 years, W2 for 10, W3 for 25 in Europe), proper installation and use. Without regular and careful maintenance, even the best product can lose effectiveness much sooner.
What is the most important factor in ensuring the durability of waterproofing?
Scheduled periodic maintenance is the key factor, not optional. Regularly checking surface integrity and cleaning drains is essential to preserve treatment effectiveness over time and avoid unforeseen damage.
How do you choose a waterproofing product that is truly durable?
Do not rely on price alone. It is essential to read the data sheets and certifications (e.g., W1/W2/W3 classes). Choose the product based on the specific use (e.g., footfall), climate of the area, and rely on professionals for proper installation.
