Indice
Modern waterproofing: water-based liquid membranes for roofs, terraces and balconies
Liquid roof waterproofing: easy, safe and versatile protection
Modern technology has brought to the market water-based liquid waterproofing membranes made with the most innovating technologies. Simple and ready to use, they form an effective barrier to water and humidity, in order to protect roofs, terraces and balconies from water stagnation, infiltrations and from the action of ultraviolet rays.
The evolution of waterproofing: efficiency, safety and sustainability
Ever since the industry came up with liquid waterproofing, this sector has significantly changed. Professional roofers and people who work in waterproofing in general immediately accepted and implemented these solutions, which simplified operations, and at the same time, guaranteed an accurate and effective waterproofing, without any waste of materials. It also allowed an unexpected easy cleaning of the work sites and, most importantly, in safety matters, there is no more need to transport and use the gas tanks to “burn” the traditional bituminous membrane.
Winkler Waterproofing Systems, have been a pioneer in this field, creating Wingum Plus H2O, a colored and ready to use fibered water-based elastomeric waterproofing liquid membrane, which offers extraordinary resistance to water stagnation, aging and UV rays.
Characteristics and application of waterproofing liquid membrane
The Wingum Plus H2O waterproofing liquid membrane, due to its creamy and easy-to-apply nature, is suitable for a wide variety of uses. With a simple brush, it’s possible to easily reach almost inaccessible areas, meaning that critical areas for the overall quality of the waterproofing are continuously and completely covered, guaranteeing the total protection of surfaces. This is also true for joints between floor and walls, around chimneys and exhaustion pipes on flat roofs, or around the perimeter of balconies and terraces, near gutters for example, where there’s a greater concentration of water as well as constant humidity.
Wingum Plus H2O performs its valuable task both outside and inside a building. Externally—on flat roofs, terraces, and balconies—it fights the effects of rain, freezing and thawing, the corrosive action of stagnant water, as well as the action of the wind, which is more intense close to the seaside, together with the salinity of the air. In internal environments, it’s effective in areas affected by steam and water, as in the case of bathrooms and showers.
Winkler’s product quality guarantees high, long-lasting performances. They are designed with care and attention towards human health and the environment, since these products are water-based solutions, instead of solvent-based. In fact, with Wingum Plus H2O, while performing their work, operators will not detect the usual heavy scent of solvent-based products, which can be the cause of health problems for both installers and for those who will work or live in the building.
In construction, it’s commonplace to argue that a “product that does not stink does not work.” This is an opinion that modern technologies have proved to be wrong. Water-based solutions are the result of research and investment to create technologies that guarantee safety and high performance.
Liquid water-based membranes waterproof and protect the treated substrates for an even longer-lasting waterproofing action. These products perfectly adapt to damp or very damp substrates, and even wet ones. Their action remains effective even in the presence of constant humidity and can be applied on practically all types of surfaces, like wood, brick, metal surfaces, fibre cement, and even completely oxidized wet bitumen polymer membranes. These liquid membranes also have the great advantage of being perfectly walkable and resistant to wear and puncture, since they can easily accommodate tables and chairs, without affecting their waterproofing features.
Liquid membranes can be the solution also for damaged surfaces and for waterproofing walls
The best liquid membranes also provide a valuable barrier to water stagnation, an invaluable action on all occasions, but particularly appreciated on terraces and balconies. There are also water-based liquid waterproofing membranes, white in color, that drastically reduce solar heat transmission in the summer months-even in full sunlight they remain cool to the touch-thus saving on cooling costs for attics and lofts. However, this type of product has not yet ceased to amaze: in fact, there are transparent, low-viscosity waterproofing protectors on the market that are used on tiled balconies and terraces that are prone to water infiltration. This type of product ensures the waterproofing of the substrate while maintaining the exposed face of the pavement; it’s there but you can’t see it! Again, waterproofing membranes, in addition to performing their preventive activity, can also be a “cure” for deteriorated bituminous coverings or membranes marred by time and weather conditions. They are very elastic products that resist aging, thermal shock and can be applied both horizontally and vertically. In fact, they are also used for waterproofing foundations, service terraces of any slope, concrete tanks, eaves and for sealing chimneys.
Liquid membranes can be the solution also for damaged surfaces and for waterproofing walls
Waterproofing vertical surfaces is a real prerogative of liquid waterproofers. If traditional roll membranes are not suitable for application to walls, liquid membranes, obviously with certain characteristics of perfect adherence to vertical surfaces, solve the problem, and are especially popular inwaterproofing walls against the ground, in cellars, garages, and in all situations where moisture is a perennial threat.
Good quality water-based, bituminous or formulated with specific selected resins waterproofing membranes, like Wingum Plus H2O are ready-to-use products, which do not need the addition of primers or water. They offer a valid solution in many situations and, in return, require only the perfect cleaning of the surfaces, whether they are horizontal or vertical, so that their action can be effective and lasting over time.
FAQ
What are the main advantages of a liquid membrane like Wingum Plus H2O compared to traditional torch-on felt?
The main advantages are simplicity and safety. Unlike traditional roll-on membranes, it is easily applied with a roller or brush, with no need for open flames or gas cylinders. Being water-based and solvent-free, it is also a safer solution for the applicator’s health and the environment, avoiding the strong, harmful odours of older products.
Is this type of liquid waterproofer only suitable for roofs, or can it be used in other areas as well?
It is extremely versatile. As well as roofs, terraces, and balconies, Wingum Plus H2O is also effective for waterproofing vertical surfaces such as foundation walls, cellars, and garages. Its formulation also makes it suitable for damp internal areas like bathrooms and shower enclosures.
Once applied to a terrace or balcony, is the surface suitable for foot traffic and daily use?
Yes, absolutely. Once cured, the product forms a highly resistant, elastic layer. It is perfectly suitable for foot traffic and withstands normal daily use, resisting both wear and puncture. Therefore, you can place tables, chairs, and other outdoor furniture on it without any problems.
