We have seen in the article Even car parks must be protected what are the key parameters to identify a waterproofing solution able to ensure durability and functionality of the concrete structure: (1) Crack bridging capability; (2) Wear resistance; (3) Abrasion resistance. Let’s deep dive into these 3 topics!
3 Key parameters of a waterproofing membrane
- Crack bridging capability
Is there a building without any cracks? There are for sure some, but they are very rare. The reality and practice show us that in most cases cracks occur, especially on a large horizontal concrete surface like a car park. Thermal expansion on top decks due to the variation of temperature, shrinkage of the concrete slab, dynamic loads of the vehicles and the long span between the columns are some of the specific reasons why crack occurs in a car park. Without crack bridging protection, the durability of the overall structure might be endangered leading to additional maintenance and repair. - Wear resistance
The engine torque of the vehicles is generally increasing, with a particular regard to electrical cars. When accelerating, the first turns of the driving wheels create a tension inside the protection system which tends to tear the material. This is one of the reasons why durable systems requires the combination of the membrane, which provides crack bridging resistance, and the wear coat which protect the membrane from tear.
- Abrasion resistance
The abrasion of the surface is very high especially in car parks of commercial centers or big public buildings. In these environments, the top layer of any system is particularly subject to stress, which is why it is very important to select and apply a top coat layer able to ensure extended protection. Hot spray applied membranes have such a high degree of mechanical resistance to make not necessary the application of a top coat layer, ensuring at the same time the same resistance. This lead to a simpler, faster and cheaper application.
Where and how can hot spray membranes from Master Builders Solutions make a difference?
To fulfill all the parameters above described, waterproofing and protection systems with 2 or even 4 layers are necessary. Starting from the substrate the ideal layering system will be composed of primer, waterproofing membrane, wear coat and top coat. MasterSeal Traffic system range gathers the specific solutions for car parks. Here below I will introduce two systems of the MasterSeal Traffic range based on hot spray applied waterproofing membranes.
MasterSeal Traffic 2219 – The system is composed of primer (MasterSeal P 770), membrane (MasterSeal M 689) and top coat (MasterSeal TC 681). The mechanical resistance and crack bridging properties of our hot spray membranes are so great that with one layer and one single application they can play the role of both, the membrane and the wear coat, making the application much faster and easier. A hot spray applied membrane in combination with our UV stable top coat is a highly performing system which ensures durability especially on top decks.
MasterSeal Traffic 2239 – The system is composed of primer (MasterSeal P 770), membrane plus top coat (MasterSeal M 689). Our hot spray applied membranes also have crack bridging properties, which make it the ideal solution not only for top decks but also for intermediate decks, where cracks can occur. In the specific case of intermediate decks, the additional properties of mechanical resistance and UV resistance allow to skip the application of the top coat and to combine in only one application the role of the membrane and the wear coat.
In both MasterSeal Traffic 2219 and MasterSeal Traffic 2239, the hot spray application of the waterproofing membrane guarantees a very fast application and return to service minimizing downtime costs