Protective coatings that are applied to a building flat surfaces, such as balconies, decks, floors and parkades are called liquid membrane. In order to help increase the longevity and efficiency of the building envelope, these coatings are created to provide water and weatherproofing, thermal insulation and protection from heavy traffic.
Why a liquid membrane is used?
Membranes are commonly used as a barrier to protect from water ingress and assist in shielding a building from severe weather, particularly wind driven rain and hot temperatures. Examples of substrates commonly protected by membranes would be decks and balconies, rooftops and highly exposed walls at high rise buildings.
Surface Protection and Energy Efficiency
Membranes can be applied as thick as 25 millimeters, the thickness of the coating offers exceptional protections to a variety of substrates, such as concrete, metal, and roofing materials. The use of membranes that reflect sunlight and retain less heat can increase a building’s energy efficiency and also increase a buildings lifespan
Why use a liquid membrane as opposed to a paint?
While conventional paint can add some degree of protection and visual appeal, membranes have a number of important advantages. Membranes, offer superior protection against corrosion and substrate failure due to weather and chemical exposure Compared to conventional paint, membranes are specifically designed to offer improved durability and lifetime. Membranes need less maintenance and recoating because of their improved durability which reduces costs over time. When it comes to water and weather proofing membranes are far superior to paint. Finally, membranes have many different ways to be customized, including different colors, textures, and finishes.
Where is liquid membrane applied?
Exterior Walls, Decks, Balconies and Parking Areas
Membranes help preserve the integrity and aesthetic appeal of the building’s façade by offering protection against weathering, UV radiation, and moisture penetration. Decks and balconies frequently have membranes placed to them to produce a waterproof and sturdy surface. These membranes prolong the life of the deck or balcony by preventing water penetration and shielding the supporting structure from moisture damage. Parking lots that are exposed can utilize membranes that produce a watertight seal that stops water intrusion and guards against corrosion brought on by de-icing.
Interior Factory, Warehouse, and High Traffic Floors
In industrial settings, such as factories and warehouses, where large machinery and significant foot traffic are typical, membranes are frequently put to floors. These membranes increase the flooring’s toughness and safety by adding further defense against abrasion, impact, and chemical spills.
Underground Parking Lots
Membranes can also be used on covered or underground parking structures. They produce a strong surface that can sustain heavy vehicle traffic, guard against deterioration of the underlying concrete, and make maintenance and cleaning simpler.
Liquid Membrane System Examples
MasterSeal Traffic 2500 HD
A liquid-applied, crack-bridging traffic deck waterproofing system based on advanced polymeric materials. It consists of a primer, a spray-applied elastomeric polyurethane waterproofing membrane, a fast-setting polyurethane wear coat, and a polyaspartic or polyurethane topcoat. The seamless coating has an attractive, skid-resistant, UV, and weather-resistant finish which is easy to clean and maintain. It is resistant to petrol, diesel oil, battery acid, de-icing salts, and alkaline cleaners.
Tremco Vulkem 350/351
Is a composite waterproofing system comprised of a tough curing liquid polyurethane. It cures to form a rubber membrane surface that provides a lasting and easy-to-clean coating. Textured surfaces for pedestrian traffic will use an aggregate-laden top membrane to aid in wear and slip resistance. Vulkem 350/351 may be used to apply a seamless, monolithic waterproof membrane to concrete and primed metal surfaces.
What is the lifespan of a liquid membrane?
Liquid membrane lifespan depends on myriad of factors like type, installation quality, conditions, and maintenance. Additionally, commercial membranes offer longer durability and protection than regular paint, lasting 10 to 20 years or more. Premium liquid membranes can endure up to 30 years of moisture, temperature changes, UV exposure, and environmental challenges.
Choose the right liquid membrane for your building and work with our specialized contractors for proper installation. If you are thinking about hiring professionals to install a membrane, WCP can help. We specialize in membranes / waterproofing and provide free consultations to evaluate and assess your buildings needs.
If you have any questions about your next Building Renewal and Commercial Painting Project we can be reached at [email protected] or 604.420.5552.
