Is Nano Waterproofing the Next Big Thing?

Years of waterproofing have helped protect houses from corrosion and strengthen their structural integrity. With construction, waterproofing helps create an environment that is safe from environmental conditions. Commonly known as a way to make an area or something water-resistant. Water cannot penetrate and leak through. Usually used for roofs, walls, and floors. Specifically, outdoor facilities like swimming pools, reservoirs, and parking lots.

Waterproofing systems are used in different ways, which include sealants, emulsions, composites, adhesives, and various synthetic water-based resin or polymer coatings.

Various waterproofing methods have been developed over time to waterproof a variety of materials. One of those is Nano waterproofing. Nano waterproofing is gaining popularity lately in industries such as automotive, textile, food, and health.

Is Nano waterproofing the only method used in waterproofing?

Waterproofing methods include:

• Nano waterproofing is one of the newest methods of waterproofing houses and buildings. Nano waterproofing is also used in shoe sprays, textiles, cars, and other products. Nano-sized particles can be bonded to the smallest cracks and spaces to create a superior and long-lasting coating.

• Bentonite waterproofing
  Bentonite is clay made from volcanic ash that has submerged in seawater. Upon absorption of water, bentonite expands for almost 15 times its dry volume. A swelling is caused by the molecular structure of bentonite, which consists of sheets that can expand based on grading and clay composition.

• Liquid waterproofing
  Liquid waterproofing is the process of making a surface or object water-resistant in given conditions by applying a liquid coating to it. It is easy to apply and provides long-lasting protection to metals, wood, concrete, and other surfaces. It works best on large surface areas like rooftops, cemented lots, and other building structures.

• Bitumen waterproofing
  Bitumen is more popularly known as asphalt. It is a black sticky substance and is waterproof. It is common in big structures, like corporate and residential buildings. It is rolled under the roof to prevent passage or possible water leakages.

• Rubber waterproofing
  Waterproof rubber completely rejects liquid. It is used not only in concrete areas but also in wooded areas. It is strong enough to be used in extreme areas that need waterproofing. It is said to be highly resistant to aging and UV rays.

• Cementitious waterproofing
  Cementitious waterproofing coatings are seamless coatings used to provide positive and negative side waterproofing protection on concrete surfaces. They prevent damage from water infiltration and are resistant to molds.

• Waterproofing sealer and sealant
  A sealer is a transparent sealer that penetrates the surface of dry materials to help prevent moisture and water damage. It can be applied to wood, concrete, brick, masonry, canvas, stucco, and other substrates.

What makes Nano waterproofing different from all of the other methods mentioned so far? What are its applications? 

How Does Nano Waterproofing Work?

Nanotechnology is used for waterproofing. Nanotechnology has been used in waterproofing to treat substrates and repel liquid water, while simultaneously allowing gaseous water to move in and out. Using nanotechnology, a waterproof layer is created that allows water to evaporate out of pores, preventing internal water damage.

Nanoparticles were responsible for the properties of the Nano waterproofing. Nanoparticles are small and cannot be seen by the naked eye. These particles are durable and have highly UV-resistant and weather-resistant features, which prevent them from breaking down because of unwanted situations. 

It is far from the traditional waterproofing membranes. The traditional waterproofing membranes usually lose effectiveness under the heat by breaking down under extreme temperatures.

Where Can Nano Waterproofing Be Applied?

• Food and health:
  Nano waterproofing is very useful in the food and health industry. It helps prevent areas including counters and kitchen stations from preventing bacterias from growing. Nano waterproofing helps the furniture to be easier to disinfect, especially at this time of pandemic where cleanliness is most important to guests.

• Automotives:
  Nanotechnology in cars and other automotive vehicles has been popular. It helps them prevent dirt, scratches, UV rays and leaves a shiny clean finish to the applied area. 

• Construction:
  Nano waterproofing can also be applied to elements and building materials on the outside. It keeps it safe from dirt and sudden corrosions.

• Textile:
  Nano waterproofing on textile is also one of the most growing ways to help textile products be cleaned easily. Like, clothes and shoes. It is repellant to dirt such as mud, coffee spills, stains, and other forms of liquid.

Pros and Cons of Nano Waterproofing in Your House

Pros

• Nano waterproofing is highly hydrophobic

• It has lighter and stronger components

• It is a low maintenance coating

• Air pollution reduction

• Reduced environmental impact

• Improved wear resistance vs other waterproofing coatings

• Optical transparency 

• Last longer than usual waterproofing methods

• Saves more time and energy

• One time expense

Cons

• Could be toxic during long exposures; which is why liquid nano waterproofing is more advisable than powder

• Can be more expensive

With the advancement of technology, people have been able to protect their homes in easy and convenient ways. Thus, this nano waterproofing technique could become important for the future and even in the present. Not just waterproofing for households, but also materials that could benefit from this technology. 

The HDB is also seeking better ways to improve waterproofing methods so that the community can avoid costly repairing methods and unnecessary reconstructions by considering nano waterproofing as an option.