Definition and context of wall waterproofing

Wall waterproofing is a technical process intended to protect vertical structures against the penetration of water and humidity. This technique is essential in construction to guarantee the durability, resistance and comfort of buildings, avoiding structural damage and health problems associated with humidity, such as mold and deterioration of materials.

Walls, especially those that are in direct contact with the ground or exposed to adverse weather conditions, require specific treatment to prevent water seepage that can compromise the stability of the property. Waterproofing acts as a barrier that blocks the passage of water, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the walls in different environments.

Physical and chemical principles of waterproofing

The waterproofing of walls is based on physical principles that prevent the passage of water by creating a continuous and adherent barrier on the surface or inside the wall. This barrier must be strong, flexible and durable to withstand structural movements and environmental conditions.

From a chemical point of view, waterproofing materials can react with the wall surface forming bonds or hydrophobic films that repel water. Some systems also use crystallizing additives or polymers that are integrated with the concrete or mortar to reduce porosity and block capillaries where water could leak.

It is essential to understand the behavior of water, which can infiltrate due to hydrostatic pressure, capillarity or condensation, to select the most appropriate technique and material that guarantees effective and long-lasting waterproofing.

Types of humidity that affect walls

Walls can be affected by different types of humidity, each with specific characteristics that influence the waterproofing method. Capillary dampness is the upward absorption of water from the ground through the pores of the material, causing deterioration at the base of the wall.