How do you choose the right waterproofing paint for roof – An ultimate guide

If dampness tends to come out of the ceiling or walls in your industrial or commercial buildings, one solution is to apply waterproofing paints, since they can end up damaging them in the long run. Humidity, in addition to being unsightly, can be very damaging to your walls, roofs, or basements, as well as a possible source of respiratory problems for your staff.

The solution involves good prevention thanks to treatments with anti-humidity products. But if it has already occurred, attack the source before repairing the damage. Waterproofing paints protect facades, roofs, interior walls, and ceilings from humidity, leaks, and water leaks; and also decorate them. Depending on the material of the damaged surface, it will determine the specific type of product suitable for waterproofing it.

- Waterproofing paints are used to prevent moisture problems, leaks, and water leaks. There are indoor or outdoor solutions.

- Humidity can be created by filtration, condensation, or by capillarity.

- Before painting a damaged area, you must locate the source of the problem and repair it so that stains do not appear again.

Interior waterproofing paint: which one do I need?

Interior waterproofing paint is used to insulate and coat interior walls in order to prevent dampness and mold on the walls, as well as bad odors. Depending on the damage, it will be necessary to opt for one solution or another, hence the types of interior waterproofing are classified as:

- Anti-humidity paint: White paint, can be applied even on wet walls.

- Anti-mold paint: Matte paint to prevent mold from appearing. It is especially recommended for places with little, no, or poor ventilation, heating, or defective thermal insulation. If you need to remove mold, we explain how to do it.

- Stain-resistant paint: This paint is used to erase any type of stain, whether from moisture or for another reason, such as smoke, grease, etc.

Exterior waterproofing paint: on what surface are you going to apply it?

Exterior waterproofing paint is indicated for facades, roofs, flat roofs, and terraces. It stands out for being a highly elastic product and very resistant to the alkalinity of the supports. It is very resistant to moisture infiltration.

The most common waterproofing problems on the exterior of industrial and commercial buildings are cracks, poor waterproofing of the facades, or broken tiles or gutters. So, to choose an exterior waterproofing paint, you must take into account durability - how often the paint has to be reapplied to the surface - and walkability if the area is accessible and frequented by people or not.

The waterproofing solutions are different depending on whether it is a facade or a roof. The facades must be impermeable to water, but at the same time, they must allow vapor to transpire from the interior to the exterior. On the other hand, the covers or roofs must be impervious to both water and steam.

- Solutions for terraces with occasional traffic or low traffic: The most recommended are acrylic waterproofing paints, since they are sensitive to sharp elements, and have a good aesthetic finish and thermal insulation properties.

- For floors of terraces with little traffic: The product requires greater durability. The ideal is an acrylic rubber waterproofing that has a higher resin load to make it more waterproof and durable, but it is less walkable.

- For chimneys, joints, or non-walkable surfaces: Liquid waterproofing rubbers or silicones are the products with the greatest waterproofing capacity, but they cannot be stepped on under any circumstances. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures, from -20°C to 80°C. They are recommended to seal chimneys, joints, cracks, and fissures.

- For floors and walls located in areas of extreme humidity: On these surfaces, the most appropriate thing is to apply anti-saltpeter paints: they are breathable and protect and insulate against humidity due to condensation and saltpeter. Creates a barrier that prevents the appearance of mold and removes moisture stains.