It is very important when it comes to waterproofing to know how to do it correctly, that is why here we bring you 7 basic tips to know how to do it.

1- Ask about the use that will be given to the property and what warranty time it requires.

Let’s start by establishing the range of materials suitable for what we are looking for. It may be that we only need to protect for one year and in this case we would need a very basic and not so durable protection.

2- Check if it is a new roof or if it already has a waterproofing system.

This is something very important since in new slabs most systems can be installed without problem, but in those that need re-waterproofing or maintenance, special care must be taken that the new system is compatible with the existing one, or failing that, completely eliminate the current material until reaching the concrete slab.

3- Check if the slab is flat or inclined.

Emulsified waterproofing systems are not ideal on a flat slab, (whether acrylic or asphalt) as the slightest puddling can re-emulsify the system. In these cases a precast or polyurethane system is needed.

4- Know if the place to be waterproofed will have sporadic or continuous foot traffic.

Knowing this is very important to determine if it is necessary to use a simple or reinforced system, or include the design and installation of traffic corridors.

5 -Take into account the weather conditions of the place.

If it is going to be waterproofed in a geographical area where cold or extreme heat prevails, materials specially designed for these climatic conditions must be used, since their effectiveness will depend on this.

6- Make sure that the surface of the roof is completely clean before starting work.

In any system that is going to be installed, it is very important to know that it is completely clean, free of grease, dust, loose or poorly adhered parts, that cracks are patched up, as well as that penetrations and downspouts are reinforced with strips of waterproof material and polyester fabric.

7 -Make sure you buy good quality waterproofing from reliable manufacturers.

Each manufacturer performs laboratory tests to determine the life of their waterproof systems and based on these results the warranty period is established, and in turn, future maintenance or renewals are calculated based on this warranty.