(One Hundred Questions on Waterproofing)#90 What kind of waterproof material should be used for flower beds constructed with bricks for roofing, terraces, and courtyards? What are the key aspects to consider in terms of design?

Answer:

It is advisable to use water-based and solid-state waterproofing coating materials. In planning the construction, the following points should be taken into consideration:

1. The main purpose of this type of waterproofing is to prevent rainwater from flowing out of the flowerbed and to help prevent white birch from drying out; it is not the same as the structural waterproofing of the building structure. Therefore, structural waterproofing must comply with the standard construction specifications for courtyards and roofs: it is advisable to use a PU-based or baked-in waterproofing material.
2. In the construction process, all brick joints must first be filled and leveled manually (the filling material should be waterproof mortar or acrylic resin mortar).
3. After the water-proofing materials are applied and cured, they should be finished and then handed over to the cement workers for primer painting; the work should not be reversed.
4. Common mistakes made in construction sites are: first applying a primer and then having the waterproofing contractor complete the work; this type of construction method has a very high failure rate—the waterproofing material applied to the surface often results in subsequent problems such as peeling, poor adhesion, or swelling due to poor quality of the primer layer.
5. There are often cracks at the intersection of the bottom of the brick wall and the floor surface, so special attention should be paid before applying the waterproofing coating; it is best to first reinforce the area using a diagonal method.