(One Hundred Questions on Waterproofing) #39: Roofing waterproofing renovation project, found that there was a water leak. Since the foam cement and thermal insulation tiles on top are difficult to remove and transport, is it possible to apply a series of waterproofing materials or a baking-type waterproof membrane directly on top after making some minor repairs and leveling the surface? Why?

A: No, that kind of “treating the symptoms without treating the root cause” is the most unprofessional approach. According to my experience, whether it’s PU or waterproof felt, if it’s applied directly to the foam, it will only worsen the situation.

(One Hundred Questions on Waterproofing) #37 New Construction Projects: Applying a wiping-type waterproofing system (including general two-fluid PU, super-fast curing PU, oily rubberized asphalt, etc.) for waterproofing projects. In order to expedite the work, the water accumulates in low-lying areas on the roof and is drained away using a gas spray gun. After drying it with the spray gun, construction is immediately started; are there any aftereffects to be expected? How can they be overcome?

A: Such construction can easily cause the waterproofing material to swell, become poorly attached, crack, and degrade within one month of installation. This is because the water that seeps into the structure cannot be drained away.

(One Hundred Questions on Waterproofing) #20 This well-known construction company also insists on using PU in its waterproofing contracting bids. However, some insist that PU must not be used at all, while others insist on using tear-resistant oil-based tarpaulins... How objective are these statements?

A: 1. In the decision-making process regarding the selection of waterproof materials, some people insist on using a certain material, while others insist that a certain material should not be used; in the end, the bottom line is that they are all based on experience […]

(One Hundred Questions on Waterproofing) #15: The construction seam at the corner of the roof (the corner of the daughter wall) is particularly prone to leakage (especially around the corner of the daughter wall or the pipes); so what are the key points to pay attention to in waterproofing construction?

Answer: 1. The surface preparation must be thorough—it is often found that there are remnants such as template chips, iron wire, loose stones, and floating debris, which would greatly diminish the effectiveness if not handled properly. 2. Corners […]

(One Hundred Questions on Waterproofing) #12: Currently, there are so-called "water-based liquids" on the market. They are said to have good elasticity, low price, and can be applied to any color. What are the facts about this? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Answer: (i) According to my understanding; currently, there are no technical difficulties for major PU manufacturing factories in China to produce water-based liquid polyamides. However, no one company has yet developed a water-based liquid polyamide product.

(One Hundred Questions About Waterproofing) #6 The wall on the wall has long hair and peeling paint; it can be effectively treated by repeatedly wiping with dilute hydrochloric acid or baking soda to neutralize the acidity and alkalinity, and then repainting. Is this effective?

Answer: Theoretically, these carbonate crystal deposits on the wall can be reduced by neutralizing them with acidic liquids such as dilute hydrochloric acid or soda water. The problem is that the concrete is not completely dissolved.