CIM Industries Blog

The definition of waterproofing is very straightforward: to protect an object from water-based damage. Often, the main function of waterproofing material is to keep water out from an area or to keep water contained within an area. Regarding the residential, commercial, and industrial construction industries; there are many common terms to define the concepts and materials involved with waterproofing. Words and phrases related to product selection, site preparation, physical specifications, application conditions, installation, and testing, are just a few categories of terms that you may come across.

It’s said that two heads are better than one. The same principle applies to waterproofing membranes. Typically, you apply a layer of CIM waterproofing, wait for one to four hours, then apply your second layer. This is all after choosing a waterproofing membrane, of course. This is the recoat window for most membranes, and it marks the period of maximum adhesion between layers. That said, there are innumerable reasons why you may miss this recoat period.

It happens, and it isn’t an issue for experienced applicators. With the right tools and technique, you can abrade (rough up) the surface of the membrane to improve its ability to bind well after the surface has set.

Cold temperatures can impact the curing of coatings.  Applications at colder temperatures, or below the manufacturer’s recommendations, require experienced contractors familiar with CIM waterproofing products.  To achieve the best results, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s application procedures. 

Let's begin by pondering this question: Why is waterproofing given less priority (left out entirely) during the pre-construction planning phase of any commercial or residential projects?  This trend is truly baffling as proper waterproofing care leads to innumerable benefits in the long-term life and performance of any construction project.

Related Article: Waterproofing is the Future of Construction

The global waterproofing membrane market is on the rise. With a focus on infrastructure and housing options, growth prospects in the construction sector continue to rise. Markets (including the United States, China, Brazil, and India) are seeing above-average growth in new building opportunities and restoration projects, resulting in an increased demand for elastomeric and waterproofing membranes and other coating products.    

With rapid growth worldwide, CIM Industries and its selection of waterproofing solutions, namely CIM 500, has started to corner the market with its revolutionary technology. CIM 500 is a two-part cold liquid waterproofing membrane designed to meet the demands of buried or non-UV exposed applications.  

There is a large misconception in the waterproofing industry that all cold fluid-applied waterproofing membranes are susceptible to osmotic blistering. But this is not the case. Over the years, costly waterproofing repairs have led to a lack of confidence in using cold fluid-applied waterproofing membranes in damp, wet, and immersion environments. Understanding what osmotic blistering is, knowing why it occurs, and choosing the correct product for each job will help minimize the potential for osmotic blisters.

Chevron raised the standards on cold fluid-applied waterproofing membrane applications when they introduced a urethane coating system for synthetic running tracks in the 1960s. Over several decades, this urethane technology morphed into a waterproof bridge deck membrane, now widely recognized as Chase Industrial Membranes (C.I.M. Industries), the leader in the industrial waterproofing market.

Identifying termination points and properly terminating waterproof coatings are two critical aspects of a waterproofing system’s long-term success. Whether you are applying the coating system to a roof, floor, tank, or fountain; in hot or cold climates; or to concrete, wood, steel, or any other construction materials, correctly terminating the waterproofing system is essential. 

Termination points are areas where the waterproofing membrane stops or is no longer applied.

Whether you are in the residential or commercial building industry or in the new construction or building maintenance business space, waterproofing is not something to be overlooked. Waterproofing systems work by creating physical barriers to water. They keep water out of places it doesn’t belong and in places where it does belong.

With many varieties of elastomeric coatings on the market, it should be no surprise that there are many different application methods to consider. So, how do you choose the best plan for your next project? 

This article will focus on polyurethane, cold, fluid-applied, elastomeric waterproofing coatings. These products can be hand-applied using a brush, roller, or squeegee or with specialized spray equipment. The application method is often predicated by project conditions that influence the contractor's ability to apply the material as a uniform coating at the required thickness.