Structural Waterproofing

Solutions for below and above ground waterproofing

Water is the most destructive weathering element for concrete, masonry, steel and stone structures, damaging or destroying more buildings and structures than war or natural disasters. Whether below or above ground all buildings must be able to resist unwanted water. Good waterproofing can be the key factor in ensuring a structure’s longevity. Careful consideration at the design stage can limit cracks, leaks and potentially serious structural damage over a structure’s lifecycle.

Master Builders Solutions takes a holistic approach to waterproofing that covers both new-build and refurbishment solutions. Driven by the belief that prevention is better than cure, we address waterproofing from first principles, including: waterproofing membranes, waterproofing admixtures for concrete, cementitious coatings, car park coatings, elastomeric coatings and spray/hand applied polyurea membranes.

Areas of application

Pile caps / detailing

A key element to consider when designing below ground waterproofing is how to provide watertight continuity around piled foundations which incorporate pile caps. Where a waterproofing barrier is required for a structure supported on piled foundations, special consideration should be given to the detailing so that structural continuity is not compromised. Master Builders Solutions have the following products to waterproof pile caps and seal around piles.

MasterSeal 754 - Pre-applied FPO waterproofing membrane for below ground concrete structures
MasterSeal 6100 FX - A sustainable and cost-effective waterproofing membrane based on a one component and lightweight polymer-modified cementitious formulation

Underground Car Park Decks

These areas are subjected to continuous mechanical stress caused by traffic. These surfaces are also attacked by oil, petrol and other aggressive substances such as coolants and brake fluids. MasterSeal Traffic systems offer the ideal solution for this application with an excellent textured surface for improved slip resistance as well as being available in a wide range of colours for clear demarcation. Whether you need a coating with pronounced crack-bridging properties or a conventional coating, the systems can be adapted to the individual structure, rather than adapting the structure to the coating. Master Builders Solutions have the following products to meet these criteria.

MasterSeal Traffic 2260 - Car park coating for intermediate decks with medium-to-heavy loads
MasterSeal Traffic 2257 - Fast-track, skid-resistant car park deck coating system

Podium Decks

Deck waterproofing systems for podiums must take into consideration the need for movement accommodation. Although concrete podium deck construction is similar in many respects to that of balconies, the greater width of podiums means that a larger area is exposed, and a higher level of thermal movement is likely, particularly if the deck is used for parking or access for traffic.

In such areas of vehicular traffic, there will also be an increase in the dynamic loading of the structure. The additional weight of landscaping features such as paving and planters may also be a factor. Master Builders Solutions have the following products to meet these criteria.

MasterSeal Roof 2689 - Spray-applied, highly elastic, solvent-free, ultra-fast curing, polyurea membrane for waterproofing applications
MasterSeal M 686 - Hand applied, two-part, rapid-curing, chemically resistant polyurea waterproofing membrane

Balconies, Walkways and Terraces

Balconies, outside terraces and communal walkways are usually constructed from concrete with asphalt as the waterproof wearing course. Without protection these substrates will inevitably crack over time. This can lead to water ingress, resulting in leaks into properties below, frost damage and corrosion of steel reinforcement, in turn causing spalling of the substrate and ultimately structural failure. Care must be taken to ensure that the building’s design prevents this natural movement which can carry water into the underside of design details such as joints, particularly under wind loading during heavy rainstorms. Master Builders Solutions have the following products to meet these criteria.

MasterSeal Roof 2689 - Spray-applied, highly elastic, solvent-free, ultra-fast curing, polyurea membrane for waterproofing applications
MasterSeal M 686 - Hand applied, two-part, rapid-curing, chemically resistant polyurea waterproofing membrane
MasterSeal M860 / M861 - Highly elastic, liquid applied, non-solvented elastomeric polyurea coatings for use in waterproofing applications

Roofing (buried / green)

Inadequate roofing affects a structure’s functionality, its maintenance and whole-life costs, with far-reaching implications for buildings insurance. A durable roof waterproofing system that is resistant to changes in temperature and environmental factors, such as pollution and acid rain, is therefore a vital part of the building envelope. Master Builders Solutions provides tailor-made solutions for flat and pitched roofs with its versatile MasterSeal waterproofing membrane systems, which use advanced polyurea technology to create impervious, monolithic membranes suitable for all major roof types and designs. Master Builders Solutions have the following products to meet these criteria.

MasterSeal Roof 2689 - Spray-applied, highly elastic, solvent-free, ultra-fast curing, polyurea membrane for waterproofing applications
MasterSeal M 686 - Hand applied, two-part, rapid-curing, chemically resistant polyurea waterproofing membrane

Watertight Concrete

BS 8102 Type A - Barrier protection BS 8102:2009 code of practice classifies Type A protection as; barrier protection against water ingress which is dependent on a separate barrier system, typically bonded sheet membranes applied to the structure. Master Builders Solutions have the following products to meet these criteria

MasterSeal 754 – Pre-applied FPO waterproofing membrane with MasterSeal 934 Waterproofing tape
MasterSeal 754 SB – Post-applied FPO waterproofing membrane for below ground concrete structures

BS 8102 Type B - Structural protection BS 8102:2009 code of practice classifies Type B protection as; structurally integral protection against water ingress, which is provided by the structure. This type of waterproofing protection is actually integrated into the concrete structure and typical products used include water resisting admixtures compiling with Table 9 of BS EN 934-2:2009 (Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout) for watertight concrete combined with appropriate joint sealing systems for connections, construction and movement joints. Master Builders Solutions have the following products to meet these criteria.

MasterLife WP 799 – Water resisting admixture for concrete
MasterSeal 910 and MasterSeal 912 System – Hydroswelling waterbar and mastic (adhesive) for construction joints
MasterInject 900 & MasterRoc MP 307 CE System – Re-injectable hoses waterstop and injection resin for construction joints
MasterSeal 925 – Swelling rings and plugs for formwork tie-holes

​​​Structural Waterproofing​