Did you know that waterproofing a project costs about 2% to 3% of the value of the project? Also, that waterproofing complaints make up more than 96% of project lawsuits and court cases around the world?
Waterproofing is an important part of construction that protects the owner’s property first and foremost. It also makes sure that structures last a long time and people are safe. If you pick the wrong option, it could cause failures and leaks to happen over and over again, which would cost more, require more repairs, and damage the structure. The designer’s image is hurt, and users are annoyed. Various forms of waterproof membranes have been used for many years, but CWS Waterproofing products offer new ways to solve problems that are better in both quality and cost than traditional barriers and waterproof coatings.
This comparison shows why buying the right protection product is worth the money eventually.
1. Application Process
Waterproof membranes: need specialist applicators and tools, and many mistakes are made during the installation. So, either the materials eventually come apart or their short life span ends, meaning they need to be put back together, whichever comes first. Most of these materials also need a protective concrete screed to keep them from getting damaged.
CWS Products: CWS Admix is mixed with concrete during mixing and doesn’t need any special skills to be installed. On the other hand, CWS100 is sprayed on and greatly reduces the amount of work that needs to be done, the time it takes, and the simplified application, and it is very economical.
2. Coverage and Speed
Traditional Methods: Waterproof membranes – and also waterproof coatings – have coverage of no more than 70–80 m² per day.
CWS100: CWS100 can cover up to 6,000m² per day, making it perfect for large-scale projects that need to be done quickly and efficiently.
3. Longevity and Maintenance
Traditional Methods: Easily breaks, peels, or wears out; needs frequent fixes and upkeep; and has a short useful life…. Typically, around 10 years and often less.
CWS technology: Permanent security with waterproofing that becomes part of the structure and will last for the design life of the building.
4. Structural Integrity
Traditional Methods: If the structure fails or cracks, water will seep in and start corroding the steel, making the structure weaker over time. The inside of the structure will also get stained, which can lead to mold growth.
CWS Technology: Seals the capillarity of concrete by filling pores and cracks, fixes existing cracks, and is self-healing.
5. Effects on the Environment
Traditional Methods: Many waterproof membranes originate from oil-based products, contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and create millions of square meters of landfill.
CWS products are safe for drinking water, don’t contain any harmful chemicals or VOCs, and are good for the earth. 100% of CWS-treated concrete can be recycled.
6. Savings on Costs
Traditional Methods:
Any reasonable quality waterproofing membrane or waterproofing coating will be similar in pricing to CWS products but much more expensive eventually because the tile flooring and concrete screed have to be taken up and put back down so many times for upkeep.
Extremely difficult to locate, the location of the fault is a contract under the membrane.
High cost to use again.
With CWS technology:
The cost is about the same as with most other methods – and way less often because there is no requirement for a screed.
Never need to reapply.
No future maintenance costs.
7. Water Resistance and Hydrostatic Pressure Tolerance
Traditional Methods: Hydrostatic pressure of no more than 7 bars is the highest level of resistance.
CWS Products: Can handle up to 18 bars of water pressure
In conclusion
Picking the right waterproofing method isn’t just a matter of taste; it’s an investment that will pay off eventually. Traditional methods will cost the owner a lot more money than CWS products because they need to be fixed over and over again, pose building risks, and damage property like furniture, equipment, and other assets.
CWS Waterproofing products, like CWS Admix and CWS100, offer integrated, long-lasting, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional methods that architects and builders are moving away from. These products protect buildings from water-related damage and prevent future costs.
Smart, forward-thinking building is what CWS technology is all about, and the designers and experts who choose it swear by its performance and features, which have earned CWS an excellent reputation.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how CWS can help protect your next project.