Water penetrates into our buildings and causes ferrous metals in load-bearing structural elements to rust, thus reducing their ability to function. Water causes concrete, brick and wood to rot and crack. And water provides a medium for the growth of mold and bacteria. Exelans Energy water insulation provides a healthy and comfortable living space by preventing the formation of bacteria and mold, dripping of water from roofs or ceilings, and the formation of damp, in addition to providing building safety.

In order to avoid problems such as flooding and rising damp in the subsurface sections of the building because lack of damp proofing after the construction is completed, and in cases that groundwater is struck while digging out foundations, the foundations should be waterproofed.

Ceramic is a waterproof coating material, but not a water insulation material. For waterproofing, water insulation materials should be used.

Materials such as tiles and shingles are roofing materials. Even though roofing materials are made of waterproof substances, the connection points of numerous small tiles create gaps that water can penetrate. Moreover, it is possible for the tiles to break because of wind or works on the roof.

Water insulation should be applied to the entire roof. Water can enter spaces with under-floor insulation and so the entire roof should be waterproofed.

One of the reasons behind the collapse of the buildings during earthquakes is that the load-bearing elements of the buildings without water insulation weaken through prolonged exposure to water. If the right construction techniques, building materials and water insulation is applied during construction, the load-bearing elements of the building will be protected.  However, water insulation will only help buildings to preserve earthquake resistance.

Even though there is no ground water, soil moisture and surface water may cause corrosion (rusting) and rotting of the foundations. Thus, water insulation is required for foundation and curtain wall elements.

Exelans Energy Membranes are water-insulating unreinforced or load-bearing reinforced bitumen (asphalt) and polymer-based mats.

Bituminous water insulating mats can be used in almost all areas that water can penetrate, such as:

* Walls contacting soil
* Foundations and flooring
* Balconies
* Terraces and inclined roofs
* Wet areas such as bathrooms 
* Water tanks
* Structures such as artificial lagoons and pools
* Retaining walls
* Concrete canals
* Parking lot roofs
* Highways
* Railways
* Structures such as bridges and viaducts

They are used to increase the mechanical resistance of bituminous water insulating mats against building movements and loads. In bituminous water insulating mats, generally polyester felt or fiberglass bearers are used.

 

Generally, they are applied on concrete and wood surfaces. It is possible for them to be applied on other surfaces.

It increases the adherence between bituminous water insulating mats and concrete surfaces. Thus water insulation should not be applied to concrete surfaces without priming. In application on surfaces other than concrete ones (wood etc.), there is no need for primer.

If the bituminous water insulating mats are selected correctly and detailed appropriately, they can continue their original performance throughout the life span of the building. However the life cycle of low quality bituminous water insulating mats is shorter.

For water insulation, bituminous water insulating mats will be enough. However, additional accessories are also used to complete the insulation such as ventilation shafts, filters and pressure bars.

There are many criteria that need to be considered. Among them are the climate and the building’s properties. While selecting bituminous water insulating mats, choose high-quality products with a TSE document and quality certificate. Low-quality materials cause water insulation to be inappropriate and may incur additional costs later on.

Bituminous water insulating mats covered with mineral or aluminum foil are resistant to UV rays. UV rays will not affect other bituminous water insulating coatings only if they are coated with a protective layer (cement, concrete, coating panels, etc).

Very high temperatures are required to melt bituminous water insulating mats. Since normal atmospheric temperatures do not reach such levels, bituminous water insulating mats won’t melt but they may soften. However, this should not affect the shape of the mat.

Bituminous water insulating mats don’t provide thermal insulation. They are water insulation materials only.

At least two layers of water insulation should be applied if the slope of the roof is 5% or less. If case the slope of the roof is greater than 5% and the building is not in a low-temperature region, a single layer of water insulation with a 4mm polyester felt-bearing element would be enough.