Built on deep technical insights into urea coating, spray foam, injection, and adhesive systems, we present the differentiated value of APTECH products and the reasons they are trusted and chosen across a wide range of industrial applications.
Beginning the Waterproofing Story — Basic Concepts and Evolution of Waterproofing Technology
What Is Waterproofing, Key Terminology, and the Shift Toward System-Based Waterproofing Technology
What Is Waterproofing?
Waterproofing refers to a technology that uses natural or synthetic materials to prevent water or moisture from penetrating into a structure, or to seal the substrate so that internal water does not leak to the outside.
The main purposes of waterproofing are as follows:
• Extending the service life of structures
• Maintaining a comfortable indoor environment
• Preventing structural damage and property loss caused by leakage
Waterproofing technology is an essential construction element in terms of structural protection and reduction of maintenance costs.
Key Waterproofing Terminology
a. Waterproofing
A technology that blocks water penetration by forming a waterproof membrane of approximately 2–3 mm using Polyurethane, Polyurea, or waterproof sheets.
b. Water-repellent
A technology that repels water and delays penetration.
Typical materials: Silane and Siloxane for exterior wall protection.
c. Water-stopping
A technology used to stop the flow of leaking water.
• Urethane: Expanding type → for large cracks
• Epoxy: Non-foaming type → for micro cracks
Typical method: Grouting
d. Liquid Membrane Waterproofing
A method of forming a continuous waterproof membrane by applying liquid waterproofing materials.
Polyurethane, Spray Polyurea, Acrylic, Epoxy coatings, etc.
e. Sheet Membrane Waterproofing
A method in which factory-produced waterproof sheets are attached to the structural surface.
Asphalt, PVC, EPDM, Bentonite sheets, etc.
f. Concrete Integral Waterproofing
A method that provides waterproof performance to the concrete itself.
Additives: Fatty acid salts, Calcium chloride, Sodium silicate.
g. Cementitious Liquid Waterproofing
A method of applying a mixture of cement and waterproofing agents.
Applied before tile installation in bathrooms and wet areas.
h. Cementitious Flexible Waterproofing
A mixture of cement and acrylic resin.
Forms an elastic waterproof layer with excellent adhesion. Higher cost compared to liquid waterproofing.
Applied before tile installation in bathrooms and wet areas.
i. Surface Pretreatment
Basic preparation work performed before waterproofing application.
Surface cleaning, crack repair, leveling work, and securing adhesion, etc.
Evolution of Waterproofing Technology and System-Based Approach
The modern construction environment requires higher levels of waterproofing performance, including long-term durability, structural response capability, construction stability, and reduced maintenance costs. Accordingly, waterproofing technology is evolving from simple membrane formation to a System-Based Waterproofing approach that simultaneously considers structural protection and long-term stability.
Within this trend, continuous coating technologies based on Polyurethane and Spray Polyurea are expanding in application to achieve both waterproofing and structural protection.
In response to these environmental changes, AP Tech has been applying waterproofing technology centered on polyurea coating-based waterproofing systems. Through Spray Polyurea solutions such as Pure Polyurea UA-1001, Hybrid PK-410, and EPL-550, AP Tech provides waterproofing technology considering field applicability, low defect rate, and long-term durability.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Waterproofing completely blocks water penetration, while water-repellent delays penetration by reducing water absorption.
It is used to stop the flow of water in structures where leakage has already occurred.
Liquid membrane waterproofing forms a continuous waterproof membrane using liquid materials on site, whereas sheet membrane waterproofing attaches factory-produced sheets.
Polyurea-based system waterproofing technology is applied to respond to structural cracking, environmental exposure, and increasing long-term durability requirements. AP Tech provides polyurea coating waterproofing solutions backed by more than 20 years of experience.