Waterproofing contractors often find that air-borne moisture is more difficult to remove from the building than liquid-form moisture. In the form of vapor, it can enter the building through diffusion and stay there. And when air-borne moisture seepage cannot be expelled from the premises, it can lead to the growth of mold organisms. When molds appear, the indoor air quality is compromised.
Waterproofing contractors must install a waterproofing system that can repel air-borne moisture. The system should also be able to withstand changes brought by wind, fan or stack pressures – air movements that act on the building constantly. Lastly, when air-borne moisture does finally seep into the interior, the waterproofing system must be able to expel it.
An effective waterproofing system should have air and vapor barriers for its components. The system takes into account the air forces acting on the building. At the same time it should serve as a drainage mechanism to guide moisture from the inner cavities to the outer areas. The barriers should be strong but able to adjust to the movement of the building surfaces wherein it is installed. Needless to say, it should be applied in a seamless manner all throughout the building to make for an air-tight waterproofing system.
Waterproofing contractors often install air/vapor barriers using water-borne acrylic resin-based products or rubberized asphalt emulsions. These products are cheaper, easy to apply and maintain, and environmentally safe to use.
