PRIMER - SMALL DETAILS DETERMINING SUCCESS IN WATERPROOFING

I. WHAT IS WATERPROOFING PRIMER?

Waterproofing primer is an intermediate layer of material, applied directly to the surface of concrete, walls, roofs, etc. before applying the main waterproofing layer.

It could be:

- Mortar to create flatness and seal voids.

- Special primer helps increase adhesion.

- Diluted waterproofing solution.

Simply put, the primer is like a base glue layer, helping to increase the adhesion of the main waterproofing layer, preventing peeling later while creating a protective film, preventing water and other harmful agents from penetrating.

II. Why is the primer so important?

1. Increase adhesion

- If the primer is omitted, the main waterproofing layer will easily slip on the smooth concrete surface. When exposed to rain and sun, it will crack - peel - blister.

2. Seal tiny holes

- Concrete and mortar surfaces always have capillaries and voids. The primer will penetrate deeply, fill them, and create a sealed surface before applying the main coat.

3. Helps the main material to perform to its maximum potential

- Some waterproofing materials have good water resistance but weak adhesion. The primer acts as a bonding agent to maximize the effectiveness of the material.

4. Reduce main material loss

- Without a primer, the main waterproofing layer will be absorbed deeply into the capillaries, resulting in a waste of materials but poor efficiency.

It can be said that the lining is the "key" to keeping the waterproofing project sustainable.

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III. Consequences of improper lining construction

Many people think "the primer is just a secondary step", but if done wrong, the consequences are very serious:

1. Peeling of the main waterproof layer

- The waterproof coating does not adhere firmly and peels off in patches after only a few months.

2. Reverse osmosis

- Cracks and capillaries are not sealed, making it easy for water to seep through.

3. Expensive repair costs

- Must remove all old waterproofing layer and re-treat from the beginning.

- The cost can be 2–3 times higher than doing it right from the start.

4. Aesthetic and interior impact

- Walls are stained, ceilings are yellow and peeling.

- Wooden furniture and electrical equipment are susceptible to mold and fire.

5. Risk of causing unsafety to the construction

- Long-term water seepage corrodes the steel inside the concrete, reducing the life of the structure.

See more: COMMON CONSEQUENCES OF ROOF LEAKAGE

IV. Common mistakes when applying primer

In fact, many construction teams and homeowners often make the following mistakes:

1. Construction on dirty surface

- Dust, grease, and mold cause the lining to not adhere well.

2. Do not wet the surface

- Apply when the surface is dry and cracked, causing the primer to not penetrate deeply.

3. Wrong mixing ratio

- Too thin: weak lining, no adhesion.

- Too thick: forms thick, cracked layers.

4. Careless construction

- Scan some areas, leaving out the open areas.

5. Skip the lining to save costs

- This is the biggest mistake. A valuable primer only accounts for 5–10% of the total cost, but if ignored, the damage can be 10 times greater when re-waterproofing is required.

V. Technical procedure for applying the primer

1. Surface preparation

- Clean thoroughly of dirt, grease and mortar.

- Sand the surface if it is too smooth.

2. Humidity treatment

- Lightly moisten the surface before lining (do not let water accumulate).

3. Mix in the right proportions

- According to the manufacturer's instructions (eg Sika,...).

4. Uniform construction

- Sweep and roll evenly, without missing any position.

5. Waiting time

- Wait for the primer to dry before applying the main coat.

For example wait about 3-4 hours for Sikalastic® Primer.

Waterproofing is not only about choosing good materials, but also about following the correct construction process. And in that process, the primer is the most important link. If you skip the primer, the project will soon be damaged. If you apply the correct primer, the project will last for decades.

More: How to waterproof Cemboard floors

With many years of experience of the construction team, Hung Thinh waterproofing undertakes construction in all three regions including Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. We have a team of technicians who specialize in checking and carefully consulting customers, ensuring thorough, clean and professional construction, with long-term warranty.

Hung Thinh Waterproofing Company - Clean - Thorough and Professional Waterproofing.

Headquarters: Lot 15, Area B3.12 Phan Ba ​​Vanh, Da Nang.

Saigon Branch: 162 Bui Thi Xuan, Ben Thanh Ward.

Hanoi Branch: 10B Do Nhuan, Xuan Dinh Ward.

 Hotline : 098.777.4268

 Website: Hung Thinh Waterproofing

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