I. Introduction
Waterproof coatings play a crucial role in protecting buildings from water damage. With the continuous development of construction technology and the increasing requirements for building waterproofing, the types of waterproof coatings have become increasingly diverse, and their performance has been continuously optimized. Many world - renowned waterproof manufacturers have invested a great deal of resources in research and innovation, promoting the vigorous development of the waterproof coating industry. Through the research and analysis of the products of these well - known manufacturers, we can clearly understand the current categories, characteristics, and application trends of waterproof coatings.
II. Analysis of Waterproof Coating Categories
(I) Polyurethane Waterproof Coatings
Polyurethane waterproof coatings are a common type of polymer waterproof coatings. Their main component is polyurethane resin, which reacts chemically with a curing agent to form a tough and elastic waterproof film. These coatings have extremely high elasticity and tensile strength, enabling them to adapt to significant deformations of the base layer. They can effectively prevent leakage caused by cracks resulting from building settlement, expansion, and contraction. With excellent waterproof performance, as well as good water resistance and weather resistance, they can be used for a long time in various environmental conditions. During construction, polyurethane waterproof coatings are relatively easy to apply, and can be applied by brushing, scraping, or spraying, forming a continuous and seamless waterproof layer on complex base surfaces. They are suitable for parts with high waterproof requirements, such as roofs, basements, bathrooms, and water tanks. For example, in the bathroom waterproofing projects of some high - end residential buildings, polyurethane waterproof coatings are widely used due to their outstanding waterproof effect and durability.
(II) Cement - based Penetrating Crystalline Waterproof Coatings
Cement - based penetrating crystalline waterproof coatings are made from materials such as portland cement and quartz sand as the base, with the addition of various active chemical substances. Their uniqueness lies in that the active chemical substances in the coating react chemically with calcium hydroxide in the cement to form insoluble crystals. These crystals penetrate into the capillary pores and micro - cracks inside the concrete, blocking the water seepage channels, thus achieving the waterproof function. This type of coating has excellent impermeability, can withstand high water pressure, and has a long - lasting waterproof effect with self - healing ability. Even if the waterproof layer is partially damaged, under the condition of water, the active chemical substances can continue to react to generate new crystals, repairing the cracks. It also has good chemical corrosion resistance and weather resistance, and can be constructed on wet base surfaces. It is suitable for waterproofing and seepage prevention of underground projects and hydraulic structures such as basements, tunnels, reservoirs, and water tanks. For instance, in the waterproofing projects of some large underground parking lots, cement - based penetrating crystalline waterproof coatings are often used to ensure long - term waterproof performance.
(III) Acrylic Waterproof Coatings
Acrylic waterproof coatings are made with acrylic emulsion as the main film - forming substance, and the addition of various additives and fillers. They have good weather resistance, stain resistance, and water resistance, and can maintain stable performance under the long - term action of natural environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays and rain. The coating film of acrylic waterproof coatings has high elasticity and elongation, which can cover the fine cracks of the base layer and has good adaptability to base layer deformation. At the same time, this coating is non - toxic, odorless, and pollution - free, belonging to an environmentally friendly product. It can be constructed on wet but water - free base surfaces, and the operation is simple. It is widely used for waterproofing of roofs, walls, bathrooms, balconies, and other parts. In home decoration, acrylic waterproof coatings are often used for roof and bathroom waterproofing, and their good decorative properties can also meet users' aesthetic requirements for walls.
(IV) SBS Modified Bitumen Waterproof Coatings
SBS modified bitumen waterproof coatings are made from bitumen as the base material, with the addition of SBS (styrene - butadiene - styrene block copolymer) thermoplastic elastomers and other modifiers through special processes. The addition of SBS significantly improves the performance of bitumen, endowing it with good elasticity, elongation, and high and low - temperature resistance. This coating is not easy to crack at low temperatures and not easy to flow at high temperatures, and can adapt to the climatic conditions of different regions. It has strong adhesion to the base layer and is convenient for construction, and can be constructed by cold - applied methods such as brushing and scraping. It is suitable for waterproofing projects of industrial and civil buildings, such as roofs, basements, bathrooms, as well as waterproof protection of infrastructure such as roads and bridges. In the waterproof renovation projects of some old roofs, SBS modified bitumen waterproof coatings are widely used due to their relatively low cost and convenient construction.
(V) JS Composite Waterproof Coatings
JS composite waterproof coatings are two - component waterproof coatings made by mixing polymer emulsions (such as acrylic emulsions) and cement - based powder materials in a certain proportion. They combine the flexibility of polymer materials and the rigidity of cement materials, having both good impermeability and the ability to adapt to base layer deformation. During the construction process, the two components react chemically after mixing to form a waterproof coating film with a certain strength and elasticity. This coating has strong adhesion, can be constructed on wet base surfaces, dries quickly, has a short construction period, and is non - toxic and environmentally friendly. It is suitable for waterproofing and moisture - proofing of various new and old buildings, such as roofs, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, especially for parts with complex shapes and many pipes. In the kitchen and bathroom waterproofing projects of some home decorations, JS composite waterproof coatings are highly favored due to their excellent comprehensive performance and moderate price.
(VI) Epoxy Resin Waterproof Coatings
Epoxy resin waterproof coatings are made with epoxy resin as the main film - forming substance, with the addition of curing agents, additives, etc. Epoxy resin has excellent adhesion, chemical corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties, enabling the coating film formed by this coating to be hard, wear - resistant, water - resistant, and resistant to acids and alkalis. It has strong adhesion to various base materials such as metal, concrete, and wood, and can be used for a long time in harsh environmental conditions. The construction process requirements of epoxy resin waterproof coatings are relatively high. Generally, they need to be brushed or sprayed on dry and clean base surfaces, and the curing time is relatively long. They are suitable for places with high waterproof and anti - corrosion requirements, such as chemical workshops, warehouses, water tanks, and sewage treatment plants. In the floor waterproofing projects of some chemical enterprises, epoxy resin waterproof coatings are the preferred materials due to their outstanding chemical corrosion resistance.
(VII) Self - healing Waterproof Coatings
Self - healing waterproof coatings are a new type of waterproof coatings developed in recent years, and their most prominent feature is the self - healing function. When the coating film is damaged by external forces and cracks occur, the special components in the coating can automatically migrate to the crack under certain conditions, undergo chemical reactions, and re - form a continuous waterproof layer, thus repairing the cracks and restoring the waterproof performance. This type of coating usually realizes the self - healing function through principles such as micro - capsule technology or shape - memory polymers. Self - healing waterproof coatings have good durability and reliability, which can greatly extend the service life of the waterproof layer and reduce maintenance costs. Currently, this type of coating has begun to be applied in some high - end construction projects and special projects with extremely high waterproof requirements, such as nuclear power plants and high - speed rail tunnels. Although their cost is relatively high, with the continuous progress of technology and large - scale production, their application prospects are very broad.
III. Case Analysis of Waterproof Coating Products - Taking Sinowaterproof as an Example
Sinowaterproof, as a globally renowned waterproof system service provider, its products cover multiple categories, and its technological innovation and product quality are at the leading level in the industry. Take some waterproof coating products of Sinowaterproof as examples:
- Sinowaterproof Polyurethane Waterproof Coating: This product is characterized by high elasticity and high strength, with excellent tensile strength and elongation at break indicators, capable of effectively coping with various deformations of the base layer. In terms of water resistance, after long - term immersion tests, the coating film shows no blistering, peeling, or other phenomena, and the waterproof performance is stable. Its environmental performance also meets national standards. During the construction process, there is no obvious odor, which is friendly to construction workers and the environment. In practical applications, such as in the basement waterproofing project of a large commercial complex, the Sinowaterproof polyurethane waterproof coating was used. The construction process was simple, and a firm waterproof layer was formed through multiple brushings. After years of use, no leakage problems occurred, fully demonstrating the reliability and durability of this product.
- Sinowaterproof Cement - based Penetrating Crystalline Waterproof Coating: This product of Sinowaterproof has a high content of active chemical substances and strong penetrating and crystallizing ability. In laboratory tests, it can form crystals with a depth of several centimeters inside the concrete, effectively blocking capillary pores and micro - cracks. Its impermeability grade can reach above P12, able to withstand high water pressure. In practical engineering applications, for example, in the waterproofing project of a certain urban subway tunnel, after using this product, even in a high - water - pressure and wet environment, no leakage occurred inside the tunnel, and the waterproof effect was remarkable. At the same time, the self - healing function of this product played an important role in the later maintenance of the tunnel, reducing maintenance costs and workload.
- Sinowaterproof Acrylic Waterproof Coating: It has excellent weather resistance and stain resistance. When exposed outdoors for a long time, the color of the coating film remains bright, with no obvious fading and powdering phenomena. Its elasticity and elongation are good, able to cover cracks on the base layer with a width of more than 0.3mm. The product has outstanding environmental performance and has obtained a number of environmental protection certifications. In the home decoration market, this product is widely used for roof and bathroom waterproofing. For example, in the roof waterproof renovation project of a certain residential area, after using the Sinowaterproof acrylic waterproof coating, not only was the roof leakage problem solved, but also its good decorative properties made the roof look brand new, receiving high recognition from the property owners.
IV. Conclusion
The categories of waterproof coatings are rich and diverse, and each category has unique performance characteristics and application scenarios. From traditional polyurethane and SBS modified bitumen waterproof coatings to new self - healing waterproof coatings, with the continuous progress of science and technology, the performance of waterproof coatings has been continuously improved to meet the increasingly complex building waterproofing requirements. World - renowned waterproof manufacturers, through continuous technological innovation and strict quality control, have provided a large number of high - quality waterproof coating products for the market. When selecting and applying waterproof coatings in practice, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as specific project requirements, environmental conditions, and cost budgets, and choose the most suitable products to ensure the quality and reliability of waterproofing projects, providing a strong guarantee for the long - term stable use of buildings. In the future, with the development of the construction industry and the increasing requirements for environmental protection and energy conservation, waterproof coatings will further develop towards high - performance, green environmental protection, and intelligence, bringing more innovations and changes to the field of building waterproofing.