WATERPROOFING GUIDE
Waterproofing Then and Now
Waterproofing has become a crucial element in construction when discussing quality building practices. The amount of water usage indoors has increased significantly since the days when grandpa built his wartime-era house. Back then, saunas were often in separate buildings, heated only once a week, allowing plenty of drying time before the next Saturday.
In the past, a genuine sweat odor was the mark of a good and honest worker. Nowadays, people who consider their fellow human beings take a shower at least once a day, so water exposure is on a completely different level than it used to be. As a result, professionally executed waterproofing has also gained significant importance.
Waterproofing is a highly regulated activity, where certified waterproofing products play a decisive role. When used correctly, they provide a guaranteed solution for every home, whether in renovation or new construction projects.
Certified Product Range for Waterproofing
Products that have been tested together are essential for waterproofing certification. The smoothing compounds, waterproofing materials, and tile adhesives do not have to be from the same manufacturer, as long as their compatibility has been tested and approved, for example, by VTT. Fintex products have been tested with mortars from several manufacturers and certified accordingly by VTT or Contesta.
Fintex primer and bonding primer, as well as Fintex waterproofing, are both results of our in-house product development. Their usability has been refined in collaboration with users. For example, the green color chosen for the waterproofing provides a brighter working environment for the tiler. The intensity of the color has been selected so that (a more experienced) user can determine the dry layer thickness based on the color alone after the first coat has dried and can add more waterproofing to thinner areas if needed. The final layer thickness must always be measured before tiling begins, after the second coat has been applied.
Meticulous Waterproofing Work
For successful waterproofing, it is essential that the finished waterproofing is not damaged before tiling. Therefore, it is advisable to waterproof the walls first and tile them before treating the floor to prevent punctures or other damage to the waterproofing. Alternatively, the floor can be completed before starting the waterproofing of the walls.
The areas where particular care must be taken are corner and drain reinforcements. In corners, if the reinforcement tape is not fully adhered to the wall, meaning the corner is rounded, the waterproofing will not function properly. In the worst-case scenario, the tiler might cut open the corner with a utility knife to install the tiles at a right angle. The drain reinforcement must be installed exactly according to the instructions, without any improvisation, and the clamping ring with its seals must be positioned correctly.
“And when everything is done carefully with quality materials, you can proudly showcase the result.”
Ari Salmela
Industrial Sales and Technical Support
Fintex-Tetrakem Oy
