Singapore is endowed with tropical rainforest climate characterized by; no distinct season, a constant temperature and pressure, high humidity, and a tropical rainforest climate. The climate of the country is of a tropical nature and the country receives more than 2300 mm of annual precipitation in average. This makes waterproofing one of the necessary measures to take in homes and buildings in the country. This prevents seepage, reduces frequencies of maintenances, increases durability and lifespan of structures to name but a few.
This paper discusses how climatic characteristics in Singapore have implications for structures.
The most daunting enemy of buildings in Singapore is moisture or water seepage. The relative humidity in the mornings and afternoons range from 70% to 80% on average, moisture on the surfaces thereby condenses faster. Furthermore, rainfall is normally intense in the tropics, and this results in constant pounding of the facades by rain. This leads to development of leaks, seepages, molding and rotting of the used construction materials if adequate waterproofing measures are not put in place consistently. Building elements that effectively cannot be protected without adequate waterproofing include roofs, basements, decks, balconies and external walls. Singapore’s climatic conditions require the waterproofing process to begin at the design of structures during construction of new ones. Indeed, there is always a need for retrofitting waterproofing for the older buildings in order to counter effects of monsoonal damage.
Pros of Waterproofing for Homes
Residential housing construction works as the initial barrier against the harsh weather condition. It brings several benefits:
- Prevents Leaks and Seepages: Basements, roofs, terraces, if waterproofed, do not leak during the rainy season and this is a very big plus. It provides safety to homes from water related damages and therefore the costs of repairs.
- Reduces Dampness and Humidity: Sealant materials confine the amount of moisture penetration and formation of condensation indoors. This makes the environment less damp and perceived humidity level is also lower hence making living conditions more comfortable.
- Limits Mold and Mildew Issues: Waterproofing reduces the formation of moisture that reduces the strength of walls and ceiling as it causes them to swell. This greatly reduces the rate at which mold and mildew penetrate and thrive within homes.
- Lowers Maintenance Costs: Monsoonal punishment to structures with a better waterproofing the structures survive the next year. Owners cut down on repeated expenditures on the areas that are liable to leak.
- Increases Durability: Waterproofing increases the lifespan of a home as well as the reliability of the frame-work since the materials used for the framing are protected against water based decays. This contributes to the home durability.
Importance for Commercial Buildings
Office buildings, hotels, schools, hospitals and other commercial buildings also greatly benefit from proper waterproofing:Office buildings, hotels, schools, hospitals and other commercial buildings also greatly benefit from proper waterproofing:
Averts Business Disruption: If water penetrates the building due to rain or weak construction, it halts business and flooring until the water is cleared. This result does not happen when one embarks on a full-proof waterproofing.
Limits Structural Damage: With water dripping on the structural column, it softens load bearing slabs, weakens the structure and underpins steel bars in a business structure. It also stops moisture from accessing key structural elements within the building.
Curtails Repair Costs: Entrepreneurs incur high expenses on corrective works, for example, painting blisters, false ceiling, flooded carpet, and electrical problems. This in turn reduces several of the more frequent maintenance bills that come with waterproofing of containment.
Improves Indoor Air Quality: This is because water leaks create sources of damp surfaces and stagnant moisture indoors. This leads to growth of fungus and microbes on the surfaces thereby reducing the quality of indoor air. Waterproofing prevents this deterioration hence healthier indoor spaces.
Increases Property Values: Buildings that are well covered with good waterproofing system will hardly lose value of such asset compared to the others that keep on being repaired due to water incursion. This contributes to desirability and value upon sale or whenever the property is to be sold.
Types of Waterproofing Solutions
There are several options homeowners and building owners can consider to waterproof structures exposed to Singapore’s damp climate:There are several options homeowners and building owners can consider to waterproof structures exposed to Singapore’s damp climate:
- Liquid Membranes: They are smooth coverings that are applied direct on sensitive areas by spraying, brushing or rolling. There are several types of polymers which are well-known for their excellent waterproofing properties, including acrylics, polyurethanes and epoxy resins.
- Cementitious Coatings: These are cementitious based coatings that are trowel or sprayed applied to form water repellent layers once the coating surface has cured. These are preferred for basement and foundations sealing.
- Sheet Membranes: Products such as PVC, TPO, EPDM, and bitumen sheets are applied to the surface and can either be mechanically fastened or chemically fixed to act as the waterproofing system. Seaming is potentially done through heat welds which gives full protection against water.
- Drainage Components: Suspended floors with drainage boards having a molded stud structure beneath screed or mortar produce a protected channel where water can run to collection points. This is typical in green roof and plaza deck applications where the roof membrane is installed as part of the waterproofing system.
- Water Repellents: Silane / siloxane treatment used for blocking the pores in masonry fill on brick, natural stone or concrete surfaces to exclude water while letting out vapor. These protect against water being driven by the wind, that is, rain.
- Joint Sealants: Polyurethane, polysulfide, acrylic or silicone sealants are used to seal cracks, construction joints and openings in walls and window and door frames. This prevents any possible contraction or expansion of the building, which can create openings through which water will seep in.
Conclusion
This is especially important in areas that receive a significant amount of rainfall such as in Singapore where waterproofing is crucial to the material’s potential lifespan. It is a worthy investment that returns its cost through time and money saved on recurring structural repairs and lost business operations. Builders of structures and homeowners are in a position to benefit by employing adequate waterproofing strategies to cater for increased rainfall. As a result of enhanced climate change, there will be an increase in the fluctuations in rainfall patterns and thus moisture protection cannot be overlooked.
