Winkler for a residential complex in Brianza

Waterproofing surfaces

A realization marked by criteria of excellence both in the design of the spaces and in the construction solutions used, aimed at ensuring maximum quality and durability of the works and optimal living comfort. Objectives also achieved thanks to WINKLER ‘ssurface waterproofing solutions.

The Eco Habitat residential project: quality and sustainability

In a context that remains complex and challenging for the real estate market, one trend is clearly emerging, and that is that of an increasing market orientation in the direction of quality construction, ready not only to meet the requirements imposed by law in terms of energy savings and efficiency but also marked by a high level of construction quality. Quality that in turn is reflected in comfort, durability and reliability of manufactured goods. Of this trend WINKLER is today one of the most effective interpreters thanks to its range of solutions forwaterproofing surfaces, here the protagonist of an intervention that fully espouses a construction philosophy marked by criteria of excellence: the construction of a housing complex located in the municipality of Capiago Intimiano, in the province of Como, where the real estate company Eco Habitat of Cantù (CO) made extensive use of the company’s products.

Currently at an advanced stage of realization, Eco Habitat ‘s latest real estate initiative involves the construction of a housing complex consisting of four independent units, articulated around a central area that houses the elevator shafts and stairwells and ensures maximum autonomy for each of them. Of the four apartments, two are developed over an area of about 85 m², while the two largest units are distributed over 130 and 150 m², respectively; all are characterized by the presence of large outdoor areas consisting of balconies e covered loggias, embellished by the use of particularly valuable materials, and the use of the most advanced technologies and solutions for the energy saving, both in terms of energy production, which is guaranteed by batteries of photovoltaic and solar thermal panels integrated into the roofs, and in terms of consumption containment, which is guaranteed by the adoption of underfloor heating systems and thick insulation, solutions that place the building in energy efficiency class A.

Winkler’s construction philosophy and choice of materials

Equally well cared for are the other technological features – which include, among other things, the installation of home automation management systems – which, together with the special attention to construction details, go to make up a realization of a decidedly high level. As surveyor Vittorio Molteni, Eco Habitat‘s sole director, confirms, “this housing complex was designed not only to comply with the most stringent energy efficiency parameters, but also to meet the demands of a particularly demanding and quality-conscious clientele. From high-thickness insulation to underfloor heating, from thermal break windows and doors to stone and wood cladding, from the study of lighting to that of green areas, the entire project – taken care of by our technical department – aimed to achieve the maximum in every aspect, so as to propose a high-level turnkey.”

This construction philosophy has marked each of the phases of the building’s realization, devoting particular attention also to aspects that are in the immediate less obvious but on which quality and durability strongly depend: among these are the waterproofing works, for which Eco Habitat decided, on the basis of previous experiences with more than satisfactory results, to turn to four WINKLER solutions for the protection of works against the ground, terraces, balconies and green spaces: SCUDO SYSTEM, WINGUM PLUS H2O, WINGUM PRO ANTIRADICE and WINGRIP BITUMINOSO, supplied by Luigi Veronesi’s Ediver reseller based in Lurate Caccivio (CO).

Specific solutions for every surface: from green areas to underground structures

The presence of large terraced surfaces, partly protected within loggias and partly uncovered, as well as the creation of large green areas, in addition to the need to ensure adequate protection for the works against the ground, imposed special care and attention in the choice of the most suitable waterproofing solutions. The fractioning of the surfaces to be waterproofed and the presence of construction details of a certain complexity in fact made it advisable to adopt products and techniques that were easier to manage in the execution phase, such as liquid waterproofing membranes, than the more traditional prefabricated bituminous membranes. These evaluations therefore led the contractor to select for the protection of the green areas WINGUM PRO ANTIRADICE, a liquid bituminous paste membrane of great durability and strength; thewaterproofing of terraces and loggias, on the other hand, featured WINGUM PLUS H2O certified in the U.S. ICC and MIAMI DADE, a colored water-based liquid waterproofing product made of very high quality modified resins and reinforced with synthetic fibers. “The product immediately proved to be very easy to use,” emphasizes Molteni, “which was particularly appreciated by the operators. The paving operations are very quick, allowing processing to proceed already after a few hours. In addition, a particularly important aspect, theabsence of solvents in its formulation makes it completely safe for the operator. Finally, its liquid consistency has enabled us to take care of even the most complex construction details with excellent functional results, and with a simplicity compared to traditional prefabricated membranes that is clearly superior.”

Waterproofing terrace and balcony

Instead, for the protection of underground structures, the choice fell on SCUDO SYSTEM certified in the U.S. ICC and MIAMI DADE, an elastomeric resin-based waterproofing paste in water emulsion that has high resistance to deformation and cracking thanks to special rubber fillers that make it particularly elastic. This feature is crucial as it enables the product to achieve maximum resistance to puncturing, high durability over time and total impermeability, allowing Scudo System to comply with the most stringent requirements imposed by regulations. Also found use on balconies and terraces was WINGRIP BITUMINOSO, a top-quality bitumen and polymer-based product that complies with UNI EN 14891, in water emulsion and special fillers, ready to use and easy to apply in a single coat without primer with a paintbrush, roller, brush or airless pump. WINGRIP BITUMINOSO creates a waterproofing layer and a tenacious bonding bridge on both concrete and existing floors or coatings; once applied, the bonding bridge between coating and substrate formed by the product forms an elastic, extremely tenacious and opaque layer and guarantees a perfect seal of cementitious glue without having to use reinforcing nets and reinforcement or employ special adhesives: all that is needed to glue new coatings is an adhesive suitable for the application.

 

Why are liquid membranes preferred on a construction site with many different surfaces?

Because they are easier and quicker to handle than traditional membranes, especially with complex construction details (corners, drains, etc.). Their consistency makes it easy to take care of critical points while ensuring perfect adhesion.


Is the same product used to waterproof a balcony and a green area?

No, each surface requires a specific solution for maximum effectiveness. For landscaped areas, liquid membranes with root-resistant properties are used, while for terraces and balconies, elastic and weather-resistant products are used.


How do you protect underground (below-ground) structures from moisture?

Specific paste waterproofers with high elasticity and resistance to water counterthrust and puncturing are used for earthworks. Solutions with special rubber fillers ensure flexibility and durability over time.