The influence of long-term degradation of waterproof membranes on mechanical properties and on the radon diffusion coefficient – preliminary results

Waterproof materials used for protection against soil dampness and underground water are key components influencing the functional properties of buildings. Loss of their impervious properties due to premature degradation can cause decay and deterioration of moisture-sensitive building elements, loss of thermal insulation, an increase in surface condensation and mould growth, and consequently the lifetime of the whole building is reduced. This paper presents the results of artificial degradation of waterproof materials based on bitumen, PE, PVC, PP, TPO and EPDM. Soil bacteria, radon, high air temperature and high air humidity, and also combinations of these factors, were chosen as the degradation agents. Results of experiments carried out in this project have shown a significant influence of soil bacteria with and without radon on the mechanical properties of all membranes, with the exception of those based on PE. However, membranes based on PE were significantly degraded by long-term exposure to radon gas.