Water ingress is one of the major causes of building defects requiring costly repairs and downtime, which makes choosing the best waterproofing system a pivotal decision. When it comes to today's waterproofing membranes and technologies, the benefits of bonded systems far outweigh common un-bonded systems as Iltaz Alam, Product Manager at GCP Applied Technologies explains. Modern buildings may be designed with a much shorter lifespan in mind than in earlier times, but even so, many relatively young structures suffer from the scourge of buildings - damp and water ingress. Long-term, a non-adhering un-bonded membrane could prove a troublesome and costly choice. Vulnerable to water tracking between the membrane and structure, an un-bonded waterproofing system can present a variety of problems during its lifecycle, like becoming separated from the slab, or damaged or dislodged from the structure by settlement or neighboring construction. A bonded system negates those problems, because a membrane that tightly adhesively seals and fully bonds with structural concrete will remain in position throughout its lifespan preventing any ingress or migration of water around the structure. The membrane of a fully bonded waterproofing system is a key ingredient, while an impenetrable seal ensures a watertight solution. Even when faced with harsh climates and challenging site conditions, bonded systems that use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film are more durable, resilient and flexible than un-bonded systems, which are generally composed of polyolefin co-polymers, FPO, PVC, SBS and EPDM - materials that are less durable and more susceptible to damage.