Waterproof materials are designed to prevent the penetration of water. Even if these materials stay in water for a short or longer time, no liquid can pass through.
Key Takeaways
- Waterproof products are designed to withstand complete submersion in water for a specified period and depth, providing a higher level of protection against water damage.
- Water-resistant items offer a more limited degree of protection, repelling water to some extent but not designed to endure prolonged or complete submersion in water.
- The primary difference between waterproof and water-resistant lies in the level of protection provided against water; waterproof products offer more comprehensive protection than water-resistant items.
Waterproof vs Water Resistant
A difference between Waterproof and Water Resistant is that waterproof completely shields water or any liquid penetration. Water-resistant repels the liquid, but if the intensity of the liquid increase, it penetrates.
Waterproof materials are synthetic or natural fabrics. They are covered or overlaid with waterproof material.
Materials such as rubber, wax, fluoropolymers, etc. Waterproof materials are used in building structures, electronic devices, clothing, watercraft, and canvas.
They are also used in paper packaging, such as cartons for liquids.
Water-resistant materials are designed to withstand water penetration to a certain degree. In other words, water-resistant is a lower liquid/water/rain protection level.
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Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Waterproof Materials | Water-Resistant Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Waterproof is good for rainy weather and wet snow conditions | Water-resistant is excellent for rainy weather and snow conditions. |
| Definition | Waterproof does not allow penetration of water at all. | Water-resistant can prevent water to a certain degree |
| Resistant Level | The waterproof level of resistance is high | The water-resistance level is slightly average. They offer light rain resistance. |
| Lifestyle and Goals | Waterproof is good if you come from a location with temperamental weather conditions. Either if you actively participate in water-based sports | Water-resistant will offer excellent protection for your busy everyday lifestyle |
| Air Permeability | Waterproof materials have zero air permeability | Air permeability in Water-resistant materials is high |
| Water Vapor Permeability | Water vapour permeability in Waterproof is zero | In water resistance, water vapour permeability is sufficiently too high. |
| Pores | Pores in these materials are filled | In water-resistant, pores are partly filled |
| Resistant to Water Droplets | Waterproof materials are highly resistant to water droplets and wetting | Water-resistant is highly resistant to wetting and water droplets. |
| Resistant to Water Penetration | They are designed to resist water penetration even under external hydrostatic pressure. | Water-resistant materials are highly resistant even under external hydrostatic pressure. |
| Terminological Class | Waterproof materials are impermeable | Water-resistant materials are Semipermeable |
| Comfort | Very low | Comfort is medium to high |
What is Waterproof?
As stated earlier, waterproof means no water can pass through the material. It is impermeable no matter how much it gets into contact with water.
There are two technologies used in waterproof materials. They are inherent waterproof materials or textile materials with waterproofing finishing treatments.
These technologies also depend on the structure of waterproof materials.
Materials of this nature remain unaffected by water. They are made to resist any hydrostatic force exerted by moisture in the liquid state.
There are several types of waterproofing materials.
Some of the best include PVC waterproofing membranes, Bituminous, Thermoplastic, Polyurethane, and Cementitious coating. Still, waterproof can be used to manufacture indoor and outdoor products.
What is Water Resistant?
Water-resistant materials can withstand the penetration of water to a certain degree. The surface of water-resistant is made of water drive material.
Fluoropolymer is the standard material used in manufacturing water-resistant. After some time, the material starts to wear off, and water can easily penetrate.
Water-resistant material prevents damage. They repel moisture and keep the garment from degrading.
This makes them ideal for outdoor activities like tents and awnings. Water-resistant is also crucial in preventing mould and mild growth.
Main Differences Between Waterproof and Water Resistant
Breath-ability
This is the ability of the material to allow moisture and air to seep in. Waterproof materials have less breathability.
Water-resistant has high breathability. They let moisture and air seep making them suitable for outdoor clothing.
Level of Resistance
Waterproofs are designed to provide 100% resistance. In that event, if it stays in the water for several hours, water can’t penetrate.
If it’s a garment, you will all remain dry on the inside.
Water-resistant offers resistance to a certain degree. You will remain dry inside if the material is exposed to light showers.
But if they stay for more prolonged exposure to water and other liquids, they will eventually penetrate.
Pores
Waterproof materials got no single pores. They are filled, making them suitable to be used for construction materials.
When it comes to clothing, they are suitable for rainy weather and snow conditions. Water-resistant, the pores are partially filled.
The material is perfect for daily outdoor activities.
Uses
Waterproof materials can be used for both construction and clothing. In construction, they are used to prevent water from penetrating the building.
This will help the interior of the building to remain dry all through.
Water-resistant in construction is used to edge water using waterproof materials. Water-resistant can’t be used in construction because, in the long run, they will let water in.
- https://axial.acs.org/2017/12/21/water-resistant-materials/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/152808379202200103
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
