A method and a kit-of-parts for obtaining a fluid tight surface

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for obtaining a fluid tight surface, comprising the steps of: applying a sealing adhesive to a surface, applying a sealing layer onto the sealing adhesive, wherein the sealing adhesive either is fluorescent or becomes fluorescent upon exposure to air or to an activator compound in the sealing layer. The sealing layer may be a film. There is also provided a kit-or-parts comprising components for performing the method.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method AND A kit-of-parts for obtaining a fluid tight surface.BACKGROUNDSurface waterproofing systems are essential for ensuring long-term durability of surfaces and provide protection against environmental factors such as moisture, water ingress, and chemical exposure. Traditional waterproofing systems often employ a combination of a sealing adhesive and an outer sealing layer, such as a film.However, these systems face challenges in ensuring complete integrity due to possible inadequate application and sensitivity of the sealing layer leading to flaws in the layers. Without being detected, these defects compromise the system's effectiveness, posing a risk of water penetration and subsequent damage.The lack of sufficient inspection methods for identifying defects in sealing adhesives and films increases the likelihood of sealing failure. Consequently, there is a need for a surface waterproofing system that not only provides robust sealing capabilities but also integrates mechanisms for easy detection of potential defects and methods for such detection.SUMMARYOne object of the present invention is to obviate at least some of the problems in the prior art. The invention addresses these issues by providing a method and kit-ofparts that may be used to provide a fluid-proofing multi-layer system on a surface.In a first aspect there is provided a method for obtaining a fluid tight system on a surface, comprising the steps of:applying a sealing adhesive onto a surface,applying a sealing layer onto the sealing adhesive,wherein the sealing adhesive either is fluorescent or becomes fluorescent upon exposure to air or exposure to at least one activator compound present in the sealing layer.Applying onto a surface in this context means applying onto at least part of a surface, such as to substantially the whole surface or to the whole surface. In the same way, applying onto a layer means applying to at least a part of that layer.The surface may be a surface of at least one selected from the group consisting of a floor, a wall, and a ceiling, for example in a wet room, kitchen, or a basement. The surface may be at least a part of an outdoor roof, or of a pool, or another outdoor surface in need of fluid-proofing. The surface may be a surface of at least one selected from the group consisting of a floor, a wall, and a ceiling in a room in need of radon mitigation.This method is designed to provide and ensure fluid-integrity of an applied surface fluid tight system by addressing the common issue of undetectable punctures or weak spots in layers that are intended to be impenetrable to fluids. The method encompasses protecting a surface from fluids, i.e. both liquids and gases, by applying a suitable sealing layer and facilitating inspection of that layer, which increases reliability of the system.The fluid integrity is obtained essentially by the properties of the sealing layer, which may be selected depending on the needs and the particular application. The sealing layer is intended for covering a surface in a fluid-tight fashion, and is applied to a surface by aid of a sealing adhesive on the surface. Together, when applied as in the method, the sealing adhesive and sealing layer provide a fluid tight multi-layer system, which may be considered a waterproof surface system. A skilled person can select a suitable type of sealing layer as known in the prior art depending on the application. A skilled person can for instance select a known sealing layer suitable for a bathroom or other wet room.The sealing adhesive is a bonding agent formulated to create adhesion between a surface underneath and a sealing layer on top. In one embodiment, the sealing adhesive may in itself be able to contribute to the fluid tightness. The sealing adhesive may be fluid-proof. Its adhesive properties in any case makes it suitable for application onto a surface and application of additional layers on top of it.The sealing adhesive may be fluorescent. The sealing adhesive may become fluorescent after exposure to air. Exposure to air may involve reacting to certain components in the air such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone or water (moisture). A certain time period of exposure may be required before fluorescence occurs. The sealing adhesive may become fluorescent upon coming in contact with an activator compound that is present in the sealing layer.Fluorescence is an effect where the adhesive re-emits light after absorbing light or other electromagnetic radiation, typically enhancing visibility under ultraviolet (UV) light.The sealing layer may be a waterproof sealing film. Film in this context refers to a thin, flexible layer of material designed to be applied to a surface. The term herein encompasses various forms, including foils and sheets, which may create barrier to prevent water penetration while maintaining durability and adaptability to the surface contours. A sealing film is in other words a thin, impermeable, continuous layer designed to prevent fluid penetration, such as water penetration, in wet rooms, such as bathrooms and showers, by acting as a protective barrier over surfaces like walls and floors. Such a film may be applied onto a surface that is to be waterproofed by aid of an adhesive. Using a sealing adhesive, which in itself may also have waterproofing capabilities, provides a suitable combination for this purpose. Such films typically range in thickness from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, such as 0.3 to 1.2 mm (without being limited to any range), depending on the specific application and material. Common materials for sealing films include polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), and elastomeric membranes.Such a film may however be relatively sensitive. After application, there may be areas comprising holes or tears or areas thinner than the surrounding film. Things that can damage or puncture the film are for example be screw heads that stick out from the surface, poorly scraped plaster walls, the film being rolled out before application and placed on a non-smooth area in order to cut edges, people walking on the film, and shards from ceramics during tiling. Such damage may then need to be remedied. Using traditional adhesives and sealants, such damage can be difficult to detect both before and after application.The sealing layer may alternatively or in addition be applied by applying a sealing material that is in liquid form before application (this encompasses any semiliquid, viscous liquid, or paste) and suitable to be applied by rolling, puttying, trowelling, spraying or brushing. The intended thickness of such a sealing layer may vary. It may be less than 1 mm thin. It may also be 1 mm thick or more. It may for example be 0.2-2, 2-5, 3-10, 4-15, or 5-20 mm. The material may be of a type that is intended to dry after being applied to a surface. Drying in this case may mean in ambient temperature or under heat application. The material may be of a type that is not intended to dry in ambient conditions, but is intended for further application of an outer layer of some sort on the sealing layer. The material may be a cement-based sealing material. Also for these types of sealing layers, there may be openings in the applied sealing layer that may be present due to insufficient application or damage after application (such as a person touching the layer) and there may be areas with a thinner than desired layer of sealing material, which may be thinner than the surrounding layer.These lacking areas may be in the middle of a surface to be covered, or at an edge of a surface to be covered. They may be in locations that are exposed during part repairs or a tile replacement. Other areas where coverage of the sealing layer may be insufficient may be near wall cuffs used for fastening of a sealing film. Through such openings or thin areas in the sealing layer, fluorescent sealing adhesive present underneath may be detected.The sealing layer may comprise an activator compound that is configured to induce fluorescence in the sealing adhesive, The sealing layer may be a film configured such that an activator compound is present within the sealing layer or on the other side of the sealing layer, such that the activator compound comes into contact with the adhesive primarily in areas where the sealing layer is damaged. If the sealing layer is penetrated, damaged or cut the substance will leak in through the opening and activate the fluorescence in the sealing adhesive, or sealing adhesive will leak out and come into contact with the activator compound and be activated, so that the damage can be detected. The activator may not be present on the side of the sealing layer that is intended to come in contact with the sealing adhesive. Such an activator compound may also, additionally or alternatively, be present on the side intended to be in contact with the sealing adhesive. The sealing layer may be provided by a liquid material, in which case the activator compound is present throughout the sealing layer.The adhesive will after application of the sealing layer, at a time point for inspection, be fluorescent due to it being inherently fluorescent, or due to it being exposed to air through an opening in the sealing layer, or it being exposed to an activator compound from the sealing layer. Fluorescence seen from the outside indicates an opening or at least an area with a thin application of sealing layer. For a sealing adhesive to be fluorescent through a thin area, the adhesive may need to be inherently fluorescent or become fluorescent due to exposure to air during a time extension before application of the sealing layer or become fluorescent due to exposure to an activator compound in the sealing layer that comes into contact with the sealing adhesive during application.The method also provides the possibility of detecting areas where the sealing adhesive should be present, but is not. In other words, areas where the application of sealing adhesive is lacking. The layer of sealing adhesive may be thinner than desired, such as thinner than a surrounding area of sealing adhesive layer, or completely absent, indicated by a lack of fluorescence. For example, an air-bubble may create a hole in the sealing adhesive layer. This may be at the edges of the sealing layer, where it is intended that the sealing adhesive extends beyond the edges of the sealing layer, such that the sealing layer is fully surrounded by adhesive. This may be adjacent to a near-wall floor drain, where the sealing adhesive is intended to cover areas that the sealing layer does not cover, such as surface surrounding the floor drain.The fluorescence thus facilitates a visual inspection process that may be performed after application of the sealing layer to find possible punctures in the sealing layer or areas lacking adhesive. The method provides an effective means of ensuring a thorough application and integrity of the waterproofing system.As sealing layers may come in any colour, a coloured (non-fluorescent) adhesive that may be relatively easy to detect through an opening in one sealing layer, may not be easily detected through an opening in another differently coloured sealing layer. A fluorescent adhesive may be more easily detected through any sealing layer. The sealing adhesive may also be fluorescent and at the same time not have a strong colour that is seen without aid of e.g. UV light. It may be transparent, invisible or close to invisible in ambient light (such as daylight, incandescent light or LED-light). This is desirable as the adhesive may be spilled onto other areas and preferably not seen by the human eye in ambient light.The method may comprise a step of visually inspecting the surface. Visual inspection is a straightforward and immediate method for assessing the integrity of the sealing layer. This step allows for the quick identification of any visible defects or areas requiring attention, providing an additional layer of assurance in the application process.The method may comprise a step of facilitating such detection of fluorescent light from the adhesive. This may be a step of illuminating the applied sealing layer with actinic radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is particularly effective in enhancing the visibility of the fluorescent adhesive, making it easy to spot any inconsistencies or damage. This step ensures that the sealing system is free from punctures and that the adhesive has been applied uniformly.The method may comprise a step of inspecting the surface using any of the following: a photodetector, a fluorometer, a spectrophotometer, a laser detector, a fluorescence microscope, a thermal camera, UV light, or a fluoroscope. These tools enhance the detection capabilities by providing accurate and precise identification of fluorescence, thereby facilitating the identification of any breaches in the sealing system. The use of such equipment allows for a detailed inspection process, ensuring that the sealing layer is applied correctly and is free of defects.The method may further comprise a step of mixing a fluorescence component with a non-fluorescent sealing adhesive before application. A fluorescence component is a component that is fluorescent or becomes fluorescent when mixed with certain other components that are to be included in the adhesive or when exposed to stimuli such as air or moisture. When selecting fluorescence components for such a step, compatibility with the adhesive matrix is essential to ensure that the fluorescent properties do not interfere with critical characteristics such as sealing performance or drying time. Organic fluorescent dyes like fluorescein, rhodamines (e.g., Rhodamine B or 6G), coumarin derivatives, and pyrene derivatives are often suitable options. These dyes offer bright fluorescence in various colors under UV light and can be tailored for hydrophobic or hydrophilic systems. Fluorescent pigments, such as UV-responsive polymeric particles, provide stable and intense fluorescence while integrating well with adhesive formulations. Inorganic fluorescent compounds, including copper-doped zinc sulfide (ZnS) and europium-doped phosphors, are also viable due to their stability and compatibility with non-aqueous systems. Several other possible fluorescence components are known to the skilled person. The sealing adhesive may be ready provided with fluorescent qualities, which may derive from comprising a fluorescence component.Various other additives can be added to enhance the properties of the sealing adhesive. Silane coupling agents and silicone resins improve hydrophobicity and water resistance, while alkylated polysiloxanes add durability without affecting drying time. To optimize possible curing, accelerators like calcium chloride can speed up drying, and plasticizers can enhance flexibility without delaying the process. Mechanical strength can be improved with nano-fillers such as nano-silica or graphene oxide, as well as reinforcing fibers like aramid or carbon. For added functionality, anti-microbial agents such as silver nanoparticles or zinc oxide can protect the adhesive from mold and bacteria. UV stabilizers, including benzotriazole derivatives or hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), safeguard both the adhesive and fluorescence components from UV degradation. To enhance workability, thickeners such as cellulose derivatives or fumed silica can adjust viscosity, while silicone-based defoamers prevent bubbles during application. Heat-resistant additives like boron nitride or aluminum oxide ensure stability in high-temperature applications.The method may involve applying the sealing adhesive by spraying, brushing, rolling, puttying, trowelling, or using other suitable application techniques. These offer flexibility and adaptability to different surface types and orientations, making the method suitable for a wide range of construction and industrial applications.The method may comprise additional steps of applying additional layers on the surface, such as under the sealing adhesive or over the sealing layer. For example, a primer material may be applied under the sealing adhesive. A layer of the sealing adhesive may be further applied such that it is present under an additional layer that may need to be inspected for openings. The method may comprise applying, in the following order, a primer material, a sealing adhesive, a sealing film, a fixing compound, a sealant and a ceramic plate, wherein applying a sealing adhesive and a sealing film is mandatory and the other layers are optional.In a second aspect there is provided a kit-of-parts for obtaining a fluid tight system on a surface, comprising:a sealing material,a sealing adhesive, wherein the sealing adhesive either is fluorescent or becomes fluorescent upon exposure to air or exposure to at least one activator compound present in the sealing material, or a combination of a fluorescence component and a non-fluorescent sealing adhesive, wherein a mixture of the fluorescence component and the non-fluorescent sealing adhesive either is fluorescent or becomes fluorescent upon exposure to air or exposure to at least one activator compound present in the sealing material, andinstructions for performing the method disclosed herein.In other words, a sealing adhesive with fluorescent qualities may be in readyto-use form in the kit or may be present in the kit as different components to be mixed before use as a sealing adhesive.The sealing material may be a fluid-tight sealing film (including a foil, which may herein be written out or may be implicit from mentioning a film) providing a sealing layer to be applied onto the sealing adhesive. It may alternatively be a liquid material to be applied onto the sealing adhesive, of a type that provides a sealing layer (a fluidtight layer) when dry. These options are more thoroughly described in relation to the method herein.This kit-of-parts is designed to provide an efficient and reliable solution for waterproofing surfaces, addressing common issues encountered in traditional methods. The inclusion of a sealing material and a fluorescent adhesive provides a base for a fluid tight multi-layer system that ensures a robust barrier against water ingress. The fluorescent adhesive not only provides a strong bond but also facilitates easy inspection for defects in the overlaying layer. The instructions included in the kit guide users through the method, ensuring correct application. This comprehensive approach significantly enhances the reliability waterproofing projects.The kit-of-parts may comprise a fluorescence component and a nonfluorescent sealing adhesive. The fluorescence component may be chosen such that it does not adversely affect the sealing characteristics or the drying time of the nonfluorescent sealing adhesive. The fluorescence component is formulated to integrate seamlessly with the non-fluorescent sealing adhesive, ensuring that it does not compromise the adhesive's fundamental properties. This may mean that the adhesive maintains its watertight characteristics and dries within the expected timeframe, which is crucial for timely project completion and long-lasting results. Examples of fluorescence components are mentioned above in relation to the method. The kit-ofparts may include a fluorescence component in the form of a powder or a liquid. A powder form may be beneficial for mixing directly with the adhesive, allowing for even distribution and consistency. In contrast, a liquid form might offer ease of application and integration with existing adhesive formulations.The sealing material may comprise an activator compound that induces fluorescence of the sealing adhesive or of a mixture of a fluorescence compound and a non-fluorescent sealing adhesive. If the sealing material is a film, the activator compound may for example not be present on the side of the sealing layer, which is intended to be in contact the sealing adhesive, but only inside and / or on the outside.The sealing adhesive may further comprise at least one additive. Examples of additives are mentioned in relation to the method above.The kit-of-parts may additionally comprise a primer material, such as an adhesive primer, intended to be applied under the sealing adhesive.In a third aspect there is provided a use of the kit-of-parts according to method disclosed herein for ensuring the integrity of sealing on surfaces, including any of a floor, a wall, and a ceiling, for example in a wet room, kitchen, or a basement, an outdoor roof, or in a pool.The kit is suitable for use when performing the method described herein. Any features mentioned in relation to the method is applicable to the kit, and vice versa, if not otherwise stated or clearly incompatible.Other objectives, features and advantages of the present disclosure will appear from the following detailed description as well as from the attached claims. It is noted that the disclosure relates to all possible combinations of features.Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and other embodiments than the specific embodiments described above are equally possible within the scope of these appended claims.Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a / an / the [component, means, step, etc.]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", “first”, “second” etc. do thus not preclude a plurality. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.As used herein, the term "comprises / comprising" and other variations of that term do not exclude the presence of e.g. other elements, additives, components, integers or steps. As used herein, the term “comprising” and variations of that term are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThese and other aspects, features and advantages of which the invention is capable of will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig. 1 shows a layer of sealing adhesive and a sealing layer applied on a surface, wherein a UV light shines towards the surface, and the surface is visually inspected,Fig. 2 shows a surface with a a primer, a sealing adhesive, a sealing film, a fixing compound, a sealant, and a ceramic plate.Fig. 3 shows a surface with three areas with different levels of application of a sealing layer,Fig. 4 shows a surface with several sheets of sealing film applied, andFig. 5 shows components A, C and C intended to be mixed to obtain a sealing adhesive.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONIn a first aspect there is provided a method for obtaining a fluid tight system on a surface 1, comprising the steps of applying a sealing adhesive 2 to a surface 1 and applying a sealing layer 3 onto the sealing adhesive 2. The sealing adhesive 2 may be fluorescent. The sealing adhesive 2 may alternatively become fluorescent upon exposure to air. The sealing adhesive 2 may alternatively become fluorescent upon exposure to at least one activator compound present in the sealing layer 3. Light, such as UV light, may be used for detection of the fluorescence. Inspection of surface 1 that has been fluid-proofed according to the method is illustrated by Fig. 1. A sealing adhesive 2 is applied onto a surface 1, and a sealing film 3 is applied onto the sealing adhesive 2. The film has a puncture. The sealing adhesive 2 is fluorescent. A source of UV light 9 is directed towards the surface. When UV light shines towards the surface 1, the fluorescence of the sealing adhesive 2 shines through the puncture and is visually detected.Fluorescent surfaces 1 can be inspected through a variety of methods that go beyond the basic approach of shining UV light and visually observing fluorescence. These advanced methods involve specialized instruments and techniques that provide greater precision, quantification, or automation for detecting and analyzing fluorescence.One commonly used tool is a photodetector, such as a photodiode or photomultiplier tube (PMT), which can measure fluorescence intensity with high sensitivity. For more detailed characterization, fluorometers are available to analyze the emitted fluorescence spectrum and intensity quantitatively. Similarly, UV-Vis spectroscopy can determine the intensity and wavelength of fluorescence, offering detailed spectral data.Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) is another precise method, where a laser excites the surface 1 at specific wavelengths, and detectors capture and quantify the resulting fluorescence. For visualizing fluorescence over larger areas, various imaging systems can be employed. Fluorescence microscopy provides high-resolution inspection of small areas, while UV cameras equipped with filters isolate fluorescent light to capture detailed images. More advanced imaging methods, such as multispectral or hyperspectral imaging, record fluorescence across multiple wavelengths, enabling comprehensive surface 1 assessment.In cases where fluorescence affects thermal properties, thermal imaging with fluorescent tracers can detect heat changes associated with excitation.Excitation wavelength scanning, where the wavelength of UV light is varied, can highlight different fluorescent materials or defects for more thorough surface 1 analysis.Handheld electro-optical devices, such as portable fluoroscopes or fluorescence analyzers, simplify on-site inspections by providing more precise and user-friendly tools than manual observation. These methods and tools offer a wide range of capabilities, from detailed material analysis to efficient and automated inspections, and can be tailored based on the application, surface 1 area, type of fluorescence, and required sensitivity.In a second aspect there is provided a kit-of-parts for obtaining a fluid tight surface 1, comprising: a sealing material 3’, a sealing adhesive 2 or a combination of a fluorescence component and a non-fluorescent sealing adhesive 2, and instructions for performing the method disclosed herein. The sealing adhesive 2 (or a mixture of the fluorescence component and non- fluorescent sealing adhesive, said mixture functioning as the sealing adhesive 2) may be fluorescent or become fluorescent upon exposure to air or exposure to at least one activator compound present in the sealing material 3. The sealing material 3’ may comprise an activator compound that induces fluorescent qualities of the sealing adhesive 2 or a mixture of the fluorescence component and non-fluorescent sealing adhesive.With reference to Fig. 2, a surface 1 is shown, to which a primer material 4, a sealing adhesive 2, a sealing film 3, a fixing compound 5, a sealant 7, and a ceramic plate 6 is applied.With reference to Fig. 3, a surface 1 is shown, where a first area i is covered by a layer of sealing adhesive 2, a second area ii is covered by a layer of sealing adhesive 2 and a sealing layer 3 with two areas where the sealing layer 3 is thinner than the surrounding area or comprises openings in the layer 3, and a third area iii is covered by a layer of sealing adhesive 2 and a sealing layer 3 with one small opening. The sealing adhesive 2 can be seen though the thinner area / openings.With reference to Fig. 4, a surface 1 is shown that includes both walls and a floor. The surface 1 is covered by a sealing adhesive 2. A plurality of sheets of sealing film 3 are applied onto the sealing adhesive 2. The sealing adhesive 2 is seen in between the sheets. A near-wall floor drain 9 is present. The sealing film 3 is damaged in the left corner, such that sealing adhesive 2 is seen through an opening in the film 3. The sealing film 3 is also damaged in the middle wall section, such that sealing adhesive 2 is seen through a small puncture in the film 3. There are two locations 8 where there is a gap in sealing adhesive 2 outside of the sealing film 3, one between the middle and right wall sheet, and one at the outer edge of the floor drain 9. This indicates that the sealing adhesive 2 is not properly applied in these locations, and possibly around these locations.With reference to Fig. 5, a component A is mixed with component B and C, in order to provide a fluorescent sealing adhesive 2, or to provide an adhesive that becomes fluorescent upon exposure to air. Component A is a fluorescent component or a component that develops fluorescent properties upon being combined with component B and / or component C or upon stimuli such as exposure to air. Component B is a non-fluorescent sealing adhesive 2. Component C is an additive such as any of the additives disclosed in the summary. Component A is provided as a powder, but could be provided as a liquid. The mixture may be mixed through machine mixing or by hand. A bucket and mixer is shown in the figure, which are generally not included in the kit, but symbolizes parts that may be used when mixing the components A, B and C. In another embodiment, only a fluorescence component A is mixed with a sealing adhesive 2 component B.In a third aspect there is provided a use of the kit-of-parts according to method disclosed herein for ensuring the integrity of a sealing surface system on a surface 1 , which may be any of a floor, a wall, and a ceiling, for example in a wet room, kitchen, or a basement, an outdoor roof, or in a pool. This use leverages the unique capabilities of the kit, particularly the fluorescent properties of the sealing adhesive 2, to facilitate a thorough inspection and verification process that does not require complex tools or training. By applying the fluorescent adhesive as part of the sealing system, users can easily detect any punctures, tears, or weaknesses in the applied layers. This is especially important in challenging environments such as wet rooms and outdoor roofs, where exposure to moisture and environmental factors can compromise the integrity of traditional sealing methods. The fluorescence enables quick identification of defects, allowing for immediate corrective actions, thereby ensuring that the sealing maintains its effectiveness over time.

Claims

1. Method for obtaining a liquid-tight system on a surface (1), comprising the steps of:apply a sealing adhesive (2) to a surface (1),apply a sealing layer (3) to the sealing adhesive (2),characterized in that the sealing adhesive (2) becomes fluorescent upon exposure to air or exposure to at least one activator compound present in the sealing layer (3).

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sealing layer (3) comprises an activator compound configured to induce fluorescence of the sealing adhesive (2), upon contact, and wherein the activator compound is present within the sealing layer or on a side of the sealing layer opposite the sealing adhesive, such that contact primarily occurs in areas where the sealing layer is damaged.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing layer (3) is a sealing film or foil.

4. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein applying a sealing layer (3) involves applying a liquid sealing material which forms a sealing layer (3) when dry.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of illuminating the applied sealing layer (3) with actinic radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) light.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of inspecting the sealing layer (3) using at least one device selected from the group consisting of a photodetector, a fluorometer, a spectrophotometer, a laser detector, a fluorescence microscope, a thermal camera, a source of UV light (9), and a fluoroscope.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of preparing the sealant (2) prior to application, comprising a step of mixing a fluorescent component with a non-fluorescent sealant (2), wherein the fluorescent component is either fluorescent or becomes fluorescent upon exposure to air or exposure to at least one activator compound present in the sealant layer (3).

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface (1) is a surface of at least one selected from the group consisting of a floor, a wall, and a ceiling in a wet room, a kitchen, or a basement, an outdoor roof, a swimming pool, and a floor, a wall, and a ceiling in a room in need of radon remediation.

9. Material set for obtaining a liquid-tight surface (1), comprising:- a sealing material (3'),- a sealant (2), or a combination of a fluorescent component and a non-fluorescent sealant, characterized in that the sealant (2) or a mixture of the fluorescent component and the non-fluorescent sealant (2) becomes fluorescent upon exposure to air or exposure to at least one activator compound present in the sealant material (3'), and- instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. Material kit according to claim 9, wherein the sealing material (3') is a liquid-tight film or foil.

11. A kit of materials according to claim 9, wherein the sealing material (3') is a liquid material configured to provide a liquid-tight layer after drying.

12. Material kit according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the sealing material (3') comprises an activator compound that induces fluorescence of the sealing adhesive (2) or of the fluorescence component.

13. A kit of materials according to claim 10, wherein the activator compound is not present on the side of the sealing film or foil intended to be in contact with the sealing adhesive (2).

14. Material set according to any one of claims 9-13, wherein the sealing adhesive (2) is a waterproof adhesive suitable for use in wet rooms.