Texsa Offers Range of Waterproofing Membranes

Texsa India Ltd, one of the leading manufacturers of various types of bitumens membranes (Moply, Morterplas, Texself etc) and synthetic membranes (Vinitex-PVC membrane and "Texalon-TPO membranes) also offer a wide range of LAMs to choose from such as 'Impertexsa (acrylic), Mopren (Polyurethanes), Tex coat (Polyureas), Pibial 2C Bit and Emufal TE (Bituminous) depending on requirements.

Liquid applied membranes (LAMs) were first introduced in the early 1960 and can be broadly classified as Hot applied coatings (SBS modified asphalt) and Cold applied Coatings (acrylics, polyurethanes, polyureas, modified bitumen emulsions).

Polyurethanes and polymer modified bitumen emulsions can be either single component or two component membranes. Two component membranes offer the advantages such as fewer weather restrictions on application, more predictable curing and longer shelf life.

The above advantages are due to the fact that two component coatings cure/crosslink independent of site humidity and temperature conditions. Most single component coatings require exposure to air with limited absolute humidity and temperature conditions. Single competent coating’s curing rates are less predictable than those of two component coatings. This exposes them to construction damages. Depending on the number of coats and climatic conditions, liquid applied coatings require much longer curing times to attain its full physical characteristics. On the contrary, hot applied coatings set instantaneously. However, they call for special equipments and safety considerations.

Pros and Cons

While comparing LAMs in general with other types of waterproofing system, the designer can follow the following guidelines. Specify LAM in projects with complex contrived surfaces and plane changes, projects with many penetrations, structures which cannot take much weight and structures where a particular color is preferred for aesthetic reasons. The other advantages of LAMs are that it gives a seamless waterproofing membrane which is fully bonded and is self-flashing.

Weighing against LAMs are the following negative factors:

  • Do not specify LAM over light weight insulating concrete, precast concrete or prestressed concrete units. Lightweight insulating concrete fills are subject to excessive shrinkage cracks which can propagate upwards into LAM.
  • It is difficult to assure uniform thickness on wall compared to horizontal areas.
  • Do not specify LAM on masonry walls.
  • Do not specify cold LAMs when the ambient temperature is below 45º F during application.
  • Do not specify LAMs in confirmed spaces where VOC limits or fume toxicity are limiting factors.
  • Do not permit LAMs to be used to fill or level surface irregularities.
LAMs require a very clean and uniform surface to be effective which is a challenge at a construction site. LAMs require a primer application for better bonding to the substrate invariably. Rough and irregular surfaces make it difficult to achieve minimum thickness. Non uniform coating thickness may result in stress cracking. Two coats are normally required. They should not be applied before the concrete cures as shrinkage cracks may occur.

Two coats are normally required to assure a minimum thickness of 1.5 mm for cold LAMs. They are applied in perpendicular directions to avoid pinholes. Minimum solids content of 80% is advisable to reduce the possibility of pin holing which is the most prevalent defect in LAMs. These are applied by brush, rollers, squeeze or airless spray. Their application demand more care and skill compared to the prefabricated membranes.

Pin holding, cratering, blistering and splitting are the most common defects faced in LAMs. These can be addressed only by taking care of all precautions for their application as per manufacturers recommendations.
JOGANI Reinforcement: Offering High Performance Engineering Fabric Products & Solutions
Jogani Impex is considered an industry leader in providing international grade Alkali Resistant ARACC Coated waterproofing mesh, which enhances the waterproofing systems and solutions in all types of buildings and structures, while saving money

Read more ...

Waterproofing Basements - Importance & Challenges
Assess Build Chem, a leading provider of construction chemicals, is ensuring long-term protection of buildings with its innovative waterproofing solutions that include a 5-step waterproofing method for deep and large basements. Sunny Surlaker, Head

Read more ...

Agrani: Setting Benchmarks for Quality & Reliability
By adhering to the highest industry standards, Agrani Group has gained a reputation for delivering solutions that surpass client expectations, avers Ramendra Bahadur Sinha, Managing Director. In the dynamic field of specialized construction that includes

Read more ...

FAIRMATE Introduces FAIRFLO CRYSTALLINE – a Crystalline Capillary Waterproofing Admixture for Concrete
FAIRMATE is catering to the Speciality Construction Chemical Industry by manufacturing a complete range of construction chemicals, along with cost-effective solutions and world-class services. The company has a long-standing expertise in the field

Read more ...

Nippon Paint expands into Rs. 12,500 cr Construction Chemicals market
In line with its global vision, Nippon Paint India is expanding its portfolio beyond the paint and coatings product range; it will now offer products and solutions under the broad categories: Dry mix, Repair and Maintenance, Construction Chemicals, and

Read more ...

Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete Structures and Preventive Measures
When the alkali of cement reacts with the reactive constituents of aggregates, the reaction is deleterious though very slow, and the distress is exhibited when the volume inside the concrete is increased due to the formation of alkali-silica gel, causing the

Read more ...

Optimizing Existing Structures Through Retrofitting
Despite understanding the potential of retrofitting and its distinct and far-reaching advantages in making existing buildings green and sustainable, retrofitting continues to be undertaken on a very limited scale; hence, it needs to be promoted and made mandatory

Read more ...

Cause of Distress of an Old Building Through Analytical and Micro-Analytical Methods
The technical service life of a reinforced concrete building is the time in service when structural safety is unacceptable due to either material degradation or exceeding the load carrying capacity, or both. In which case, the repair strategy may be adopted

Read more ...

Value Engineering with MCI®-2019 for Concrete Maintenance and Repair
True value engineering saves money without reducing service life or affecting the quality of construction or materials. Ideally, it adds value to the project. MCI®-2019 is one such value engineering solution that can extend the service life of existing

Read more ...

Agrani Milestone Use Carbon Fiber Laminates to Strengthen Slab
Ramendra Bahadur Sinha, Managing Director, Agrani Milestone, explains the remedial measures and challenges faced during slab strengthening of a deflected slab at IIT. NBCC India Limited undertook the strengthening of a deflected slab at a G+2 storey IIT building

Read more ...

Waterproofing Challenges & Remedial Measures in High Rise Buildings
High-rise buildings need special attention when it comes to waterproofing as the challenges inherent in them are peculiar in nature. Unfortunately, there is a lack of knowledge on the remedies and products available in the market as water- proofers continue to

Read more ...

Importance of Waterproofing Structures
The longevity of structures depends on how much resistance the building element will offer to water ingress. Water leakage not only reduces the durability but also hampers the serviceability or usability of the structure; hence, a good waterproofing system will

Read more ...

Terrace Waterproofing Solutions for Energy-Efficient Buildings
Terrace waterproofing is particularly important and is considered a priority as the roof is always exposed to harsh climatic conditions and weather changes. Rajeev Gupta, Business Head, ECMAS Construction Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. An effective waterproofing solution

Read more ...

Structural Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Cement concrete is one of the most important construction materials and is practically basic to present-day developments. It is strong enough mechanically, yet vulnerable to deterioration. It thus gets damaged and even fails. This deterioration may be due to the weathering

Read more ...

Thermax - HDPE-SBS Waterproofing System for Basement Waterproofing
Gradual shift in lifestyle has driven the idea of modern construction towards developing underground spaces and buried structures to bring efficiency in use of space. However, the improved efficiency comes with an increase in challenges like infiltration

Read more ...

Waterproofing in Hilly Areas with Sub-Zero Temperatures
Industry experts Kunjan Popat, General Secretary, Waterproofing Association of India; Ramendra Bahadur Sinha, Managing Director, Agrani Enterprises, and MS Sudish, Director, SIWIN Institute of Waterproofing and Insulation, share the challenges

Read more ...

Dow Sealants for Sustainable Infrastructure
Durability is a key requirement for modern infrastructure projects – highways and roads, bridges, airports and airfields, walkways and plazas, parking structures and stadiums. Miles of concrete must

Read more ...

FAIRMATE FAIRCURE WC - White Pigmented Concrete Curing Aid
Buildings have major environmental impacts over their entire life cycle. Resources such as ground cover, forests, water, and energy are depleted to give way to buildings. Today, India has demonstrated

Read more ...

Repair and Rehabilitation of A Minor Bridge in Shravasti District  (UP), India
Scour is a natural phenomenon caused by the erosive action of flowing stream on alluvial beds. Failure of bridge due to scour at their foundations, which in this case consisted of abutments and pier, one 1.2 dia

Read more ...

Faircoat Anti-Carbonation Coating Protects Concrete Structures Like Flyovers, Bridges & Buildings
To protect concrete structures like Flyovers, Bridges, Parking areas, Big Commercial and Residential Buildings, the normal decorative exterior paint will not serve the purpose as these paints are not vapour permeable

Read more ...