Liquid Membranes

Hasan Rizvi
The concept of liquid waterproofing has existed since the early 1800s, when natural bitumen was combined with jute, straw, rag felt and other man made materials to provide a waterproofing solution. There are other different kinds of waterproofing system, which can be categorized as following
  1. Pre formed Membranes like TarFelt, Plastic Felt, APP Membrane, PVC etc.
  2. Integral Waterproofing Compound like ShaliPlast LW, LW+
  3. Liquid Applied Membrane (LAM) like Acrylics, Polyurethanes, Bituminous emulsion etc.
Waterproofing with pre-formed membrane is being used since ages and have joints, can not be applied in difficult geometrical structures, requires technical applicators and is not a fully bonded system. Repairs are costly

As the name suggests, Liquid waterproofing membrane comes in liquid form and after application it dries to form a seamless, smooth and continuous barrier to water. Technologically it's an advanced system, with guaranteed performance. Liquid Applied Waterproofing Membrane Systems (LAM's) are protective coatings and are either of one or two component, usually Acrylic, Polyurethane, Bituminous base, or a hybrid combination.

LAM can be used for new projects or refurbishments, Liquid Waterproofing Membrane Systems can be used in all areas of roofing, planters, sunken areas, landscapes, pedestrian areas, car parks and structural waterproofing. LAM's are preferred products for corrugated roofing sheets and especially in projects where heating is not allowed like Refineries etc.

Waterproofing with liquid membranes is gaining popularity and have considerable benefits over traditionally used pre-formed membrane systems:–
  • Ease of application / User friendly
  • It is a fully bonded system, thus ensures greater security against infiltration or damages to liquid membrane
  • Monolithic system i.e. without joints.
  • They can be installed easily on any contour surface.
  • Easily Repairable
  • Environment Friendly
  • Exhibits good waterproofing and elasticity
  • Weather / Ageing
Installed cold and hence does not require heating. Very simple to apply by brush / roller. Semi skilled professionals can do an excellent job. Moisture cured polyurethane liquid membranes can be applied in moist roof like ShaliUrethane BTD. These products help enable projects to be carried out with minimum disruptions throughout the year. Ease and speed of Installations significantly reduces the cost of waterproofing thus making it cost effective.

Roof Waterproofing

LAM is a fully bonded system which means that when the LAM is applied in Liquid form it bonds with the surface and then the curing takes place. The cured membrane almost becomes the integral part of the structure. The advantage it gives is that if the membrane gets damaged at one small point, it will not affect the rest of the structure, whereas in pre-formed membrane system water can travel through the damaged portion and can affect other parts of the structure.

System is Monolithic and can be applied in one piece (unlike conventional membranes that are rolled out in sheets) to various roof shapes which means no risk of water entering between the seams and are very easy to apply especially when faced with various obstacles. LAM have high crack bridging property, one can easily seal any cracks with products like ShaliUrethane LHM, ShaliUrethane FG, ShaliCryl LM.

Liquid Membranes

Since LAM is applied in the Liquid form it can take any shape or contour.

LAM is repairable and quick patch job can be done easily. Compatible with most substrates, it is also easy to re-coat, old coatings or can even be laid on damaged membrane systems. These systems can be laid at little surface preparation costs. On the contrary, damaged pre-formed membranes requires complete removal, cleaning of the substrate and then complete new installation.

Waterproofing of Overhead Tak

In the range of LAM there are Water based products some of which are GREEN. These products are made out of Cleaner technology & are non-toxic.

The exterior of the membranes can have various aesthetic finishes so that it can suit the ambience. Available in pleasant colours, ShaliCryl 215 is a unique elastomeric high build coating based on a revolutionary acrylic polymer with quick-set capabilities to resist premature moisture attack. ShaliCryl 215 provides durability, flexibility, and excellent weather resistance. Because of a unique UV cross-link curing mechanism it becomes more durable with age. It is easy to apply and is environmentally safe and non-polluting. ShaliCryl 215 has inherent waterproofing qualities.

LAM has excellent adhesion with the substrate and being a fully bonded system it acts as a barrier coat against water ingress. LAM have elongation range of 100% to over 500% which makes it very durable and helps it to accommodate structural movements. ShaliUrethane LM and LHM has significantly higher elongation.

Two-Components Cementitious elastomeric Liquid applied Waterproofing membrane: ShaliCem EWP of STP Ltd can be reinforced with glass fibers and is used for waterproofing Roof, sunken, watertank, swimming pools, foundations, retaining walls etc.

- Liquid Applied TarFelt LM Material: This category of product are also very versatile because they allow you to repair old Tarfelt waterproofing solutions without dismantling the existing system, can be used on asbestos roofing, metal sheets, concrete and wood. This can be further coated with liquid applied waterproof paint ShaliCryl215 single component UV Resistant Elastomeric coating.

If protected, it does not crack on aging unlike many preformed membranes. Some of the LAM's are UV resistant and can be exposed to the ambient weather conditions and it prevents Algae and Fungal growth. The temperature gradient is quite wide for these products.

Apart from other brands, STP Ltd is one of the Pioneer company for waterproofing which was established well back in 1935. Trusted for generations, STP has the largest range of new generation and traditional waterproofing products in India.
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 ...

Repair Strategy of Stoplog Sill Beams During Operation Stage of 510 MW Teesta-V Power Station in Sikkim
Repair Strategy of Stoplog Sill Beams During Operation Stage of 510 MW Teesta-V Power Station in Sikkim Running Power Stations serve as a boom to the economy of the country and any generation loss due to construction

Read more ...

Concrete Protective Liner by Russian company Hydropolymer
Concrete protective liner is a multipurpose solution for waterproofing and protection of concrete surfaces against corrosion and destruction. The product warranties long-term and reliable protection of structures

Read more ...

Necessity of Health Monitoring of Structures Constructed Before 2000 across India
Sangeeta Pandey, Chief Manager (Civil), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., Patna, PVS Sudhakar, Sr. General Manager (Civil), NOFN Works, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., Vishakhapatnam & Dr. Achintya, Professor of Civil

Read more ...

WATERPROOFING Importance of Filling Cracks, Joints & Voids
Samir Surlaker, Director, Assess Build Chem Private Limited discusses some new joint treatments and injection systems in waterproofing. It is a myth that waterproofing treatments can be carried out by application of single material

Read more ...