1. Understand the Area of Application
Different areas in a building require different waterproofing systems. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Area | Best Waterproofing Type |
|---|---|
| Terrace / Roof | APP Membranes, PU Coatings |
| Basement | Bituminous Membranes, Cementitious |
| Bathrooms/Kitchens | Liquid Membranes, Tape, PU Sealants |
| External Walls | Acrylic / Elastomeric Coatings |
| Water Tanks | Food-grade Cementitious or PU-based |
| Bridges/Podiums | APP Membranes with high tensile mesh |
2. Know Your Waterproofing Options
1. APP Membranes (Atactic Polypropylene)
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Form: Torch-applied rolls
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Use: Ideal for terraces, roofs, and podiums
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Benefits: UV resistant, long life, durable
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Tip: Go for 3mm+ thickness with polyester reinforcement for longevity
2. Bituminous Primer
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Form: Liquid brushable primer
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Use: Prepares surfaces for membrane application
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Benefits: Improves adhesion, seals pores
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Note: Always allow full drying before applying the next layer
3. Liquid Waterproofing (PU / Acrylic / Cementitious)
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Form: Ready-to-use or two-component
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Use: Bathrooms, wet areas, balconies
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Benefits: Seamless, easy application in small or complex areas
4. Reinforcement Mesh / Glass Fibre Cloth
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Form: Mesh rolls (45 GSM to 145 GSM)
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Use: Provides additional strength at corners, joints, and overlaps
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Benefits: Prevents crack propagation and improves durability
5. Cold Applied Bituminous Coatings
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Form: Paste or liquid
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Use: Where torching is risky or not allowed
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Benefits: Easy, safe, cost-effective for inner walls, tanks
3. Consider Environmental & Site Conditions
| Factor | Material Recommendation |
|---|---|
| High UV exposure | UV-resistant APP Membranes or acrylic coatings |
| Humid/tropical regions | Anti-fungal PU or bitumen-based coatings |
| Areas with thermal expansion | Elastomeric coatings or PU membranes |
| Water tanks/pools | Food-grade PU or cementitious coatings |
4. Branded vs. Unbranded Materials – What to Choose?
| Branded Materials | Unbranded (Local/Generic) |
|---|---|
| Quality assured, technical specs | Cost-effective for temporary work |
| Higher cost, warranty available | No warranty, varies by supplier |
| Used in large commercial projects | Good for small jobs with tight budget |
Pro Tip: At Shiv Sons, we provide both options with quality checks, so you get the right balance of price and performance.
5. Red Flags to Avoid
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❌ Buying only based on price (cheap = weak performance)
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❌ No primer used under membranes
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❌ Skipping mesh reinforcement at joints
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❌ Using the wrong product in high-pressure water zones
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❌ No technical datasheet or test certificate
Recommended Products from Shiv Sons
| Product | Type | Variants |
|---|---|---|
| APP Membrane | Bitumen-based | 2mm / 3mm / 4mm (PE, Mineral finish) |
| Bituminous Primer | Liquid | Standard & Fast Drying |
| Fibre Mesh Roll | Reinforcement | 45 GSM, 80 GSM, 145 GSM (4” / 6”) |
| Cold Applied Coating | Bituminous | 20L & 200L Drum |
Real-World Tip from a Site Engineer
“We faced water seepage even after applying a membrane, until Shiv Sons helped us add fibre mesh and a primer coat. No issues since.”
— Site Engineer, NCR Airport Project
Final Checklist Before You Buy
What area are you waterproofing?
Is the surface prepared properly?
Do you need torch or cold application?
Is UV, chemical, or fungal resistance required?
Is technical support available from your supplier?
Need Help Choosing the Right Waterproofing Material?
Let Shiv Sons assist you in making the right decision for your project.
Visit: www.shivsons.in
Email: sales@shivsons.in
Phone: +91-9811102128
With the right waterproofing, your structure can stand strong for decades.
