MATERIALS / METRIC REFERENCE
Waterproofing types & typical applications
A practical guide to bitumen, polyurethane, cementitious, PVC/TPO, EPDM and bonded-sheet waterproofing for roofs, balconies, wet rooms and basements.
Select a complete waterproofing system for the substrate, exposure and junctions. Thickness, consumption, reinforcement and protection are product-specific. Cyprus and Greece projects need particular attention to exposed-roof UV and summer application temperatures; UK projects also need the selected system’s climate and installation limits checked.
Bituminous — SBS / APP modified bitumen
Flat roofs and external basement tanking using the appropriate system.
Often 3–5 mm per layer; roll width commonly 1 m
UV-exposed roofs need a suitable cap sheet or protection. APP / SBS describes modification, not a complete specification. Detail laps, outlets and upstands.
Explore Bituminous in the handbook →PU liquid — Polyurethane liquid membrane
Complex roof details and refurbishment; balconies only with approved traffic / tile build-up.
Dry-film thickness and consumption: selected system data
Substrate moisture, pinholes, cure conditions and UV finish matter. Do not infer final thickness from the number of coats.
Explore PU liquid in the handbook →Cementitious — Flexible cementitious coating
Under-tile wet rooms, balconies or pools when the specific product is approved.
Thickness and number of coats: selected product data
Rigid and flexible cementitious products differ. Movement joints need dedicated detailing. Verify immersion and negative-pressure suitability separately.
Explore Cementitious in the handbook →PVC / TPO — Thermoplastic single-ply
Flat-roof systems, including protected or exposed arrangements as approved.
Common nominal membrane thicknesses 1.2–2.0 mm
PVC and TPO/FPO are different chemistries. Check separation layers, wind uplift, fire classification and compatibility with insulation.
Explore PVC / TPO in the handbook →EPDM — Synthetic rubber membrane
Flat roofs and selected lined details.
Common nominal membrane thicknesses about 1.1–1.5 mm
Plan seams, perimeter restraint and penetrations. Use approved adhesives and confirm compatibility with the substrate.
Explore EPDM in the handbook →Bonded sheet — Under-tile waterproof sheet
Showers, wet rooms and selected exterior tile systems.
Thickness and roll format: manufacturer-specific
A decoupling sheet is waterproof only where declared and all joints are sealed. Connect the membrane continuously to the drain.
Explore Bonded sheet in the handbook →Below-ground — External tanking membrane
Basement walls, foundations and retaining structures.
Thickness and coverage: project-specific system
Drainage board is protection / drainage, not the primary tanking layer. Coordinate groundwater, waterstops and movement joints.
Explore Below-ground in the handbook →Bentonite — Bentonite composite
Below-ground waterproofing where groundwater and confinement conditions suit.
Roll size and mass: manufacturer-specific
Requires confinement and careful laps / penetrations. Groundwater chemistry can affect performance; obtain project-specific approval.
Explore Bentonite in the handbook →Dimensions are reference examples, not an exhaustive standard or a live stock list. Confirm the exact product with the supplier. No structural capacity or system performance is calculated.