LIQUID WATERPROOFING

Also termed liquid membranes, liquid waterproofing corresponds to the bonded

type of waterproofing, being bonded both to the surface on to which it is applied and to
the modular rigid covering that is installed on top of the coating, and that protects it.
This leads to the following requirements:

Compatibility with the surface on to which the waterproofing is applied,

with regard to waterproofing adhesion

Compatibility with the bonding material to be used in installing the covering

Stability or moderate instability of the substrate on to which the

waterproofing is applied, in accordance with the smaller or greater
deformability demand on exposure to shear stresses and/or resistance to
crack propagation

Assured adhesion and durability in waterproofing useful life, in relation to

service conditions in their different effects: vapour pressure, thermal
oscillations, deformability, and resistance to crack propagation at low
temperature, immersion in acid or alkaline water, mechanical strength, etc.
The product is selected as a function of these service requirements.

As in the case of adhesives, industrial products are involved that are designed to
embody certain end qualities and need particular preparation and application conditions.
At present, liquid membranes are thoroughly cross-referenced in the standards [in both
the European EN 14891 (2007) and various national standards], and in different
documents that, while not ranked as standards, provide an excellent contribution to the
characterisation of these products [such as the ETAG 022 1 Guideline on technical
suitability (EOTA 2 , 2006) and the Technical Instruction Sheet of the Tile Section of the
Central Association of the German Building Trade (2005)3 ].
In the first place, we shall use the concept of a waterproofing system, defined in
ETAG 022 as a set of products or components that are assembled on site [watertight
covering kits], applicable to liquid membranes as well as to flexible sheet membranes
and prefabricated systems. In fact, liquid waterproofing incorporates elastic bands and
sleeves and, in certain cases, the fixing surface requires a primer to assure liquid
membrane bonding.

ETAG 022: Guideline for European Technical Approval of watertight covering kits for wet floors
and walls. Edition 19/6/2006

EOTA: European Organisation for Technical Approvals

Indications for the installation of waterproofing bonded to floor and wall tilings for internal and
external areas. Version, January 2005. Fachverband Deutsches Fliesengewerbe im Zentralverband
des Deutschen Baugewerbes e.V. (Berlin)

Waterproofing and drainage

Liquid waterproofing

Secondly, it is necessary to consider a large number of industrial products of

highly varying composition and characteristics, designed to provide moisture or damp
protection. We shall also resort to the ETAG 022 Guideline in order to highlight the
watertightness requirement for these types of products, while excluding those that only
provide a more or less waterproof protection 4 .
Three types of liquid membranes are essentially recognised for waterproofing:

Liquid membranes based on cement mortar-modified polymers, also termed

cementitious membranes, referenced CM according to European standard
EN 14891 (2007)
Liquid membranes formulated with polymer resins in aqueous dispersion,
organic additives, and mineral fillers, usually marketed and sold ready for
the use, referenced DM according to EN 14891 (2007)
Liquid membranes made up of synthetic resins, mineral fillers, and organic
additives, which harden by chemical reaction between their constituents or in
contact with the atmosphere, referenced RM according to standard EN
14891

Each product requires certain storage, preparation, and application conditions.

DM membranes are single-component membranes, while the CM and RM membranes
can be marketed as single-component or two-component membranes. CM singlecomponent membranes need to be mixed with water, according to the manufacturers
instructions, with the same preparation variables as those of cementitious adhesives.
The German Instruction Sheet[3] assigns minimum thicknesses to the different
types: 2 mm for the CM membranes, 1 mm for the RM membranes, and 0.5 mm for
the DM membranes. The selection criteria of the type of liquid membrane are
established as a function of the particular requirements set.
These products are required to have a number of fundamental as well as certain
optional characteristics. Fundamental characteristics include adhesion strength
(evaluated under several laboratory conditionings), watertightness, and resistance to
crack propagation. Under certain conditions, some of these characteristics become
optional for the manufacturer, while they are necessary for the specifications
writer/drafter in particular uses, such as tilings in acid or alkaline water, and
deformability at low temperature.
European standard EN 14891 (2007) assigns the extraordinary codes O and/or P
to liquid membranes that are resistant to crack propagation at low temperature and to
those that are resistant to immersion in chlorinated water.

In France, a distinction is made between SPEC products [systems for protection against water
beneath tiling] and SEL products [liquid watertightness systems]. Liquid waterproofing systems are
always to be understood as SEL products

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Liquid waterproofing

The ETAG 022 document/guideline goes much further and is much more
ambitious in contextualising these products:

It establishes a classification of substrates on to which liquid membranes are

applied as a function of substrate sensitivity to moisture, stiffness, and
liability to crack, with or without the presence of joints
It includes a large table of characteristics, with their levels of requirements
and methods of conformity assessment, distinguishing compulsory and
optional characteristics.

Countries like Germany and France tend to use ETAG 022 when issuing
documents of fitness for use of marketed products, since it represents a fuller
characterisation for durability assurance.
Waterproofing systems with liquid products include the following:

Primers for the surface that is going to receive the membrane, to encourage
membrane bonding in certain cases
Liquid membranes according to the described types
Elastic bands of synthetic, woven, and non-woven materials, meshreinforced or not, compatible for bonding with waterproofing products, for
application between layers in:
Changes in plane of waterproofed surfaces
Junctures with abutting construction elements
Junctures of the waterproofing membrane with equipment and fixed
furnishings, such as sanitary ware.
Elastic rings or sleeves, of the same materials as the bands, used around
pipes and drains.

Since industrial products with specific characteristics are involved, the

manufacturers instructions should always be observed in preparation and application.
The following pictures illustrate the installation process, which may have different
variants. The waiting times between layers are also laid down by the manufacturer.
The elastic bands and sleeves are installed between two layers of liquid
waterproofing.

Application of a protective primer.

BASF, Construction Chemicals

Waterproofing and drainage

Liquid waterproofing

Application of waterproofing based on

deformable cementitious adhesive.
BASF, Construction Chemicals

Application of waterproofing based on

a polymer dispersion (two-coat
application).
BASF, Construction Chemicals

Installation of sleeves in plumbing

fixtures
BASF, Construction Chemicals

Installation of bands in corners

BASF, Construction Chemicals

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Protective adhesive primer

Special permeable band for corners
Sleeve for pipes
Special drain-waterproofing sleeve
Continuous waterproofing (polymer in
aqueous dispersion)
Deformable tile-fixing adhesive
Deformable grout
Sealant
BASF, Construction Chemicals

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Liquid waterproofing

Although European standard EN 14891 (2007) establishes that liquid

membranes under tiling can be applied in interiors and exterior, on floors and walls, the
ETAG 022 [EOTA, 2006] guideline restricts the use of liquid waterproofing to floors
and walls in wet internal areas.
In external areas, the coefficients of linear thermal expansion of the materials
involved in a waterproofed tiling need to be known. Notable differences between the
coefficients of linear thermal expansion of the adhesive and the liquid membrane can
give rise to shear stresses in the adhesive bond, which may lead to tile debonding.
In relation to the substrates on which the liquid waterproofing is applied, the
ETAG 022 guideline is also more precise than EN 14891, when it comes to establishing
a table of test requirements as a function of stiffness [with or without joints, with or
without crack risk] and of sensitivity to water.
The following charts summarise the contents of documents EN 14891 and
ETAG 022.
CLASSIFICATION AND DESIGNATION OF LIQUID MEMBRANES
ACCORDING TO EN 14891 (20007)
CM
DM
RM
CM O
RM O
CM P
DM P
RM P
CM OP

RM OP
[1]

Standard cementitious waterproofing liquid membrane [1]

Standard dispersion waterproofing liquid membrane [1]
Standard reaction resin waterproofing liquid membrane [1]
Cementitious waterproofing liquid membrane with resistance to crack
propagation at low temperature
Ditto for reaction resin waterproofing liquid membranes
Cementitious waterproofing liquid membrane resistant to immersion in
chlorinated water
Ditto for dispersion resin waterproofing liquid membranes
Ditto for reaction resin waterproofing liquid membranes
Cementitious waterproofing liquid membrane resistant to crack
propagation at low temperature and resistant to immersion in chlorinated
water
Ditto for reaction resin waterproofing liquid membranes

The term standard means that the product conforms to fundamental characteristics

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Liquid waterproofing

LIQUID MEMBRANE REQUIREMENTS ACCORDING TO EN 14891 (2007)

Fundamental characteristics
Initial adhesion: tensile strength

Requirement
0.5 N/mm2

Adhesion after immersion in water

Adhesion after thermal ageing
Adhesion after frost/thaw cycles
Adhesion after immersion in lime water
Watertightness
Resistance to crack propagation under
standard conditions
Optional characteristics
Adhesion after immersion in chlorinated
water[2]
Resistance to crack propagation at low
temperature [-5C][3]
Resistance to crack propagation at very
low temperature [-20C][4]

0.5 N/mm2
0.5 N/mm2
0.5 N/mm2
0.5 N/mm2
No penetration
0.75 mm
0.5 N/mm2

Test method[1]
A.6.2 Tensile strength
after 28 days
under laboratory
conditions
A.6.3 or A.6.4
A.6.5
A.6.6
A.6.9
A.7
A.8.2
A.6.7 or A.6.8

075 mm

A.8.3

0.75 mm

A.8.3

[1]

Test methods described in Annex A of the standard

Assigns code P to the CM, DM, or RM membrane
[3]
Assigns code O to the CM or RM membrane
[4]
The standard envisages no special code for this characteristic
[2]

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Liquid waterproofing

WATERPROOFING SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS THAT CONDITION FITNESS FOR USE,

[1]
ACCORDING TO ETAG 022 (2006)

Reaction to fire
Tested and classified according to the method laid down in standard EN 13501-1:2002 (Table 1) or
according to EN ISO 11925-2 [result of the surface flame attack test]
For the evaluation of the construction element that contains the waterproofing, the classification
according to EN 13501-1:2002 is applied

Emission of hazardous substances

According to the national regulations of the destination country, the substances that the product
contains shall be declared and evaluation tests shall be applied in accordance with ETA

Vapour permeability

Moisture resistance

Tested according to EN/ISO 12572 on plaster sheets 12.5 mm thick, with a density of 720 kg/m3, the
test result being declared
Evaluated through the following characteristics:
Watertightness, according to the test in standard EN 14891, head A.7
Crack-bridging capability, according to test C.2 of prEN 1062-7; three categories are used in the
declaration of the test result, depending on crack-bridging capability based on crack width [0.4
mm, 0.75 mm, and 1.5 mm]. The test takes place at -30C

Adhesion
When the membrane bonding strength to the substrate has been tested according to EN 14891, head
A.6.2, two categories are established, depending on the test outcome: category 1 (strength 0.3
MPa) and category 2 (strength 0.5 MPa)

Scratch resistance
Scratch resistance is tested, according to Annex C of ETAG 022, only in waterproofing systems
whose surface will remain visible and be subject to wear by traffic

Joint-bridging capability

This is for waterproofing systems intended for surfaces that contain movement joints. Two
categories are established in the conformity assessment
Watertightness around penetrations (pipe ducts, drains, water drainages, etc.)
With two conformity assessment categories, in addition to there being a manufacturers technical
dossier, based on passing the tests described in Annexes A and F or G of ETAG 022

Slipperiness
Only for waterproofing systems on which no covering is installed, and which are subject to
pedestrian traffic

Durability
Evaluated through the following characteristics:
Temperature resistance, according to head A.6.4 in EN 14891
Water resistance, according to head A.6.3 in EN 14891
Alkali resistance, according to head A.6.7 in EN 14891
Resistance to chemical agents, without providing test methods

[1]

Guideline for European Technical Approval of waterproofing systems for floors and walls in wet internal areas. Part 1: Liquid
applied coverings with or without wearing surface. Edition: EOTA, 19/06/2006]

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Liquid waterproofing

TEST REQUIREMENTS AND RESULTS ACCORDING TO SUBSTRATE TYPE IN ETAG 022

Moisture
sensitive

Not moisture
sensitive

(Usually rigid)
homogeneous
substrates that are
liable to crack

(Usually flexible)
substrates that are
not liable to crack
but have joints

Examples:
Gypsum blocks

Examples:
Gypsum plasterboards,
wood-based materials

(Usually rigid)
substrates that are
liable to crack and
have joints

Tests:
Crack-bridging
Tests:
capability. Categories 1, Movement joint2, 3
bridging capability.
Not known
Watertightness around
Categories 1 or 2
penetrations. Category 1 Watertightness around
or 2 with Annex G
penetrations. Categories
Temperature resistance.
1 or 2 with Annexes A
Category 1 or 2
and F, or E
Temperature resistance.
Categories 1 or 2
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Concrete cast in situ,
Calcium silicate boards,
Concrete and cellular
masonry
cement fibre boards
concrete
Tests:
Crack-bridging
capability. Categories 1,
2, 3
Watertightness around
penetrations. Category 1
or 2 with Annex G
Temperature resistance.
Categories 1 or 2

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Liquid waterproofing

Tests:
Crack-bridging
capability. Categories 1
or 2
Watertightness around
penetrations. Category 1
or 2 with Annexes A
and F, or E
Temperature resistance.
Categories 1 or 2

Tests:
Crack-bridging
capability. Categories 1,
2, 3
Movement jointbridging capability.
Categories 1 or 2
Watertightness around
penetrations. Categories
1 or 2 with Annex G
Temperature resistance.
Categories 1 or 2

The ETAG 022 document may be consulted in its entirety on the EOTA
organisation Web site [www.eota.be], in the section Endorsed ETAGs.
The three types of liquid membranes are widely found in the market, with
specialised products for specific uses. Dispersed liquid membranes focus on shower
booth waterproofing. One or two-component polyurethane liquid membranes are
applied on balconies and terraces that will, subsequently, receive ceramic or stone
flooring. Cementitious membranes are selected for waterproofing concrete swimming
pool basins, structural protection, and a wide range of internal uses.
Most manufacturers accompany the marketing and sales of their products with
quality technical documentation. The Italian company MAPEI [www.mapei.it,
www.mapei.com] has an extensive catalogue of liquid membranes: Mapelastic (CM),
Mapegum WPC (DM), Mapegum PU 1K (RM), and Mapegum EPX (RM). THE BASF
group also has a broad range of products, both in liquid waterproofing and protection
systems and in sheet membranes [www.constructionsystems.basf-cc.es].

Waterproofing and drainage

Liquid waterproofing