Acrylic Waterproofing: What it is, Features, Types, Applications, and Advantages

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Acrylic waterproofing membrane is an impervious layer that consists of 6 compounds: acrylic polymer, water, fillers, pigments, additives, and preservations. Acrylic waterproofing is applied as a sealant on the building components to prevent water penetration. 

The features of the Acrylic waterproofing are 8 years of durability, limited flexibility, UV, Chemical, and water resistance, cost-effective, breathable, adhesive, and easy to install and maintain waterproofing sealant. Acrylic-based waterproofing consists of two types: acrylic cementitious and acrylic polymer cementitious waterproofing. 

Acrylic waterproofing has 6 main types according to their usage. The most used 6 types of acrylic coatings are acrylic roof coating, deck coating, wall coating, sealant, acrylic waterproofing paint, and acrylic waterproofing membranes. You can apply the acrylic coating by using a brush, roller, and spray. Before you apply the acrylic coating on the surface, you should prepare the surface clean and free from dust, dirt, oil, grease, and lose particles. 

After you apply the acrylic coating on the surface, it should be dry and cured in 2 to 24 hours. During that time, the coating should not be exposed to water. Acrylic waterproofing can be used for roof waterproofing, decks, balconies, walls, bathrooms and kitchens, basements, and concrete. The advantages of acrylic waterproofing are higher durability, UV resistance, a wide range of usage, ease of apply, and breathability. 

There are some disadvantages to acrylic waterproofing, such as not being suitable for all surfaces, being damaged by solvents, and being affected by weather conditions. An applied acrylic coating can be damaged due to physical damage, chemical exposure, improper application, extreme weather conditions, UV degradation, and lack of maintenance. You can protect the acrylic waterproofing by regular inspection, proper cleaning, and maintenance. The most used acrylic waterproofing products are Dr Fixit, Cromer, Davco, Acrypol, and Bondit. 

What is Acrylic Waterproofing?

Acrylic waterproofing is an impervious layer that consists of compounds such as acrylic polymer, water, fillers, pigments, additives, and preservations. The acrylic waterproof coating is applied on the building components to prevent water penetration. Each of the acrylic waterproofing ingredients has a specific purpose.

1. Acrylic polymer: Acrylic polymer forms a flexible, durable, and water-resistant barrier when it dries.
2. Water: Water is used as the solvent
3. Fillers: Clay, silica, and talc are added as fillers to provide body and consistency to the product.
4. Pigments: Pigments are used to give the product color. 
5. Additives: Additives are used to improve UV resistance, adhesion, and curing time. 
6. Preservatives: Preservatives are used to increase the durability of the product.

What Are the Features and Benefits of Acrylic Waterproofing?

The most essential features of acrylic waterproofing are durability, flexibility, UV resistance, chemical resistance, Impermeability, cost-effectiveness, breathability, adhesiveness, and ease of installation and maintenance. These features of acrylic waterproofing help to make strong, durable, UV and water-resistant, thermal-stable layers on the structure surface. 

Durability of Acrylic Waterproofing

The durability of acrylic waterproofing is more than 8 years. The durability of the acrylic waterproofing depends on the quality of the application, the severity of the weather it is exposed to, the amount of foot traffic or other physical stress that the coating is subjected to. 

The acrylic waterproofing layer can be damaged due to higher water pressure, UV rays, temperature fluctuations, flexibilities, and wear and tear of the coating.

Flexibility of Acrylic Waterproofing

Acrylic waterproofing is flexible due to its acrylic polymers. Acrylic coating can be subjected to small variations of movements and flexibilities, such as thermal expansion and small structural deformations, without wearing or tearing. But acrylic waterproofing does not withstand higher flexibilities.

UV Resistance of Acrylic Waterproofing

Acrylic waterproofing is UV resistant. Hence acrylic waterproofing layer will not damage or deteriorate from the sunlight. Hence, acrylic waterproofing can be used for the open sunlight areas.

Chemical Resistance of Acrylic Waterproofing

Acrylic waterproofing has a wide range of chemical resistance. Acrylic waterproofing can withstand exposure to mild acids, alkalis, and salts. But the waterproofing coating should not for heavy chemicals or solvents without having a proper recommendation from the manufacturer.

Impermeability of Acrylic Waterproofing

The acrylic waterproofing layer is a tight, water-impermeable layer. An acrylic waterproofing layer does not allow to penetrate moisture and water. Hence it can be used for water damage, mold growth, and the deterioration of the material underneath the coating.

Cost Effectiveness of Acrylic Waterproofing

Acrylic waterproofing can be considered as a cost-effective waterproofing solution because the acrylic waterproofing layer has a long service life and effective water protection, easy to apply on the surface, and can be used wide range of applications. 

Breathability of Acrylic Waterproofing

Acrylic waterproofing is a breathable coating. The breathability of acrylic waterproofing helps to prevent the buildup of condensation and moisture within the structure, which can lead to issues like mold growth or structural damage.

Adhesion of Acrylic Waterproofing

Acrylic waterproofing has excellent adhesion properties. Acrylic waterproofing can bond well to a variety of substrates, including concrete, metal, wood, and bricks. This strong adhesion is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the waterproofing, as it helps to create a seamless, continuous barrier that water cannot penetrate.

Ease of Installation of Acrylic Waterproofing

Acrylic waterproofing can be applied on the surface by using few tools. Acrylic waterproofing is a liquid. Hence it can be applied on the surface by using a brush, rollers or spray. After applying the acrylic coating, you should keep it for curing as per the recommended time of the manufacturer.

Ease of Maintenance of Acrylic Waterproofing

The acrylic waterproofing layer is easy to maintain during its service life. Because the acrylic waterproofing layer can be damaged due to dirt, mold and mildew. This dirt can be cleaned using mild soap and water. 

The damaged acrylic waterproofing layer can be cleaned by applying the coating on the layer easily.

What are the Acrylic-Based Waterproofings?

Acrylic-based waterproofing uses acrylic polymers as the primary ingredient of the product. The most used acrylic-based waterproofing are acrylic cementitious and acrylic polymer cementitious waterproofing.

Acrylic cementitious waterproofing

Acrylic cementitious waterproofing is a type of waterproofing that is made from both acrylic and cementitious materials. This combination gives 5 benefits to the waterproofing layer such as higher flexibility, higher durability, extra waterproofing capability, ease of application, and affordable usage. Acrylic cementitious waterproofing can be used on foundations, basements, patios, walkways, decks, swim pools, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Acrylic polymer cementitious waterproofing 

Acrylic polymer cementitious waterproofing is a hybrid type of waterproofing that combines the benefits of acrylic and cementitious materials. Acrylic cementitious waterproofing improves water resistance, flexibility, adhesion, and durability compared to conventional cementitious waterproofing.

What Are the 6 Types of Acrylic Waterproofing?

Acrylic waterproofing are 6 types according to its specific usage. The most used acrylic waterproofing are acrylic roof coating, acrylic deck coating, acrylic wall coating, acrylic sealants, acrylic waterproof paints, and acrylic waterproofing membranes. Each of these acrylic waterproofing is used for the below tasks.

1. Acrylic Roof Coating: Acrylic roof coating is used to protect the roof from water damage, UV rays, and temperature variations.
2. Acrylic Deck Coating: Acrylic deck coatings are used to protect the decks and patios from high foot traffic, harsh weather conditions and mold and mildew growths.
3. Acrylic Wall Coating: Acrylic wall coating is used on exterior walls to protect them from moisture and weather damage.
4. Acrylic Sealants: Acrylic sealants are used to seal cracks and gaps in various structures to prevent water and air infiltration.
5. Acrylic Waterproofing Paint: Acrylic waterproofing paints are used on both interior and exterior surfaces.
6. Acrylic Waterproofing Membrane: Acrylic waterproofing membranes are type of sheet waterproofing membrane that can be used in construction for foundations, basements, and under tiles in wet areas like bathrooms.

How to Apply Acrylic Waterproofing?

Acrylic waterproofing can be applied on the surface by following the below steps. You should have tools such as a brush, roller, and spray to spread the coating on the surface. Then, you should keep the coating for the curing as per the product recommendation.

1. Prepare the surface: The surface should be prepared clean and free from dust, dirt, oil, grease, and loose particles. Any cracks or damage on the surface should be repaired first.
2. Apply the primer: The primer should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions and allowed to dry. The primer will improve the adhesion between the acrylic waterproofing layer and the surface.
3. Apply the acrylic waterproofing: Apply the acrylic waterproofing layer consistently and uniformly using a brush, roller, or sprayer. The applied method will depend on the product and the size of the area to be covered. 
4. Drying and curing: The coating must dry and cure after the application process. The curing time will be 2 hours to 24 hours. It depends on the manufacturer's recommendation. During this time, the coating should not be exposed to water or heavy traffic.
5. Apply additional coats: Apply the additional coatings according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
6. Do regular maintenance: You should conduct regular inspections for any signs of damage or wear and tear after the acrylic waterproofing has fully cured. You should repair it by applying a new coat of the waterproofing product if any damage is found.

What Are the Uses of Acrylic Waterproofing?

Acrylic waterproofing are highly recommended for negative-side waterproofing. If the layer is damaged, it can be fixed easily in the negative side waterproofing. Hence acrylic waterproofing can be used for below applications.

1. Roof Waterproofing: Acrylic waterproofing is used for roof waterproofing to protect them from water damage, UV radiation, and temperature variations.
2. Deck and Balcony Waterproofing: Acrylic waterproofing is used for deck waterproofing, balcony waterproofing, and patio waterproofing to protect the surface from water damage, wear and tear associated with foot traffic and outdoor conditions.
3. Wall Waterproofing: Acrylic waterproofing can be used on both interior and exterior walls to prevent moisture penetration.
4. Bathroom and Kitchen Waterproofing: Acrylic waterproofing can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas to prevent water damage and mold growth.
5. Basement Waterproofing: Acrylic waterproofing can be used to protect basements and other below-grade structures from groundwater seepage.
6. Waterproofing for Concrete Structures: Acrylic waterproofing is used to waterproof concrete structures like bridges, parking garages, and walkways.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Acrylic Waterproofing

Acrylic waterproofing has advantages and disadvantages based on its properties and values.

Advantages

1. Higher durability
2. UV Resistance
3. Wide range of use
4. Easy to Apply
5. Breathability

Disadvantages

1. Not Suitable for All Surfaces:
2. Damaged by Solvents:
3. Reapplication is necessary
4. Affect by Weather conditions

How to Damage an Acrylic Waterproofing Layer?

The severe damages that occur on the acrylic waterproofing layer are scratching, cracking, tearing, wearing, degradation, and deterioration. These damages occur due to these 6 reasons such as physical damage, chemical exposure, improper application, open to extreme weather conditions, UV degradation and lack of maintenance.

• Physical Damages on Acrylic Waterproofing Layer: The acrylic waterproofing layer can be scratched, cracked, or torn due to foot traffic moving heavy objects across the surface.
• Chemical Exposure: The acrylic waterproofing layer can be degraded due to exposure to harsh chemicals or solvents. 
• Improper Application of Acrylic Waterproofing Layer: The acrylic waterproofing layer thickness can be thinner than recommended due to not applying the coating properly due to instrumental or user errors.
• Extreme Weather Conditions on Acrylic Waterproofing Layer: The acrylic waterproofing layer can be wear and tear due to extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, hail, or freezing temperatures.
• UV Degradation on Acrylic Waterproofing Layer: The acrylic waterproofing layer can deteriorate due to prolonged exposure to intense sunlight.
• Lack of Acrylic Waterproofing Maintenance: The acrylic waterproofing layer can be damaged due to neglecting to repair minor damaged cracks and issues.

How to Protect an Acrylic Waterproofing Layer?

The acrylic waterproofing layer can be protected by following below 6 steps.

1. Regular inspection
2. Proper cleaning 
3. Limit exposure to harsh conditions.
4. Avoid heavy impact
5. Regular maintenance 
6. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

What Are the Acrylic Waterproofing Products and Their Usage?

The most popular acrylic waterproofing products are Dr Fixit, Cromar, Sika rain tite, Davco, Acrypol, and Bond it. Each of these products is specially used for specific usage as follows.