Cementitious Waterproofing: Definition, Properties, Types, Materials, Products and Usages

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Cementitious waterproofing is making a water-impervious layer by using cement and its refined versions on the structural surface. The thickness of the cementitious waterproofing layer is between 1-3 millimeters. The ingredients of the cementitious waterproofing are Portland cement, kaolin, marble dust, silica, lime, ground salt and alum with different percentages. 

Before applying cementitious waterproofing, it should be mixed with water or any recommended solvents. Dissolved cementitious waterproofing can be applied on the surface by using a brush, roller, spatula, trowel, injection or spray. After applying the cementitious waterproofing, it should be cured between 24 to 48 hours at 70°F (21°C). The cementitious waterproofing texture is a smooth, rough surface with various colour-grading textures. 

Cementitious waterproofing can be applied for both the positive side and negative side waterproofing, such as basements, foundations, slabs and walls, bathrooms and kitchens, balconies and terraces, roof decks, swim pools, parks, water tanks, dams and canals, and industrial floors. Cementitious waterproofing is easy to apply on the surface, highly cost-effective, durable, and has a wide range of uses. But it is less flexible, high curing time, has limited aesthetic appeal, and low thermal stable than other types of waterproofings.

Cementitious waterproofing is mainly 5 types such as polymer modified cementitious waterproofing, acrylic, crystalline, slurry, and elastomeric waterproofing. The most used cementitious waterproofing are Hydro Ban, Xypex, Werber, Tremco, Sika and Ardex. Cementitious waterproofing can be damaged due to poor application, physical damage, chemical exposure, thermal fluctuation, incorrect mixings, and high water pressure. You can protect the cementitious waterproofing by using proper application, regular inspection, protection from physical and chemical damage, and use with correct mixings. 

Portland cement is not a waterproof cement. It can leak the water due to its porosity. In order to prevent the problems using form the cementitious waterproof layer, you can use bituminous waterproofing. Even though it is expensive highly worth the performance.

What is the Definition of Cementitious Waterproofing?

The definition of cementitious waterproofing is making a water-impervious layer by using cement and its refined versions on the structural surface. 

According to the patent (US 5660620), The ingredients of the cementitious waterproofing are 30 to 40% Portland cement or kaolin, 20 to 30% marble dust or silica sand, 25 to 35% lime and 3 to 12% ground salt, alum stone or calcium chloride.

What is the Thickness of Cementitious Waterproofing?

The thickness of the cementitious waterproofing is between 1-3 millimetres. A thicker cementitious waterproofing layer helps to resist water penetration into the surface and improve the layer strength, while a thinner layer is weak and penetrates water through the layer. 

You should use a spatula for a thicker cementitious waterproofing layer and a brush for the thinner layer. But higher thickness layer does not increase the waterproofing properties. Hence it is important to maintain the layer's uniformity and consistency as much as possible while applying.

What is the Curing Time of the Cementitious Waterproofing?

The curing time of the cementitious waterproofing is the duration it takes for the waterproofing layer to dry and harden completely after its application. 

The average curing time for cementitious waterproofing is between 24 to 48 hours at 70°F (21°C). Curing time can increase due to low temperature, high humidity, and poor ventilation, while it can reduce due to warm temperatures, low humidity, and proper ventilation. 

If the waterproofing layer is exposed to water before it is fully cured, it can affect the layer thickness and waterproofing capability. For an effective curing process of cementitious waterproofing, you should substrate surfaces saturated surface dry (SSD) with no standing water at the time of application.

What is the Texture of the Cementitious Waterproofing?

The cementitious waterproofing texture is the tactile and visual quality of the surface of the waterproofing layer after it has been applied and cured. This texture can range from smooth to rough, depending on the specific product used and the application method.

The cementitious waterproofing texture depends on the type of cementitious product used, the consistency of the mix, the method of application, and the conditions under which it cures.

The color of the cementitious waterproofing is typically a shade of grey. That is similar to concrete. The smooth cementitious waterproofing texture is important to clean and maintain easily, while a rougher texture can provide better adhesion for any coatings or finishes that are applied over the waterproofing.

What Are the 5 Types of Cementitious Waterproofing?

Cementitious waterproofing is mainly of 5 types.Those are polymer-modified cementitious waterproofing, acrylic cementitious waterproofing, crystalline cementitious waterproofing, slurry cementitious waterproofing, and elastomeric cementitious waterproofing.

1. Polymer-modified cementitious waterproofing is a type of waterproofing that uses a cement-based polymer solution to prevent water penetration. 
2. Acrylic cementitious waterproofing is a strong, waterproof membrane with high flexibility and resistance to a range of weather conditions.
3. Crystalline cementitious waterproofing is a type of waterproofing that can form crystals in the porous surface of a concrete structure to prevent water penetration. 
4. Slurry cementitious waterproofing is a thick coating of a mixture of cement and water called slurry.
5. Elastomeric cementitious waterproofing is a flexible waterproofing layer that is made with combines cement with elastomeric compounds.

What Are the Modified Cementitious Waterproofing?

The modified cementitious waterproofing is a refined version of traditional waterproofing cement including polymers as binding agents to increase the overall strength and flexibility of the membrane. 

Modified cementitious waterproofing is resistant to a wide range of weather conditions UV radiation and can withstand more significant levels of wear and tear. Hence, it is used for high-traffic industrial areas, terraces, balconies, basements, roofs, and other areas exposed to weather and heavy use.

Is Portland Cement Waterproof?

Pure Portland cement is not a waterproof material. It absorbs the water itself due to its porosity. In order to make the Portland cement waterproofing, you should mix the cement with aggregates and treat it with a waterproofing agent. These agents fill the pores in the cement, creating a barrier that prevents water from penetrating. 

What Are the 7 Most Used Cementitious Waterproofing Methods?

A cementitious waterproofing layer can be built up on the structure surface using these 7 methods such as the slurry method, dry shake method, trowel method, spray method, brush or roller method, integral waterproofing method, and crack injection method. 

1. Slurry method: Cementitious waterproofing material is mixed with water to form a slurry and spread on the surface.
2. Dry Shake Method: Cementitious waterproofing powder is spread on the wet concrete surface to form a waterproofing layer.
3. Trowel Method: Cementitious waterproofing material is applied on the surface using a trowel.
4. Spray Method: Cementitious waterproofing material is mixed with water and then sprayed onto the surface using a spray gun.
5. Brush or Roller Method: Cementitious waterproofing material is applied on the surface using a brush or roller.
6. Integral Waterproofing Method: Cementitious waterproofing material is mixed with the concrete during the mixing process. 
7. Crack Injection Method: Cementitious waterproofing material is injected into cracks and gaps in the concrete.

What Are the Cementitious Waterproofing Applications?

Cementitious waterproofing can be applied for both positive side waterproofing and negative side waterproofing applications. 

1. Positive side waterproofing is applying a waterproofing layer outside the structure surface to prevent water infiltration into the structure. 
2. Negative side waterproofing is applying a waterproofing layer inside the structure to prevent water infiltration and manage moisture issues in the existing structure.

These are the 13 usages of cementitious waterproofing.

1. Basement waterproofing
2. Foundations waterproofing
3. Slabs and walls waterproofing
4. Bathrooms and kitchens waterproofing
5. Balconies and terraces waterproofing
6. Roof deck waterproofing
7. Swim pool waterproofing
8. Parking waterproofing
9. Sewage and water treatment plant waterproofing
10. Marine structure waterproofing
11. Dams and canal waterproofing
12. Industrial floor waterproofing

Cementious waterproofing is mostly used in basement waterproofing, and swimming pool waterproofing. Due to the non-toxicity of the cementitious waterproofing, these are used for the water tank waterproofing as a negative side protection.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Cementitious Waterproofing?

Pros of cementitious waterproofing

1. Easy to apply on the surface
2. High Cost-effective
3. Versatile usage
4. Excellent water resistant
5. Higher durability

Cons of cementitious waterproofing

1. Less flexibility
2. Need proper surface preparation
3. High curing time
4. Limited aesthetic appeal
5. Low thermal stability

What Are the Cementitious Waterproofing Products and Their Usage?

Cementitious waterproofing products are available for different types and purposes. These are the most used cementitious waterproofing products for construction purposes.

How to Damage Cementitious Waterproofing?

The cementitious waterproofing layer can be damaged due to these 8 reasons.

1. Poor application
2. Physical damage
3. Chemical exposure
4. Thermal fluctuations
5. Incorrect mixing
6. High water pressure
7. Ageing with time
8. Poor quality of material usage

How to Protect Cementitious Waterproofing?

Common waterproofing membrane failures occur due to human and environmental effects. You can avoid these waterproofing failures by following these 7 steps such as.

1. Proper application
2. Regular inspection
3. Protect from physical and chemical damages
4. Control temperature fluctuations
5. Use correct mixing
6. Regular maintenance
7. Manage water pressure 

Read More About:How to Apply Cementitious Waterproofing?

What Are the Bituminous Waterproofing Membrane?

Bituminous waterproofing membranes are water-dissolved, sticky, higher temperature sensitive, and have a higher viscosity and higher deformed at room temperature. Black-coloured, liquid, or semi-solid forms of petroleum are used to prevent water leaking from basements, foundations, bathrooms, balconies, rooftops, slabs, and construction surfaces.

Is Bituminus Waterproofing Better Than Cementitious Waterproofing?

Yes, bituminous waterproofing is better than cementitious waterproofing membranes. Because bituminous waterproofing membranes are withstand harsh weather conditions, UV radiations, and structural movements.

Bituminous waterproofing is a popular method for low-sloped roofs and foundations due to its robust and durable nature. It creates a seal that is resistant to water, harsh weather conditions, and UV radiation, and is also flexible enough to withstand minor structural movements. 

Cementitious waterproofing is commonly used in internal areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It's easy to apply and is highly resistant to wear and tear. However, it tends to be less flexible than bituminous waterproofing and may not be suitable for areas with significant structural movement.

Is Epoxy Waterproofing Better than Cementitious Waterproofing?

Yes, Epoxy waterproofing is better than cementitious waterproofing because epoxy waterproofing provides a versatile, more durable and longer-lasting solution in environments that require a high level of protection from water and other damaging factors. Cementitious waterproofing can be used only on the concrete surfaces.