The same waterproofing product can behave very differently from one site to another. The reason is simple: waterproofing does not cure in isolation it cures within an environment.
When applying a liquid-applied waterproofing system, product selection is only one part of achieving a successful installation. The condition of the substrate, temperature, humidity, wind, dew point and weather forecast can all influence how a coating dries, cures and ultimately performs.
This is particularly important in South Africa, where application conditions can vary significantly between regions.
A waterproofing system applied on a cool, humid morning in Cape Town may behave very differently from the same system applied on a warm, dry day in Gauteng.
In the Western Cape, cooler temperatures, higher humidity, morning dew and rapidly changing weather conditions can contribute to slower drying and curing.
Coastal humidity can increase the amount of moisture present in the environment and on the substrate. Overnight, condensation may also develop as surface temperatures fall.
This creates an important consideration for applicators:
A coating that looks dry is not necessarily fully cured.
The surface may feel dry while the coating underneath is still developing its final properties. Applying another coat before the required curing window has been reached can interfere with film formation and system performance.
Changing weather conditions can add another layer of uncertainty, particularly when rain is forecast during the application or curing period.
Gauteng presents a different set of challenges.
Warmer temperatures, lower humidity and stronger evaporation can accelerate surface drying. While faster drying can appear advantageous, it can also reduce working time and cause the surface of a coating to skin over more quickly.
This is where the difference between surface drying and proper curing becomes important.
A coating may appear dry on the surface while the material beneath it is still curing. If the surface dries too quickly, it can potentially affect flow, film formation and the uniformity of the finished coating.
In other words, faster is not always better.
The objective is not simply to make a coating dry as quickly as possible. The objective is to allow the coating to dry and cure under conditions appropriate for the product and the application.
Drying generally refers to the point at which a coating becomes sufficiently dry at the surface to handle or continue with the next stage of application.
Curing is the broader process through which the coating develops its intended physical and performance characteristics.
The two processes are related, but they are not necessarily the same.
That is why relying solely on touch-dry conditions can be misleading. The recommended curing and recoat intervals provided by the product manufacturer should always be followed, together with consideration of the actual conditions on site.
Wind is another environmental factor that deserves attention.
Air movement can increase evaporation and accelerate surface drying. Strong winds can therefore change the way a liquid coating behaves during application, potentially affecting working time, flow and film formation.
This is particularly relevant in exposed areas and coastal environments, where wind conditions can change rapidly.
The goal is to achieve a controlled application not simply the fastest possible evaporation.
Before applying a liquid-applied waterproofing system, it is important to consider the complete site environment.
The temperature of the substrate can influence adhesion, drying and curing.
The surface should be within the temperature range specified for the particular product.
Moisture within the substrate can create significant problems for waterproofing systems, including poor adhesion and blistering.
The substrate must therefore be suitably prepared and sufficiently dry in accordance with the product requirements.
Ambient temperature affects curing speed and working time.
Temperature should always be considered together with the other environmental conditions rather than viewed in isolation.
High relative humidity can slow evaporation and curing.
Humidity can also contribute to condensation risk when surface temperatures approach the dew point.
One of the most important checks is the relationship between surface temperature, air temperature, humidity and dew point.
Waterproofing should only be applied when conditions are suitable and the risk of condensation is adequately controlled.
A surface can appear perfectly dry while condensation is beginning to form particularly during changing weather or as temperatures fall.
Wind can increase evaporation and alter the behaviour of a coating during application.
Strong winds may reduce working time and influence film formation, particularly on exposed roof areas.
Rain should be avoided during application and throughout the period required for the coating to develop sufficient resistance.
The forecast should therefore be considered before application begins, not only once the first signs of rain appear.
The required curing interval between coats should also be respected. Applying subsequent coats too early can compromise the performance of the overall system.
A product data sheet tells you the characteristics and requirements of the product.
But the site conditions determine whether those requirements can be met at the time of application.
This is why good waterproofing practice involves more than selecting a suitable product.
It requires the applicator to assess the substrate, understand the environmental conditions and plan the application around the available curing window.
Experience and proper site assessment help determine when and how to apply it.
The Right Product. The Right Conditions. The Right Result.
Successful waterproofing is ultimately about bringing together three things:
Ignoring any one of these can compromise the performance of the system.
Whether working in the cooler, more humid conditions of the Western Cape or the warmer, drier conditions of Gauteng, the same principle applies:
Waterproofing doesn’t cure according to the calendar. It cures according to the climate.
At Safeguard Chemicals, we believe that reliable waterproofing starts with understanding both the product and the environment in which it is being installed.
Because long-term waterproofing performance is not just about what you apply.
It is also about how, when and under what conditions you apply it.
Waterproofing of roofs, basements, etc. shall be laid under appropriate manufacturer guarantees supplemented
by a contractor workmanship guarantee. Waterproofing to flat roofs shall be laid with a minimum fall to outlets of
1:80 and include all outlets, etc.Waterproof of external basment walls shall take into account the definition of dry and wet sides as per SANS 10021: 2006 6.15.2 and 6.1.5.3 and provide one or two layer membrane systems as
appropriate descriptions of sheets or membrane waterproofing shall be deemed to include all labour costs.
Apply Safeguard SG720″ primer to prepared surfaces, followed by two coats of “Safeguard SG280” waterproofing polyurethane and one coat of SG PU440 with SG PU Fabric on horizontal and vertical joints.
Apply Safeguard SG720″ primer to prepared surfaces, followed by two coats of “Safeguard SG280” waterproofing polyurethane and one coat of SG PU450 with SG PU Fabric on horizontal and vertical joints.
Thoroughly clean and prepare the surface, as per Safeguard Method Statement for Surface Preparation.
Apply one coat of Safeguard solvent-based Bitumen Primer to the surface ensuring full coverage without any “ponding” of primer on the surface.
Allow to dry and heat-fuse one layer of Safeguard Euro Gecko 4mm APP single re-inforced Bitumen Membrane to the primed surface, lapping all side walls and dressing into and around outlets and upstands.
Provide 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps to adjoining rolls of membrane, ensuring that laps are properly “bled”.
Suitable performance-related products are acceptable.
5-7 days after application of the Bitumen Membrane, thoroughly clean the surface of the membrane and apply 2 coats of Safeguard Bitumen Aluminium paint to the membrane using a brush, roller or spray.
Equivalent products are acceptable.
Thoroughly clean and prepare the surface, removing all laitance, dust, dirt, grime and grease.
Apply one coat of solvent-based Bitumen Primer to the surface ensuring full coverage without any “ponding” of primer on the surface.
Allow to dry and heat-fuse one layer of 4mm APP single re-inforced Bitumen Membrane to the primed surface, lapping all side walls and dressing into and around outlets and upstands.
Provide 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps to adjoining rolls of membrane, ensuring that laps are properly “bled”.
5-7 days after application of the Bitumen Membrane, thoroughly clean the surface of the membrane and apply 2 coats of Bitumen Aluminium paint to the membrane using a brush, roller or spray
Thoroughly clean and prepare all external walls from foundation to 2 brick courses above finished ground level as per Safeguard Method Statement for Surface Preparation.
Apply one coat of Safeguard SG 720 Primer to the walls by spray, roller or brush and allow to dry.
Apply two coats of Safeguard SG PU 610 by spray, roller or brush. If applying by spray, dilute with 5% MEK. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. A third coat should be applied where “Wet” sites are encountered as per SANS 10021:2006 6.1.5.3
Protect membrane with soft board or dimpled membrane prior to backfill.
Equivalent performance-related products may be supplied.
Thoroughly clean and prepare all external walls from foundation to 2 brick courses above finished ground level, removing all dirt, dust, grime grease and any unnecessary mortar,
Apply one coat of Polyurethane Primer to the walls and allow to dry.
Apply two coats of Polyurethane waterproofing membrane to a DFT of 1-2mm. The membrane should accommodate temperatures from -30? to +90?C and have a minimum elasticity of 600% with a Shore A hardness of 60 or greater and a Tensile strength of 4N/mm? or greater. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. A third coat should be applied where “Wet” sites are encountered as per SANS 10021:2006 6.1.5.3
Protect membrane with soft board or dimpled membrane prior to backfill.
Thoroughly clean shower walls and floor, removing all loose dirt, mortar, grime and grease. Walls should not be plastered.
Apply a coat of Safeguard Latseal Slurry mixed with Bondaid to the walls and floor, embedding a non-woven polypropylene membrane into the slurry at all joints.
Allow to cure overnight and apply a further coat of Safeguard slurry to the entire area.
At the joint with the outlet, an expandable polyurethane sealant should be applied to cover both surfaces. This should be allowed to cure, together with the slurry before application of any tiles/mosaics.
Equivalent products are acceptable.
Thoroughly clean shower walls and floor, removing all loose dirt, mortar, grime and grease. Walls should not be plastered.
Apply a coat of cementitious waterproof slurry mixed with bonding liquid to the walls and floor, embedding a non-woven polypropylene membrane into the slurry at all joints.
Allow to cure overnight and apply a further coat of slurry to the entire area.
At the joint with the outlet, an expandable polyurethane sealant should be applied to cover both surfaces. This should be allowed to cure, together with the slurry before application of any tiles/mosaics.
PRODUCT GUARANTEE
Polyurethane Roofing – SG PU280
Polyurethane Foundation – SG PU610
Joint Sealant – SG Flex20
Bitumen Roofing – 4mm Torch-on membrane
Polyurethane Undertile Showers / Balconies – SG PU610
Cementitious Undertile Showers/Balconies – Latseal Slurry
SG PU 280 Flat Roof
SG PU 610 Garden Roof
SG 4mm Bitumen Roof
SG PU 610 Foundation
SG PU 280 Car parking
Waterproofing of roofs, basements, etc. shall be laid under appropriate manufacturer guarantees supplemented
by a contractor workmanship guarantee. Waterproofing to flat roofs shall be laid with a minimum fall to outlets of
1:80 and include all outlets, etc.Waterproof of external basment walls shall take into account the definition of dry and wet sides as per SANS 10021: 2006 6.15.2 and 6.1.5.3 and provide one or two layer membrane systems as
appropriate descriptions of sheets or membrane waterproofing shall be deemed to include all labour costs.
Apply Safeguard SG720″ primer to prepared surfaces, followed by two coats of “Safeguard SG280” waterproofing
polyurethane and one coat of SG PU440 with SG PU Fabric on horizontal and vertical joints.
Apply Safeguard SG720″ primer to prepared surfaces, followed by two coats of “Safeguard SG280” waterproofing
polyurethane and one coat of SG PU450 with SG PU Fabric on horizontal and vertical joints.
Thoroughly clean and prepare all external walls from foundation to 2 brick courses above finished ground level as per Safeguard Method Statement for Surface Preparation.
Apply one coat of Safeguard SG 720 Primer to the walls by spray, roller or brush and allow to dry.
Apply two coats of Safeguard SG PU 610 by spray, roller or brush. If applying by spray, dilute with 5% MEK. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. A third coat should be applied where “Wet” sites are encountered as per SANS 10021:2006 6.1.5.3
Protect membrane with soft board or dimpled membrane prior to backfill.
Equivalent performance-related products may be supplied.
Thoroughly clean and prepare all external walls from foundation to 2 brick courses above finished ground level, removing all dirt, dust, grime grease and any unnecessary mortar,
Apply one coat of Polyurethane Primer to the walls and allow to dry.
Apply two coats of Polyurethane waterproofing membrane to a DFT of 1-2mm. The membrane should accommodate temperatures from -30? to +90?C and have a minimum elasticity of 600% with a Shore A hardness of 60 or greater and a Tensile strength of 4N/mm? or greater. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. A third coat should be applied where “Wet” sites are encountered as per SANS 10021:2006 6.1.5.3
Protect membrane with soft board or dimpled membrane prior to backfill.
Thoroughly clean and prepare the surface, as per Safeguard Method Statement for Surface Preparation.
Apply one coat of Safeguard solvent-based Bitumen Primer to the surface ensuring full coverage without any “ponding” of primer on the surface.
Allow to dry and heat-fuse one layer of Safeguard Euro Gecko 4mm APP single re-inforced Bitumen Membrane to the primed surface, lapping all side walls and dressing into and around outlets and upstands.
Provide 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps to adjoining rolls of membrane, ensuring that laps are properly “bled”.
Suitable performance-related products are acceptable.
5-7 days after application of the Bitumen Membrane, thoroughly clean the surface of the membrane and apply 2 coats of Safeguard Bitumen Aluminium paint to the membrane using a brush, roller or spray.
Equivalent products are acceptable.
Thoroughly clean and prepare the surface, removing all laitance, dust, dirt, grime and grease.
Apply one coat of solvent-based Bitumen Primer to the surface ensuring full coverage without any “ponding” of primer on the surface.
Allow to dry and heat-fuse one layer of 4mm APP single re-inforced Bitumen Membrane to the primed surface, lapping all side walls and dressing into and around outlets and upstands.
Provide 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps to adjoining rolls of membrane, ensuring that laps are properly “bled”.
5-7 days after application of the Bitumen Membrane, thoroughly clean the surface of the membrane and apply 2 coats of Bitumen Aluminium paint to the membrane using a brush, roller or spray.
Thoroughly clean shower walls and floor, removing all loose dirt, mortar, grime and grease. Walls should not be plastered.
Apply a coat of Safeguard Latseal Slurry mixed with Bondaid to the walls and floor, embedding a non-woven polypropylene membrane into the slurry at all joints.
Allow to cure overnight and apply a further coat of Safeguard slurry to the entire area.
At the joint with the outlet, an expandable polyurethane sealant should be applied to cover both surfaces. This should be allowed to cure, together with the slurry before application of any tiles/mosaics.
Equivalent products are acceptable.
Thoroughly clean shower walls and floor, removing all loose dirt, mortar, grime and grease. Walls should not be plastered.
Apply a coat of cementitious waterproof slurry mixed with bonding liquid to the walls and floor, embedding a non-woven polypropylene membrane into the slurry at all joints.
Allow to cure overnight and apply a further coat of slurry to the entire area.
At the joint with the outlet, an expandable polyurethane sealant should be applied to cover both surfaces. This should be allowed to cure, together with the slurry before application of any tiles/mosaics.
