Why do you recommend waterproofing?

Water penetrating into structures causes corrosion of steel which yields lower load bearing capacity and even a sudden collapse during a powerful quake. The water causes the concrete to degrade and crack. The waterproofing application provides not only safety of building but also healthy and comfortable environments by avoiding formation of bacteria and mold, and water from dripping off the roof or ceiling.

What is the intended use of reinforcements contained in bitumen based waterproofing membranes?

No. The bitumen primer eliminates the effects of agents such as dust or soil degrading adherence and provides a clean surface. It also improves adherence between the bitumen based waterproofing membrane and the substrate. Therefore, application without priming should be avoided on the substrates.

How long is the lifetime of bitumen based waterproofing membranes?

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes continuously maintain their performance throughout the useful lifetime of the building if they are selected, detailed, and installed properly. However, low quality bitumen based waterproofing membranes have shorter lifetime.

Where can I use bitumen based waterproofing membranes?

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes are used almost everywhere in buildings where there is water contact. Particularly the walls, foundations and ground floors contacting soil as well as foundation walls, balconies, terraces and pitched roofs where the water may accumulate or flood outside the building, and wet spaces such as bathroom, washing basin, WC are general fields of application of bitumen based waterproofing membranes.

In addition, the bitumen based waterproofing membranes are also used in water tanks, artificial ponds and pools, retaining walls, concrete flumes, car parks, structures where high stresses are involved such as motorways, railways, bridges and viaducts.

Are bitumen based waterproofing membranes alone enough for waterproofing?

Bitumen based waterproofing membranes are made for waterproofing and they stop and divert water towards drains even at very low roof pitches.

Is it possible to provide waterproofing by ceramic or mosaic application?

Products such as ceramic and mosaic are tiling materials and are not waterproofing materials. Waterproofing materials should be used for waterproofing.

Does it damage the material to handle the bitumen based waterproofing membrane rolls in horizontal position?

It is not wise to handle the bitumen based waterproofing membrane rolls in horizontal position. Because, the rolls handled in horizontal position are deformed. In this case, it may not be possible to use deformed membranes. Therefore, the rolls should be handled and stored in upright position.

Are bitumen based waterproofing membranes resistant to sunlight?

The granule or aluminum foil surfaced bitumen based waterproofing membranes are resistant to UV rays. All other bitumen based waterproofing membranes are not affected by UV rays as long as they are topped with a protective layer (screed, concrete, concrete tiles, gravel etc.).

Can bitumen based waterproofing membrane applied on a flat roof also be applied indoors?

It is possible to apply indoors. The best example is the application in wet spaces.

Does bitumen based waterproofing membranes provide thermal insulation?

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes are waterproofing materials and they are not thermal insulation materials.

Do the bitumen based waterproofing membranes melt under warm weather conditions?

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes do not melt under warm weather conditions as the weather temperature does not reach to a temperature enough to melt the bitumen based waterproofing membranes under the existing climatic conditions. They only present softening by temperature which does not deform the membrane.

Are the bitumen based waterproofing membranes applied only on concrete surfaces?

Generally, they are applied on concrete and wooden surfaces. It can also provide a perfect bond on other surfaces.

What are the considerations after the bitumen based waterproofing membranes have been applied?

No cutting or perforating operation should be carried out on the application surface. Furthermore, any cutting or perforating items should be removed from the application area to avoid damage to the application.

The bitumen based membranes should be coated with a protective layer (screed, concrete, concrete tiles, gravel etc.) to avoid the membranes from being damaged by mechanical effects, UV rays and heavy weather conditions. It is not necessary to protect the aluminum foil coated or mineral coated membranes with a protective layer.

Can I apply aluminum foil surfaced or mineral surfaced bitumen based waterproofing membranes in a single layer?

In case the roof inclination is equal to or less than 5%, at least two layers of waterproofing should be applied. If the roof inclination is higher than 5% and the building is located outside freezing zones, then a single layer of waterproofing with 4 mm thick polyester mat carrier may be applied.

Which side of the bitumen based waterproofing membrane should be stuck on the surface during application?

Both sides of bitumen based waterproofing membranes are adhesive except for slate granule or aluminium foil surfaced membranes. However, the outer surface of the membranes in roll form is the side to be stuck.

How to store bitumen based waterproofing membranes?

The rolls should be stored in upright position on a smooth floor. Furthermore, the rolls should be handled in upright position when transferring them to another place.

The rolls should not be stacked on one another and heavy loads should not be placed on the rolls.

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes should be kept apart from heat sources.

The rolls should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes.

The rolls should be protected against frost and sunlight (ultraviolet).

What are the considerations in ing the bitumen based waterproofing membranes?

There are many criteria to be considered in selecting the bitumen based waterproofing membrane. The first out of them is the climatic characteristics of the area where the building is located. When selecting the bitumen based waterproofing membrane, those products having CE and TSE certificates and quality certificate should be preferred. Failure to choose high quality material not only leads to an improper application but also causes additional costs.

Is it necessary to apply waterproofing if no ground water is observed on the soil where the building is to be located?

Even not underground, the soil moisture and surface waters may cause corrosion (rusting) on the foundation by time. Therefore, waterproofing should be applied on the ground slab and foundation walls.

Is it possible on the roof to lay bitumen based waterproofing membrane under the roof tile?

Dust and unwanted substances escape through the roof or possible water leaks occur through the roof tiles. It is quite useful to lay bitumen tile underlay membranes under the roof tiles to avoid this. Furthermore, it provides a long-run solution.