Importance of Elastomeric Properties of Roof Waterproofing Coating

Is the elongation of a product that important when it comes to waterproofing, For example, a concrete roof?

We believe it is not nearly as important as many people seem to believe and here’s why.

International test standards ISO 37-2005 / ASTM D -638, can be used to determine the elongation at the breaking point of any elastomeric linings.

“Concrete Roofs expand or contract as the temperature outside increases and decreases over the day. This demands the use of a roofing product with high elongation, such as an elastomeric roof coating.”

Properties of Roof Waterproofing Coating

We say that the elongation of a spray-applied elastomeric lining isn’t as important as it seems to be when used as a waterproofing coating for roof slabs.

The product’s elongation capability is only usable in a free film state, not when securely adhered to the concrete substrate.

The elastomeric lining cannot elongate once it has securely adhered to the concrete substrate. It firmly adheres in place and can no longer stretch.

If a crack arises in the concrete substrate beneath the firmly adherent lining, the lining has a very restricted surface area over which to elongate and cannot elongate as it might during the elongation at break test when it was in a free film state.

In addition, other elements will impact whether a lining tears and when it does not once a crack forms beneath it. It takes into account the lining’s thickness, tensile strength, and the level of adhesion between the lining and the concrete substrate.

Our experience indicates that these elements have a significantly higher influence on a product’s ability not to tear than free film elongation.

Consider DIN EN 1062-7 Procedure C.2 for assessing a lining’s crack bridging properties, vital for gauging resistance to substrate cracking.

This test is more relevant than depending solely on elongation at break test data. We shall discuss this in a later article.

Question? What kind of catastrophic substrate collapse would be required for a liner to require 500% elongation? Certainly, the building would have some severe structural engineering issues.

Improper application of a 500% elongation product over an expansion joint, ignoring basic procedures, may cause failure at 250%.

Several factors affect the joint, such as construction methods, material choice, temperature, material quality, joint placement, and workmanship.

The practical on-site difference is usually negligible between elastomeric waterproofing linings with 600% and 500% elongation. It is merely a promotional tool rather than a realistic reality.

 properties of Roof Waterproofing Coating

We also offer on-site technical support, but most of our clients do not wish to pay for it. Cheapest job winners are often the least experienced. Expect a potential disaster when selecting based solely on cost.

Our experts are competent enough to handle complicated jobs like swimming pool waterproofing and leak-proofing works. Leak detection and solving the same is our speciality.
There are many methods and many options to solve the leaks, always call us with all the available details.

Approximately half of calls from concerned pool owners about leaks are often inexpensive to resolve, which is a positive aspect.