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Waterproofing Quality Control Procedure

Standard operating procedure for waterproofing works ensuring long-term protection against water ingress, structural integrity, and durability through proper inspection and testing methods in accordance with Indian Standards (IS Codes).

Applications: Roofs, Basements, Bathrooms Quality Priority: High Validity: All Projects
1

Objective

To establish a comprehensive quality control procedure for waterproofing applications, ensuring long-term protection against water ingress, structural integrity, and durability through proper material selection, application techniques, inspection, and testing methods in accordance with Indian Standards (IS Codes).

2

IS Code References

Category IS Code Description
Waterproofing Materials IS 2645:2003 Integral Waterproofing Compounds for Cement Mortar and Concrete
Membrane Waterproofing IS 13826:1993 Bitumen Based Pre-formed Waterproofing Membranes
Bituminous Materials IS 3384:1986 Bitumen Primer for Use in Waterproofing
Polymer Modified Coating IS 16046:2013 Polymer Modified Cementitious Coating - Specification
Expansion Joints IS 1834:1984 Hot Applied Sealing Compound for Joints in Concrete
Testing Methods IS 13182:1991 Waterproofing and Damp-proofing of Wet Areas in Buildings
Roof Waterproofing IS 1346:1991 Waterproofing of Roofs with Bitumen Felts
Concrete Protection IS 456:2000 Plain and Reinforced Concrete - Code of Practice
3

Materials & Equipment

A
Waterproofing Materials
  • Cementitious waterproofing compounds (IS 2645:2003)
  • Polymer modified cementitious coating (IS 16046:2013)
  • Bituminous membranes and felts (IS 13826:1993)
  • Liquid applied membranes (polyurethane/acrylic based)
  • APP/SBS modified bituminous membranes
  • Crystalline waterproofing additives
  • Water stops and joint sealants (IS 1834:1984)
IS 2645:2003 IS 13826:1993 IS 16046:2013
B
Accessory Materials
  • Primers and bonding agents (IS 3384:1986)
  • Non-woven geotextile fabrics for reinforcement
  • Fiber mesh for reinforcing coatings
  • Corner reinforcement tapes/bands
  • Protection boards/screed for exposed membranes
  • Drainage boards/cells for basement applications
  • PVC/HDPE water bars for construction joints
IS 3384:1986
C
Tools & Equipment
  • Wire brushes, scrapers, and grinding machines for surface preparation
  • Mechanical mixers for preparation of cementitious materials
  • Trowels, spatulas, and rollers for application
  • Spray equipment for liquid membrane application
  • Torches and gas cylinders for bituminous membrane application
  • Moisture meters and thermometers for condition monitoring
  • Flood test equipment (hoses, gauges, measuring devices)
  • Pressure washing equipment for cleaning surfaces
4

Pre-Application Inspection

A
Surface Preparation Assessment
  • Verify surface is clean, dry, and free from dust, oil, and loose materials
  • Check for cracks, honeycombing, and structural defects
  • Ensure all repairs (concrete/plaster) are completed and cured
  • Verify proper surface profile (smooth for membranes, roughened for coatings)
  • Check moisture content of substrate (should be below 4-5% for most applications)
  • Ensure rounded coves at wall-floor junctions (minimum 75mm radius)
IS 13182:1991
B
Critical Areas Inspection
  • Identify and check all penetrations (pipes, drains, conduits)
  • Verify proper treatment of construction joints and expansion joints
  • Check wall-floor junctions for proper preparation
  • Verify proper slopes for drainage (min 1:100 for roofs, 1:80 for bathrooms)
  • Inspect rainwater outlets and scuppers for proper installation
  • Identify areas requiring additional reinforcement
IS 1346:1991
C
Material & Method Verification
  • Verify approved waterproofing material as per specifications
  • Check material test certificates and IS compliance
  • Verify shelf life and storage conditions of materials
  • Review application methodology and sequence
  • Check weather conditions for application (temperature 5-40°C, no rain forecast)
  • Verify availability of all required tools and safety equipment
IS 2645:2003 IS 13826:1993
D
Mock-up and Testing Area
  • Ensure a representative mock-up area is prepared
  • Verify mock-up application follows approved methodology
  • Check bond strength of waterproofing to substrate
  • Confirm coverage rates and material consumption
  • Verify thickness/number of coats as per specifications
  • Document mock-up results and obtain approval before proceeding
5

During Application Inspection

A
Primer Application Check
  • Verify correct primer type for the substrate and main waterproofing system
  • Check uniform application without puddles or dry spots
  • Ensure proper coverage rate as per manufacturer's specifications
  • Verify adequate drying time before application of main system
  • Document primer batch numbers and application date/time
IS 3384:1986
B
Membrane/Coating Application Check
  • For cementitious coatings:
    Verify proper mixing ratio and consistency Check application in perpendicular coats Monitor curing between coats Verify minimum 2 coats with total DFT of 1.5-2mm
  • For bituminous membranes:
    Check proper overlap at joints (min 75-100mm) Verify complete adhesion with no air pockets Ensure proper heat application for SBS/APP membranes Check sealing at terminations and penetrations
  • For liquid membranes:
    Verify uniform application and thickness Check proper reinforcement at critical areas Monitor curing time between coats Check final DFT with wet film thickness gauge
  • Document batch numbers, application date/time for each coat
IS 16046:2013 IS 13826:1993
C
Critical Detailing Check
  • Verify proper treatment around pipe penetrations (min 100mm collar)
  • Check wall-floor junction reinforcement (fabric/tape)
  • Ensure proper treatment of expansion joints with backing rod and sealant
  • Verify proper flashing at upstands (min 300mm height on vertical surfaces)
  • Check drain and outlet detailing for proper integration
  • Verify corner reinforcements with additional material/fabric
IS 13182:1991
D
Environmental Monitoring
  • Monitor ambient temperature (5-40°C for most systems)
  • Check substrate temperature (typically 3°C above dew point)
  • Monitor relative humidity (usually below 75-85%)
  • Ensure no rainfall during application and initial curing
  • Check wind conditions (avoid excessive dust contamination)
  • Document environmental conditions during application
6

Post-Application Inspection

A
Visual Inspection
  • Check for uniform application without pinholes or bubbles
  • Verify complete coverage of all surfaces
  • Check for any physical damage or defects
  • Ensure proper termination at edges and penetrations
  • Verify curing/drying as per manufacturer specifications
  • Document any defects and corrective measures
B
Thickness/Adhesion Testing
  • Measure dry film thickness at multiple locations (if applicable)
  • Conduct adhesion/pull-off tests as per ASTM D4541
  • Check for delamination or separation from substrate
  • Verify proper tensile strength as per specifications
  • Document all test results with locations
C
Water Testing
  • For horizontal surfaces (roofs, terraces):
    Conduct ponding test with min 50mm water for 72 hours Mark water levels at beginning and end of test Check underside for water penetration/dampness Document observations with photographs
  • For vertical surfaces (basement walls):
    Conduct spray test with pressurized water Monitor for minimum 2 hours Check for seepage or dampness
  • For wet areas (bathrooms):
    Plug all drains and fill with water to 50mm Hold for 24 hours minimum Check floors below/adjacent areas for leaks
IS 13182:1991
D
Protection Layer Check
  • Verify proper installation of protection screed over waterproofing
  • Check for adequate thickness (minimum 50mm for roof screed)
  • Ensure proper slope maintenance in protection layer
  • Verify expansion joints in screed aligned with structure
  • Check for proper curing of protection screed
  • Ensure no damage to waterproofing during protection layer installation
IS 1346:1991
7

Testing Methods for Waterproofing

Test Method/Standard Acceptance Criteria
Water Ponding Test IS 13182:1991 No leakage or dampness for 72 hours with 50mm water
Adhesion Test ASTM D4541 Min. 0.5 N/mm² for cementitious, 0.7 N/mm² for membranes
Thickness Verification ASTM D6132 Within ±10% of specified thickness
Holiday Detection ASTM D4787 No pinholes or voids in membrane systems
Moisture Mapping ASTM F2659 Less than 4% moisture post waterproofing
Infrared Thermography ASTM C1153 No moisture entrapment/water infiltration
Wet Area Fill Test IS 13182:1991 No leakage after 24 hours with 50mm water
8

Common Defects & Remedial Measures

Defect Possible Cause Remedial Measure
Blistering/Bubbles Trapped air/moisture, improper application Cut, release trapped air, repair with compatible material
Delamination Poor surface preparation, incompatible primer Remove affected area, re-prepare surface, reapply system
Pinholes/Porosity Improper application, insufficient material Apply additional coat with proper thickness
Membrane Splits Substrate movement, poor detailing at joints Repair with reinforced membrane system
Inadequate Thickness Insufficient application, poor workmanship Apply additional layers to achieve specified thickness
Ponding Water Inadequate slope, structural settlement Install additional drainage or correct slopes
Punctures Mechanical damage during construction Clean area, apply patch with overlap of min 100mm
9

QA/QC Checklist for Waterproofing

  • Approved waterproofing design and methodology available
  • Material test certificates and IS compliance verified
  • Surface preparation properly completed and inspected
  • Moisture content of substrate within acceptable limits
  • Cracks, joints, and penetrations properly treated
  • Primer applied uniformly and allowed proper curing
  • Main waterproofing system applied as per specifications
  • Overlaps, terminations, and flashings properly executed
  • Required thickness/number of coats achieved
  • Reinforcement provided at critical areas
  • Proper curing/drying time allowed before testing
  • Water testing conducted and results documented
  • Protection layer installed without damaging waterproofing
  • All penetrations, edges, and terminations sealed
  • Documentation completed including application details
10

Acceptance Criteria

Water Testing: No leakage or dampness after ponding/spray test
Surface Appearance: Uniform application, no blisters, pinholes, or delamination
Adhesion: Meets specified pull-off strength requirements
Thickness: Within ±10% of specified dry film thickness
Detailing: All penetrations, joints, corners properly treated and watertight
Protection Layer: Properly installed without damage to waterproofing
Documentation: Complete records of materials, application, and testing
IS 13182:1991 IS 1346:1991
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