Hot applied bitumen is the oldest waterproofing method still in daily use, and for good reason. Applied properly in alternating layers with felt, it forms a thick, monolithic, entirely waterproof mass that has no practical shelf life once buried.
It is best suited to work that will be covered: raft foundations, buried retaining wall faces, and heavy-duty tanking where the membrane is protected by backfill or a screed and where cost per square metre matters.
Supplied to contractors and builders, or supplied and applied by our own teams with a written warranty.
| Type | Oxidised / blown bitumen, grades such as 85/25 and 115/15 |
|---|---|
| Application temperature | Typically 160 to 180 °C, never overheated |
| Reinforcement | Bitumen felt or hessian cloth between coats |
| Build-up | Primer + 3 alternating layers (bitumen / felt / bitumen) typical |
| Coverage | Approximately 1.2 – 1.5 kg/m² per bitumen layer |
| Protection | Requires protective screed, board or backfill. Not UV stable when exposed |
| Supply | Solid blocks and 200 kg drums |
Typical values for guidance. Actual figures vary by grade and manufacturer. The data sheet for the exact product supplied on your project is provided with delivery.
Solid blocks in cartons and 200 kg drums; bitumen felt in 1 m wide rolls.
The sequence our teams follow, and the sequence we recommend to contractors buying the material from us.
Apply bitumen primer to a clean, dry surface and allow it to dry.
Heat bitumen in a proper boiler to the working temperature. Overheating destroys the bitumen and is a serious fire risk.
Mop or pour an even hot layer over the primed surface.
Bed the felt into the hot bitumen with 100 mm laps, working out air pockets.
Alternate bitumen and felt to the specified number of layers, then protect with screed or board before backfilling.
Bitumen emulsion and solvent-based cold coatings for damp proofing, priming, foundation protection and metal roofs.
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APP and SBS modified bitumen membranes, 3 mm and 4 mm, plain and mineral finished, torch applied to roofs and foundations.
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HDPE, LDPE and PVC geomembrane liners for water ponds, canals, landfills, effluent lagoons and buried tanking.
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Capillary crystalline and acrylic-cementitious coatings for basements, water tanks, retaining walls and wet areas.
View Details →Tell us the area, the structure and the problem. We will recommend the right system, quote it in writing and, if you want, apply it ourselves.
