To Prime or Not to Prime… That Is the Question

Have you ever found yourself on a job site with one or more of the following conditions? 

Waterproofing membranes, waterproofing coatings, and waterproof linings are terms that can be applied to a wide range of products.  They can be cold-applied liquid products, hot-applied products, peel-and-stick membranes or thermoplastic linings to name a few.  All these products provide a good barrier to water when used under proper circumstances.  So, why do so many installations leak?

 Left image: reinforcing fabric installation on a roof

The presence of leaks can almost always be attributed to poor attention to the waterproofing details, including:

Aggregates are commonly used in conjunction with liquid applied coatings to provide a combination of the following:

• Protection:
• Light colored aggregates lower deck temperature extending the life of liquid coatings

• Non-skid surfaces:
• For foot traffic
• For automotive and other traffic
• Exit areas for pond, containment, and other sloped surfaces

• Energy costs:
• Lighter colored aggregates will reflect solar energy, whereas dark-colored liquid coatings will absorb heat. Aggregate will reduce coating temperature by as much as 70 degrees on a hot summer day.

• Provides a rough surface in which to enhance the bond of other paints, coatings, and topcoats (asphalt, concrete, tile applications)
• For compliance with ANSI 118.10 IAPMO Approval for applications such as plaza and balcony decks.