The proper use of waterproofing membranes provides assurance for the effective sealing of water penetration. Proceed to the following

 step-by-step process for proper use.

1. Surface Preparation

Clean the Surface

Remove all dirt, oil, grease, dust, or any other type of contaminant.

Scrap the surface if there is loose material, old film, or any other material that would interfere with adhesion.

Damage Repair

Fill cracks, holes, or any kind of irregularity on the surface with an appropriate filler or patching compound.

In the case of concrete surfaces, the substrate must be fully cured and with a smooth, uniform finish.

Dry the Substrate:

Before the application of the membrane, the surface shall be dry from water. Moisture generally does not allow good adhesion, especially

 in the case of self-adhesive membranes and liquid-applied membranes.

2. Priming (If Necessary)

Application of Primer:

Some waterproofing membranes do require the use of a primer for better adhesion, mostly self-adhesive types.

Apply primer with a brush, roller or spray gun to the entire surface.

Allow the primer to dry before the membrane application.

3. Applying the Membrane

Sheet Applied Membranes:

Measure and Cut:

Measure the area to be covered and cut the membrane sheets to the required size, and curves, ensuring side overlaps.

Position the Membrane:

Position the membrane over the surface to be covered ensuring correct alignment without wrinkles.

Peel and Stick—Self Adhering

Roll the membrane as needed, peeling off the backing paper, ensuring compatibility along the edges. Ensure that the whole membrane is 

securely in place and rolled to achieve good compatibility and no air bubbles. Secure Edges and Seams Overlap adjacent sheets not less

 than 50 mm to 100 mm, and press them hard to achieve functionality, and use a roller to roll over the membrane at edges and seams.

Mechanical Fastening—If Necessary: Mechanically attach the sheet to the substrate with mechanical fasteners per the manufacturer's

 recommendations for the non-adhered sheets.

Liquid-Applied Membranes:

Mixing:

Where required, mix liquid membrane material per manufacturer recommendations for the mix ratio and method.

Application of Membrane:

Roll, brush, or spray apply in a uniform thickness to the substrate. Apply adequately at corners, joints, and terminations.

Layer:

Apply as many coats as may be necessary, as each coat is required to be applied contingent as per the manufacturer's instruction to allow

 the previous coat to cure.

Detailing:

Take special attention to the details of installations at penetrations that the seal is continuous.

Cementitious Membranes:

Mix the Compound:

Prepare the mix of the cementitious waterproofing compound as per the mixing instructions of the manufacturer.

Apply Membrane:

Apply the mix by brush, trowel or sprayed in an even manner over the substrate.

Layering:

Same as with liquid-applied membranes, apply multiple layers if so specified by manufacturer, allowing proper curing between each layer.

4. Curing

Allow Time for Curing:

Allow the membrane to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. It may take hours, days or weeks for the membrane to cure 

dependent on its type as well as temperature and relative humidity.

Prevent all traffic or any kind of other work on top of the surface until the membrane is fully cured.

5. Inspections and Repairs

Find Any Gaps or Defects

After application and curing, the membrane shall be checked properly for any voids, blisters, or the areas that lacked adhesion.

Such defects seen shall be repaired with an immediate reapplication of the membrane at the spots.

6. Protection (Where Required)

Protection Layer:

In exposed or below grade applications, or where a substrate is potentially very irregular, it maybe be required to provide a protective 

layer (e.g. drainage board/protection board) over the membrane to safeguard it from damages during construction or backfilling.

7. General Sustainment

Periodic Control Inspection:

Check regularly for the integrity and efficiency of the membrane.

Reapplication or Repair: The membrane shall provide for reapplication or necessary repairs, if required, to maintain its waterproofing 

integrity over time.

Major Guidelines

Instruction of Manufacturer: Since the requirement of each manufacturer is having specific conditions, thus it is wise to follow them.

Weather Condition: The temperature, humidity and weather in application time. This is assumed to have an effect on the performance 

and curing process of the membrane.

Expert Installation - If area is big, complex, or application is not clear, then you should consider your waterproofing membrane professionally

 applied.

Waterproofing membranes need to be properly applied for long-term protection from water seepage and for preventing damage to the 

structure.