Waterproofing System · Dubai & UAE
Cementitious Waterproofing – Bonds With the Concrete. Stops Water Both Ways.
A cement-based coating system that bonds chemically with concrete and masonry – sealing pores, cracks, and capillaries against water seepage. The trusted choice for basements, water tanks, swimming pools, bathrooms, retaining walls, and below-grade structures requiring negative-side waterproofing.
- Positive & negative pressure
- Tile-able surface
- Breathable coating
About the System
What is Cementitious Waterproofing?
Cementitious waterproofing is a cement-based coating system designed to protect concrete and masonry surfaces from water leakage, seepage, and dampness. It combines cement, sand, polymers, and waterproofing additives to form a rigid or flexible barrier that seals pores, cracks, and capillaries – ensuring long-term protection against water ingress.
It is one of the most widely used waterproofing systems for basements, water tanks, bathrooms, roofs, retaining walls, and wet areas – valued for ease of application, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Unlike membrane systems, cementitious coatings bond chemically with the concrete, providing protection against both positive (outside-in) and negative (inside-out) water pressure.
Purpose & Key Functions
Multiple Layers of Protection – In One Coating.
The cementitious system provides protection through several mechanisms working together.
Prevents Water Seepage
Prevents water seepage and leakage through porous concrete and masonry surfaces.
Stops Corrosion & Damp
Protects structures against moisture, dampness, and concrete corrosion.
Enhances Durability
Seals micro-pores and cracks – enhancing the long-term durability of the structure.
Seamless Wet Areas
Delivers seamless waterproofing for both internal and external wet areas.
What’s in the Coating
Four Engineered Ingredients. Two Mixing Systems.
A high-quality cementitious mix combines four core ingredients – each performing a specific protective function – and is supplied in two formulations depending on the application.
Ingredients
Cement & Graded Fillers
Provide adhesion and compressive strength – the structural backbone of the coating.
Silica & Quartz
Increase surface density and abrasion resistance – protect against wear over time.
Liquid Polymer / Acrylic Additive
Improves flexibility and crack-bridging performance – converts a rigid system into a flexible one.
Hydrophobic Waterproofing Chemicals
Reduce water absorption and permeability – make the coating actively water-repelling.
Mixing Systems
Single Component
RigidPowder mixed with water on-site. Cures to a rigid, hard-wearing coating – ideal where minimal movement is expected.
Two Component
FlexiblePowder + liquid polymer mixed before application. Cures to a flexible coating with crack-bridging capability – for surfaces with movement.
Step by Step
Our 5-Step Cementitious Waterproofing Application Process.
From substrate prep to tile-ready handover – every cementitious project follows the same disciplined sequence.
-
01
Surface Preparation
Clean and remove dust, oil, paint, and loose debris from the substrate. Repair cracks, joints, and honeycombs with polymer-modified mortar. Pre-wet the surface but ensure no standing water remains before coating.
-
02
Mixing
Combine Part A (liquid polymer) with Part B (powder) using a slow-speed drill. Mix until a smooth, lump-free slurry is achieved. Never add extra water beyond the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
03
Application
Apply the first coat by brush or roller in a single direction. Allow to cure 4–6 hours before applying the second coat perpendicular to the first. Reinforce corners, joints, and high-stress areas with fibre mesh between coats.
-
04
Curing
Air-cure for 24 hours, then moist-cure for 2–3 days with water spray or damp cloth. Protect coating from sunlight, wind, and rain during curing.
-
05
Protection & Finishing
Exposed surfaces: apply protective screed, paint, or topcoat. Indoor wet areas: tiles can be fixed directly on the cured surface using tile adhesive.
Why Cementitious
Six Reasons This System Has Been Trusted for Decades.
Cost-effective, easy to apply, and works under conditions where membrane systems can’t.
Easy to Mix & Apply
Applied by brush, roller, or spray – no specialised equipment required for most installations.
Internal & External
Ideal for both internal and external waterproofing applications across the same project.
Excellent Concrete Adhesion
Bonds chemically to concrete and masonry – never delaminates or peels under correct conditions.
Both Pressure Directions
Resists both positive (outside-in) and negative (inside-out) water pressure – unique among waterproofing systems.
Breathable Coating
Allows trapped moisture to escape from the substrate – prevents blistering and spalling.
Cost-Effective & Durable
Low material cost, minimal maintenance, decades of proven performance in UAE projects.
Quality Assurance
Four Quality Checks Before Handover.
Every cementitious installation is verified through a four-stage QA protocol before the area is signed off.
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection across the entire area for pinholes or missed spots.
Water Ponding Test
24–48 hour water ponding test for roof or tank areas to confirm zero leakage.
Adhesion Test
Pull-off adhesion test verifies bond strength to the substrate.
Thickness Verification
Confirms thickness – typically 1–2 mm per coat, two coats minimum.
Where It’s Used
Cementitious Applications Across Dubai.
From underground water tanks to bathroom wet areas – cementitious waterproofing is the most versatile system we install.
Roof Decks & Terraces
Roof decks, terraces, and exposed slab areas – protected against water and UV exposure.
Basements & Retaining Walls
Below-grade structures requiring negative-side waterproofing protection.
Water Tanks & Reservoirs
Potable-water-grade variants safe for direct contact with drinking water.
Tunnels, Culverts & Bridges
Heavy-duty infrastructure projects requiring chemical bonding to concrete.
Lift Pits & Sump Pits
Below-grade pits where membrane systems can’t be installed cleanly.
Bathrooms & Wet Areas
Bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas – direct tile installation on the cured surface.
Podiums, Balconies & Parking Decks
Trafficked surfaces above occupied spaces – sealed and protected.
Need Waterproofing That Stops Pressure From Both Sides?
Book a free site survey – we'll assess whether cementitious is right for your tank, basement, pool, or wet area, and quote within 24 hours.
or WhatsApp +971 55 770 5568
Answered
Cementitious Waterproofing FAQs.
The questions Dubai property owners and contractors ask most about cementitious waterproofing systems.
What is cementitious waterproofing?
Cementitious waterproofing is a cement-based coating system formulated to protect concrete and masonry structures from water intrusion, seepage, and dampness. It bonds chemically with the substrate to form a long-lasting protective barrier.
Where is cementitious waterproofing typically used?
It is widely used for waterproofing basements, underground structures, water tanks, reservoirs, swimming pools, bathrooms, wet areas, roof decks, balconies, and retaining walls.
What are the main components of a cementitious waterproofing material?
The material typically consists of cement, graded fine aggregates (sand/fillers), polymers (often acrylics or liquid polymers), and specialised hydrophobic additives.
How does the system prevent water leakage?
It creates an effective barrier that resists hydrostatic pressure and prevents moisture penetration – by chemically bonding with the concrete and sealing pores and capillaries.
Is cementitious waterproofing rigid or flexible?
It can be both. Single-component (rigid) systems and two-component (flexible) systems exist – the latter includes a liquid polymer additive for enhanced flexibility and crack-bridging capability.
Can this system be applied to both internal and external surfaces?
Yes – cementitious waterproofing is highly versatile and effective for both internal and external applications across the same project.
What preparation is required before application?
The substrate must be clean, free of dust, oil, paint, and loose debris. All cracks, joints, and surface defects must be repaired with a polymer-modified mortar before the waterproofing slurry is applied.
Is crack-bridging possible with cementitious systems?
Yes – particularly with two-component (flexible) systems. The liquid polymer allows the cured membrane to accommodate minor structural movements and bridge hairline cracks.
Can tiles be installed directly over cementitious waterproofing?
Yes. Cementitious coatings provide an excellent base for direct tile application, especially in bathrooms and wet areas – they offer strong adhesion to tile adhesive.
What are the advantages of choosing cementitious waterproofing?
Key advantages include ease of application, excellent adhesion to concrete and masonry, cost-effectiveness, durability, breathability, and resistance to both positive and negative water pressure.
Explore Other Systems
Other Roof Waterproofing Systems.
Cementitious is unmatched for below-grade and submerged structures. For exposed roofs and complex shapes, consider these alternatives.
Membrane Waterproofing in Dubai
Specialist membrane waterproofing in Dubai – SBS and APP bituminous waterproofing membrane systems plus liquid-applied waterproofing membranes. Manufacturer-warranted, installed by certified applicators on flat concrete roofs, podiums, and decks.
Learn more →Best for premium 25–50 year roofsEPDM Waterproofing in Dubai
Specialist EPDM waterproofing & EPDM roofing in Dubai – synthetic rubber membrane systems with 25-50 year service life. Heat-welded seams, UV / ozone / chemical resistant, suitable for exposed roofs and submerged applications.
Learn more →Best for same-day return to servicePolyurea Coating in Dubai
Specialist polyurea coating in Dubai – polyurea waterproofing systems that cure in seconds and deliver 15-25 years of seamless, chemical-resistant protection. Polyurea coating UAE-wide for roofs, tanks, pools, podium decks, bridges, and industrial slabs.
Learn more →Best for HVAC savings & green roofsGreen Combo Roofing in Dubai
Specialist green roof system in Dubai – Green Combo Roofing is a dual-purpose green roofing system that delivers waterproofing and thermal insulation in one integrated build-up. 70 mm PU foam, 20-25 year service life, root-resistant, and Dubai Municipality approved across the UAE.
Learn more →Best for steel, aluminium & industrial roofsMetal Roof Waterproofing in Dubai
Metal roof waterproofing in Dubai – specialist coatings, sealants, and membranes for steel, aluminium, zinc, and galvanised roofs. Adds 15–25 years of service life at 50–70% of full replacement cost.
Learn more →Best for seamless multi-substrate jobsLiquid Applied Waterproofing in Dubai
Specialist liquid applied waterproofing in Dubai – seamless liquid waterproofing membranes brushed, rolled, or sprayed. Acrylic, polyurethane, polyurea, SBS bitumen, and cementitious-acrylic hybrid chemistries across UAE projects.
Learn more →Roof Gutter ServiceRoof Gutter Service in Dubai
Specialist roof gutter service in Dubai – cleaning, repair, joint resealing, downpipe replacement, and scheduled maintenance for villas, towers, and commercial properties across the UAE. Same-day inspections, 2-year workmanship warranty.
Learn more →