Lena Rivera
When it comes to waterproofing, two popular options are Plexibond and elastomeric paint. Plexibond is a specially formulated water-based acrylic polymer that is designed to be mixed with cement to create a seamless, non-porous, impenetrable layer that prevents water seepage. It is often used for waterproofing bathrooms and other interior applications, as well as exterior surfaces such as roof decks and firewalls. On the other hand, elastomeric paint is a flexible, high-build coating commonly used for exterior residential and commercial painting projects. It is designed to withstand temperature changes and weather conditions, providing waterproofing and protection for surfaces like stucco and masonry. While both options offer effective waterproofing solutions, there are important considerations to make when choosing between the two. Factors such as surface preparation, application process, durability, and cost can play a significant role in determining which product is more suitable for a specific project.
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What You'll Learn
Plexibond needs to be mixed with Portland cement
Plexibond is a cementitious waterproofing system and a specially formulated water-based acrylic polymer. It is designed to be mixed with Portland cement before application. It cannot be used on its own.
The correct ratio is 6.5 to 7.5 kg of Portland cement to 4 litres of Plexibond. The Plexibond-modified cement possesses superior flexibility, eliminating cement-plastering defects. It maintains the integrity of the mortar with its excellent adhesive and tensile strength. It forms a seamless, non-porous, impenetrable layer that disperses any liquid upon contact, preventing any water seepage when applied on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Plexibond can be used on bare concrete, wood, or metal that has not been previously painted. It is ideal for positive-side waterproofing roof decks and firewalls. It should not be used on submerged areas such as pools and ponds.
For concrete walls with Plexibond, let it dry for at least a day and then apply a painting system such as Boysen Permacoat Latex Paint or Titan Superflex Elastomeric Paint.
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Plexibond can't be applied over painted walls
Plexibond is a cementitious waterproofing system designed for use on bare concrete surfaces. It is a water-based acrylic polymer that is mixed with Portland cement and applied to concrete walls, roofs, and firewalls. It is specifically recommended for use on the positive side of the wall—the side where water pressure comes from.
Plexibond cannot be applied over painted walls because the mixture of Plexibond and cement is heavier than a typical coating. It requires a bare and sturdy surface to adhere to properly. If you intend to use Plexibond on a previously painted wall, you must first scrape off the existing paint and properly prepare the surface. This involves stripping the wall down to the bare concrete and addressing any causes of leakage. After the necessary repairs have been made, you can apply two to three coats of Plexibond, allowing each coat to dry for at least one day.
It is important to note that Plexibond is not a stand-alone product and should not be used on its own. While it is tacky, you should apply a mortar or concrete topping. After the Plexibond has dried, you can then apply a topcoat for maximum durability and added protection. Boysen offers a range of compatible products for this purpose, allowing you to choose a colour for the surface.
Plexibond is not suitable for use in submerged areas, such as swimming pools, ponds, or cisterns. While it is an effective waterproofing system, its use in these areas is subject to certain limitations and considerations.
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Elastomeric paint can be used on painted walls
Plexibond is a cementitious waterproofing system designed for mixing with Portland cement. It is a mixture of acrylic polymer and cement. It is applied to bare concrete surfaces, including walls, and should not be used on previously painted surfaces.
Elastomeric paint, on the other hand, can be used on painted walls. It is a type of paint with elastic qualities, capable of shielding against water, heat, and UV rays. It is commonly used as a waterproofing solution for exterior walls, especially stucco walls, to protect against rain and high humidity. Elastomeric paint is applied like most paints, using a brush, roller, or sprayer. It can fill in minor cracks, stretch, and return to its original form without damage, making it perfect for exterior walls exposed to fluctuating temperatures.
Elastomeric paint is also suitable for interior surfaces where moisture or humidity is a concern, such as bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms. It can be used to prevent water damage and mould growth by sealing cracks and gaps in the surface.
While elastomeric paint offers excellent protection and versatility, there are a few potential drawbacks. It tends to be more expensive than traditional acrylic paint and can fade over time when exposed to harsh sunlight, requiring touch-ups or repainting. Additionally, due to its thickness, it has a lower coverage rate compared to acrylic paint, requiring a larger quantity for the same surface area.
In summary, elastomeric paint is a flexible and durable option for waterproofing painted walls, but it may require a larger budget and more frequent maintenance due to its potential for fading and the higher quantity of paint needed.
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Elastomeric paint is flexible and durable
Plexibond is a cementitious waterproofing system that can be used to protect structures from moisture. It is a mixture of acrylic polymer and cement, which means it is heavier than a usual coating and needs a bare and sturdy surface to adhere to. It is not suitable for use on surfaces that have already been painted, nor is it suitable for submerged areas like pools, ponds, or cisterns.
Elastomeric paint is a flexible, elastic paint that can be used to shield against water, heat, and UV rays. It is commonly used as a waterproofing option for exterior walls, roofs, and other surfaces exposed to fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions. Elastomeric paint is applied in liquid form but hardens into a flexible, watertight hide that can stretch and return to its original form without damage. This flexibility means that the paint won't suffer cracks or chip when the treated surface is twisted or bent.
Elastomeric paint is more flexible and durable than Plexibond. Elastomeric paint can be used on previously painted surfaces, whereas Plexibond cannot. Elastomeric paint is also suitable for a wider range of applications, as it can be used on surfaces exposed to heat and cold. In contrast, Plexibond is not suitable for submerged areas.
While elastomeric paint is more flexible and durable in terms of application and use cases, Plexibond may be preferred in certain situations due to its strong adhesive qualities and ability to protect structures from moisture. However, it is important to note that Plexibond requires a specific type of surface to be effective, which may limit its versatility.
In summary, elastomeric paint is a flexible and durable option for waterproofing, offering a secure layer that protects against water, heat, and UV rays. It is suitable for a wide range of applications and can be applied to various surfaces. Elastomeric paint's flexibility and durability make it a preferred choice over Plexibond for many waterproofing projects.
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Plexibond is not suitable for submerged areas
Plexibond is a cementitious waterproofing system designed to prevent water damage and ensure the durability of a structure. It is a specially formulated water-based acrylic polymer designed to be mixed with Portland cement before application. It is suitable for bare concrete surfaces, roof decks, and firewalls.
However, Plexibond is not suitable for submerged areas such as swimming pools and ponds. While it can be used to waterproof bathrooms, it is important to note that it should not be applied over existing paint. The mixture of Plexibond and cement is heavier than a typical coating and requires a sturdy, unpainted surface to adhere to properly. Therefore, it may not be suitable for areas with high water pressure or constant submersion, as the adhesion could be compromised.
Additionally, Plexibond may not be the best option for surfaces that experience thermal expansion and contraction, as it does not have the same flexibility as elastomeric paint. Elastomeric paint is a type of paint with elastic qualities, capable of shielding against water, heat, and UV rays. It provides a flexible and durable coating that can adapt to a building's movements and effectively seal against water and moisture. This makes it ideal for surfaces that require a continuous waterproof barrier, even with thermal changes.
Furthermore, elastomeric paint can fill and plug existing or growing cracks in walls, creating a stronger barrier against water ingress. High-quality elastomeric waterproofing products are crucial in commercial and industrial settings, where the stakes are higher and proper adhesion is vital. While Plexibond has strong adhesive qualities, it may not be as effective as elastomeric paint in certain applications, especially those involving submersion or constant water pressure.
In summary, while Plexibond is a waterproofing system, its use in submerged areas is not recommended due to the subjectivity of its exposure and the need for a sturdy, unpainted surface. Elastomeric paint provides a more flexible and durable solution, making it a more suitable option for areas with constant water pressure and the potential for thermal expansion and contraction. For maximum effectiveness, proper application and post-application maintenance techniques are also essential considerations.
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Frequently asked questions
Plexibond is a cementitious waterproofing system. It is a specially formulated water-based acrylic polymer designed to be mixed with Portland cement before application.
Elastomeric paint is a type of paint with elastic qualities, capable of shielding against water, heat, and UV rays. It is commonly used as a waterproofing option for firewalls.
Plexibond is a mixture of acrylic polymer and cement, whereas elastomeric paint is typically based on polymers like acrylics, silicone, or urethanes. Plexibond is applied to bare concrete walls with no existing paint, while elastomeric paint can be applied to both the interior and exterior of a building.
Both Plexibond and elastomeric paint are effective waterproofing options, but they serve different purposes. Plexibond is specifically designed for bare concrete walls and is not suitable for painted surfaces or submerged areas. Elastomeric paint offers superior flexibility and can be used on various structural materials, including concrete, masonry, and metal. It is also breathable, allowing water vapour to pass through while keeping liquid water out.
