Leak Free Terrace-

Old Construction
Pidilite Industries Limited
Construction Chemicals Division
Ramakrishna Mandir Road
P O Box No. 17411
Andheri East
CC-DF-LEAKFREE TERRACE OLD-ENG-06/07

Mumbai-400 059
T 2835 7000 F 2835 7008
drfixit@pidilite.com, www.doctor-fixit.com from the makers of

BRANCH OFFICES Ph No.: AHMEDABAD (079) 27552043/ 1483 BANGALORE (080) 22204238/ 4239
CHENNAI (044) 28350338/1614 COCHIN (0484) 2543978 / 3979 DELHI (011) 22440890, 22541970
HYDERABAD (040) 23351250 / 1308 KOLKATA (033) 22888844 / 7610 MUMBAI (022) 28357000

DISCLAIMER The product information & application details given by the company & its agents has been provided in good faith & meant to serve only as a general guideline during
usage. Users are advised to carry out tests & take trials to ensure on the suitability of products meeting their requirement prior to full scale usage of our products. Since the
correct identification of the problems, quality of other materials used and on-site workmanship are factors beyond our control, there are no expressed or implied guarantee / FOR HEALTHY CONSTRUCTION
warranty as to the results obtained. The Company does not assume any liability or any consequential damage for unsatisfactory results, arising from the use of our products.
Introduction
Leakage through terraces is the most common
problem today. The perennial problem of this
kind creates unhealthy conditions for the
occupants and is very disturbing. This can also
pose danger to the structure, if the problem is not
tackled on time.
The issues that need to be tackled for old
terraces and its solutions to have a leak free
terrace are described in this manual.
Old terraces with existing brick bat coba
OPTION 1 Waterproofing with Acrylic Coating (Dr. Fixit Newcoat)
Step 1 Inspection
• Inspect roof slab thoroughly to know the
condition of substrate.
• Tap the surface with hammer to know the
loose or de-bonded portions
• Mark the area of bad portions & cut them
open for repairs with polymer modified
mortar (PMM)
• Look for major cracks
• Check slope of the terrace and the
diameter of the rain water pipes
• Inspect parapet wall. Check for the rounded
corners, if not, make provision for it with a
polymer modified mortar (PMM)
Step 2: Repairs to existing surface
• Remove loose / de-bonded portion of the
brick bat coba completely or partially,
depending upon the condition, by
mechanical means, in a proper
geometric shape
• Reinstate the entire section of brick bat
coba if it is bad, or, in patches to the
required depth, using a polymer modified
mortar (PMM) by adding 10 % Dr. Fixit
Pidicrete URP by weight of cement in a 1: 3
cement- sand mortar
• Even if the top 20 mm of the IPS has
cracked or debonded, reinstate it with
polymer modified mortar (PMM) in
accordance with the mixing ratio above
Cracks in particular shall be treated as under :
• All visible cracks up to 3 mm wide shall be
filled with crack filling compound Dr. Fixit
Crack X. Prior to application of Dr. Fixit
Crack X, they should raked and cleaned of
dust and dirt. This will allow the repair
material to be properly anchored into
the crack
• Add water to Dr. Fixit Crack X powder, as
recommended and fill it in the cracks after
pre wetting them. Allow the application
to dry
• Cracks more than 3 mm shall be filled with
polymer-modified mortar in the ratio
mentioned above
• A glass fiber cloth (50 gsm specification)
must be stuck over the crack area
• For this, first prime with Dr. Fixit Primeseal
50 mm on either sides of the crack.
Then place the glass fibre cloth over the
crack (total width of the fibre cloth to be cut
to 100 mm width), ensuring that the cloth is
50 mm on either side. The length of the
cloth should be 50mm more than the length
of the crack at both the ends
• Apply the 1st coat of Dr Fixit Newcoat over
the fiber cloth liberally and allow it to dry,
and then apply the 2nd coat to reinforce
• The mouth of the rainwater pipes shall be
grouted properly making a polymer modified
mortar by adding 10% of Dr. Fixit Pidicrete
URP by wt. of cement to a 1:4 cement-sand
mortar. Open the area around pipe and re
grout it with the prepared mortar
• All low-lying areas shall be attained by
rectifying the slope. Remove the top 20 mm
IPS by breaking and cleaning the area.
Prepare PMM using Dr. Fixit Pidicrete URP
as explained above, can be reinstated, before
this, apply a neat bond coat of Dr Fixit
Pidicrete URP on the cleaned surface. When
the bond coat is still wet, apply the polymer
modified mortar (PMM ) with a trowel to the
required thickness and slope. Cure it with a
mild sprinkling of water for 3 days by
sprinkling water. If the temperature is more
than 400 C, than cover the repaired area with
a plastic sheet to block the direct heat of
the sun
• Loose / cracked plaster on the parapet wall
shall be removed carefully and redone by
adding integral waterproofing compound
Dr. Fixit Pidiproof LW
Step 3: Application of waterproofing coating
¬ Primer Application
• Pre wet the surface prior to application of
primer and allow surface water to evaporate
• Apply one coat of Dr. Fixit Primeseal on the
cleaned & leveled surface @ 12 to 15 mtr / litre
• Allow the primer coat to dry for 4 hours (at
30º C). The drying time however, will depend
on the ambient temperature
¬ Application of Dr. Fixit Newcoat
• Apply 1st coat of Dr. Fixit Newcoat on the
dried primer coat uniformly with stiff nylon
brush or roller at the rate of 2 sq.mtr / litre
• Apply 2nd and 3rd coat at the same rate after
drying of the previous coats. Choose any two
or all the three available colours for the 3
coats. This will ensure the correct
application of the material. Use of roller is
recommended for a fast and uniform
application of Dr. Fixit Newcoat
• All the concrete / masonry pedestals
present on the roof, constructed for
supporting the water tanks or pipe lines or
dish antenna, etc., also should be coated
with Dr Fixit Newcoat along with the
terrace. The junction between such
pedestals and the slab shall have corner
fillet (corner rounding) made with a
polymer modified mortar
¬ Parapet walls
• The application of Dr. Fixit Newcoat shall
continue upto the top of the corner
rounding at junction of the parapet wall &
terrace slab. One can even go upto the top
of the parapet wall. But for budgetary
constraints, it is suggested to apply
Dr. Fixit Raincoat from the top of the
rounding onwards to over the top of the
parapet, and continue on the exterior side
upto below drip mould
• All rain water pipe 'openings' shall be
coated with Dr. Fixit Newcoat from inside
for 2 inches
Precautions & Limitations
• Do not apply Dr. Fixit Newcoat on loose /
cracked surfaces
• Do not apply apply Dr. Fixit Newcoat on
big cracks / construction without proper
treatment. Do not apply over expansion
joints and over joints of precast slabs
• Check for moisture content of the
substrate. It must be less than 10%
• Avoid applications on rainy days
• Protect Dr Fixit Newcoat from water
spillage / rain for 72 hours
• Pre-treatment of cracks is a must as
detailed above
OPTION 2 Waterproofing with Torch-on-membranes (TORCHSHIELD)
Step 1 Surface preparation
• Clean the surface to remove all lose
materials, laitance, etc., to conform to good P R I M ER
standards of surface preparation, by
mechanical or other means
• All voids, pits, etc shall be filled with
polymer modified mortar
• Parapet wall terrace slab corner junctions
shall be filled with polymer modified mortar Clean & remove dust, dirt, loose particles Apply primer coat with solvent based
and unsound substrate bitumen primer on cleaned & leveled
as triangular fillets (75 mm X 75 mm). surface at
Make surface smooth, even & free from
3 - 5 sq.mtr / litre
local depressions with polymer modified
• Plastering on parapet walls must be sound mortar
and repaired if necessary, in accordance
with procedure mentioned earlier
Step 2 Application of Dr. Fixit Torchshield
¬ Application of Primer
• Apply Dr. Fixit Torchshield Primer,
solvent-based bitumen liquid,on cleaned &
leveled surface @ 3-5 sq. mtr /litre
• The priming will enhance the adhesion of
the membrane to the substrate. Allow the
Unroll the DR. FIXIT TORCHSHIELD Align the DR. FIXIT TORCHSHIELD Roll
primer coat to dry Roll after application of DR. FIXIT correctly
TORCHSHIELD PRIMER & re-roll it in alignment
before torching
¬ Membrane Application
• Starting at low point from the roof, unroll
the Dr. Fixit Torchshield roll, once the
priming coat is dried. Align the Dr. Fixit
Torchshield roll correctly & re-roll it half in
alignment before torching. Avoid shifting of
the membrane while torching
• Use a gas flame torch to heat substrate
& the underside of the roll to softening
point until the embossing disappears.
Roll forward & press firmly against Use gas burner to heat substrate & Keep an overlap margin for minimum 100
substrate to bond from the lower end underside to softening points. When the mm
embossing disappears, roll forward &
towards the higher end press firmly against substrate to bond
from the lower end towards the
• Ensure sufficient bleed on the side & end, higher end
over the laps. Once the half of the roll is
torched properly to the substrate, unroll
the balance roll and repeat the process
• An overlap of 100-mm shall be maintained
for all the sides. Heating shall be done on
both the membranes to be overlapped and
pressed firmly with the help of round
shaped trowel. The care shall be taken to
leave no gap at any point in the
overlapping area. If noticed, reheating
shall be done to seal it
Heat both the overlaps & use round tipped All angles & upstands should be sealed
trowel to seal overlap. Excess compound with extra care to ensure perfect bondage.
Step 3: Termination of Membranes should be smoothened & pressed into
seam using hot trowel
Seal the edges well into grooves & protect
with a Polysulphide sealant
• The membranes shall be first laid up to the
top of the fillet on the parapet wall, but
under the drip mould. It shall then be This application procedure is a standard guideline for
overlapped with another membrane in the using the 3 & 4 mm membranes only, which may
flashing with an overlap of 100 mm over slightly vary upon the site conditions & different
the sheet below. This overlap shall be firmly application areas & different application areas.
sealed over the corner fillet
At the opening of Rain water pipes
• The places where opening are encountered
for rain water down take pipes, the
membranes shall be cut open with a sharp
knife in a “+” sign, in the center of the
opening. This will make 4 triangular parts
of the membrane in the opening. When
bent, it will make a circular opening
• Torching shall be done on the reverse side
of these four parts also. Bend these four
parts inside and tightly press against
pipe surface
Step 4: Protection
• The Dr. Fixit Torchshield membranes shall
be protected either with a concrete screed
laid to slope, or, by applying a bitumen
based aluminum paint in 2 coats for the
sloped roofs. This will ensure UV protection
to the membrane. The concrete screed will
be required for foot-trafficked roofs
• For heavy traffic or special purpose such as
car parks, etc., the concrete screed shall be
laid in accordance with engineer's /
architects specifications
• On plain / non-sanded membranes, one can
achieve a mechanical key for screeding by
torching the top of membrane, immediately
followed by spreading coarse sand very
liberally. The sand must have been washed
of its mud and silt and then dried
• The day after this done, the loose sand
must be broomed off, or vacuum cleaned
Precautions & Limitations for handling
Dr Fixit Torchshield Membranes
1. Membrane rolls must be stored by placing
them vertically. Stacking them horizontally
one on top of the other, will put pressure
and will cause longitudinal cracks
2. Store membrane rolls in a clean and
covered place before use
3. Be careful with the naked torch flame;
it should be well away from the gas
cylinders or other combustible materials
during application
4. Torching of membranes must not be over-
done. Stop torching when the membrane
starts smoking
5. After torching the membrane, extinguish
the torch flame immediately; do not leave it
lit on the areas already applied with
membranes, or, on any other area
6. Do not torch membranes in temperatures
less than 5 ºC
7. Do not apply on wet / moist areas subject
to restoration
8. Moisture content of terrace surface must
not exceed 8% before taking up
Torchshield application
Old terrace with
Bitumen System (Tarfelt)
Step 1: Removal of Tarfelt system Step 3: Application of
Dr. Fixit Torchshield Primer
Remove the old Tar felt system completely
by mechanical grinding or suitable means Apply primer as explained above
to remove any trace of the old bitumen.
Vacuum- clean the surface
Step 4: Application of
Dr. Fixit Torchshield membrane
Step 2: Repair of substrates Apply 3 mm or 4 mm glass or polyester
Cut open the membrane with a sharp knife in a “+” sign, in the center During removal of the old tar felt, if reinforced Dr. Fixit Torchshield membrane
of the opening. This will make 4 triangular parts of the membrane in damage to substrate, flashing areas of as explained above
the opening. When bent, it will make a circular opening.
parapet walls have occurred, they must be
Roof Slab suitably repaired with means explained
Step 4: Protection
Dr. Fixit Membrane earlier in this book
Cant Strip Depending on the end use, Dr. Fixit
Through inspection of the soundness of the
Pipe Torchshield shall be protected an
surface or surrounding members is also
Membrane Tie
aluminum coat or a concrete screed in
mandatory. The structural damage shall be
accordance with directions given earlier
made good by consulting competent repair
specialists / engineers
Check list for waterproofing of old RCC terrace slabs
¬ Check existing waterproofing system ¬ PARAPET WALLS
• Cement based (Brick bat coba with or • Condition of junction between
Vertical Pipe Penetration Detail
without china chips) parapet walls & slab
• Bitumen based (Tarfelt) • Condition of plaster (cracks,
• Others (Lime Terracing, Lime Surkhi, debonding), water mould (location,
Dr. Fixit Membrane
Clay tiles, other tiles, etc) broken, etc.,)
Screed to slope
• Top of wall & its slope
Roof Slab
Drain Pipe
¬ Check present condition. Look for
• Cracks on the surface (location, • Age of the building and time since the
width & length) last waterproofing is done
• Debonding of waterproofing • Span and area of slab
• Condition of slab (Excess deflection,
system from the parent slab (by
corrosion marks, spalling of concrete,
hammer test)
heavy leakages at few or many places,
• Slope (check by way of level tube)
corrosion of main rebars, etc)
• Rain water down take pipes
Vertical Drain Detail (Numbers, location, size, grouting • Location of structures (Coastal, hilly
space around pipes) area, etc.,)
• Expansion joints • Average rainfall pattern, humidity,
temperature conditions
• Water pipes from the OH tanks, other
service lines, cables, etc., and their • Use of terrace (for normal foot traffic,
locations, placing (touching slab, terrace gardens, car parking, etc.,)
across rain water down takes) • Type of structures (Residential,
• Any other mechanical installations commercial, industrial, etc.,)
• Performance parameters (guarantee,
like cooling towers, pumps,
service life, etc.,)
Air conditioners
• History of past waterproofing jobs
ELD
HS H I (w.r.t. system & its service life span)
TO R C
For non-foot traffic area, apply aluminium paint over DR. FIXIT TORCHSHIELD. For foot traffic area, overlay with concrete
screed mortar.
Frequently asked questions
¬ Can Dr Fixit Newcoat be applied over
cementitious substrate directly ?
No, it is not recommended . The unsound
surfaces should be repaired with Dr. Fixit
Pidicrete URP modified mortar.
The surface should be cleaned and
cementitious surfaces should be pre-
wetted. After the surface attains a
saturated-surface -dry state it should be
primed using Dr. Fixit Primeseal.
Thereafter grids of 4 sq.mtr area should be
marked and on each grid, 2 litres of
Dr. Fixit Newcoat should be applied
¬ Will Dr Fixit Newcoat effectively cover
the cracks that may appear after the
application ?
Dr. Fixit Newcoat can stretch to about
twice its length. Therefore, it can easily
accommodate the movement in hairline
cracks, and has a crack-bridging ability up
to 2 mm
¬ What is the life expectancy of
Dr Fixit Newcoat ?
Once it is applied, Dr. Fixit Newcoat has a
long service life of 7 to 10 years
¬ How many coats of Dr Fixit Newcoat
should be applied and at what intervals?
Dr. Fixit Newcoat must be applied in
minimum 3 coats to achieve 1 mm thickness
which gives maximum effectiveness . Both
first and second coat should be allowed to
dry for 6 - 8 hours each. The third coat
should be allowed to dry for 72 hours
¬ Can Dr Fixit Newcoat be used on
new slab?
Yes it can be only if the slab has a natural
slope, In such cases it need not be covered
with a screed or coba etc. But in case it
does not have a natural slope, then a slope
has to be created
Application Areas Product used Features & Benefits
• Repairs to RCC members Dr. Fixit Pidicrete URP • White liquid, easily brush applied.
• Waterproofing SBR Latex for waterproofing • Useful as waterproofing coat.
mortars / concretes and repairs • Useful as a bonding agent between old and
¬ Can Dr Fixit Newcoat be used on old • In repair new concrete surfaces.
bituminous or tarfelt roofs directly? mortars / concretes Pack size 500g, 1 Kg, • Excellent as a cement modifier.
No. The bituminous treatment must be * For heavy duty use 5 Kg, 10 Kg, • 300 - 400 microns thick layer on two
completely removed. The exposed surface 20 Kg, 225 Kg coats of application.
must be levelled with 15 to 20 mm polymer • Repair mortar modified with Dr.Fixit Pidicrete
URP suitable for repairing of RCC slabs and
modified mortar, before Dr. Fixit Newcoat
other RCC members.
is applied
Coverage 20 - 22 sq. ft / Kg for two coats (URP +
¬ What kind of primer should cement in the proportion 1:1.5)
be used before application of
• Cracks upto 3 mm. Dr. Fixit • Single component easy to use by
Dr. Fixit Torchshield ?
Crack-X-Powder adding water.
Use of a Solvent Bitumen based primer is a Non-shrink Powder • No shrinkage.
must. For best results it is recommended to CrackFiller • Over coatable after curing.
use the Dr. Fixit Torchshield Primer • Excellent adhesion.
Pack size 500 g, 1 Kg and
5 Kg Coverage 60 - 65 ft/ Kg for 5 mm x 5 mm groove.
¬ What is the difference between the two Mixing Ratio 2.5:1 (Powder : Water)
variants of Dr Fixit Torchshield - SBS by volume.
modified and APP modified?
• Normal concrete Dr. Fixit Pidiproof LW • Waterproofs by cutting capillary pores.
The application method and areas of usage
and plasters Liquid IntegralWaterproofing • Makes mortar / concrete cohesive
are the same for both the variants of compound
and homogeneous.
Dr. Fixit Torchshield. However there is
Packsize 200 ml, 1litre,5 • Less rebound loss during plastering.
just one difference. SBS modified Dr. Fixit • Confirms to IS : 2645 : 2003.
litre, 10litre, 20 litre
Torchshield is used for areas with climatic & 100 litre
temperature less than 5°C and APP Coverage Dr. Fixit Pidiproof LW 200 ml / 50 Kg
modified Dr. Fixit Torchshield should bag of cement.
be used for areas with climatic
temperature above 5° C • Over existing leaking Dr. Fixit Newcoat • Allows foot traffic.
terrace without Heavy duty, reinforced acrylic • Bridges cracks upto 2 mm wide.
dismantling old coating • Re-waterproof existing waterproofing systems
¬ Can Dr Fixit Torchshield endure foot waterproofing system like like brick bat coba etc without breaking.
traffic? Is it resistant to UV? brick bat coba, Pack size 4 & 20 litre • Ready to use, easy application.
Yes , Dr. Fixit Torchshield can endure foot concrete screeds etc. • Available in three colors, for controlled
traffic. Also , Dr. Fixit Torchshield is not application & aesthetic.
• Excellent UV resistance.
UV resistant. That is why, after application
• No protection required.
of Dr. Fixit Torchshield, all non-foot-
traffic areas should be finished with Coverage 1.5 litre/ m2 / three coats at
aluminium paint for UV protection 1 mm thickness.
• Flat and sloped roofs of Dr. Fixit Torchshield • Heavy duty, torch-on waterproof membranes.
large terraces APP / SBS • Long life, durable (membrane)
modified heavyduty • Available in 2, 3 & 4 mm thickness
waterproof membrane • Can take thermal & structural
stresses effectively.
Packsize Range of
2, 3 & 4 mm Coverage Approx. 8.91 sq. mtrs /
membranes in Polyester Roll of 1 mtr x 10 mtr (after overlaps)
or fibre glass base in
1 mtr x 10 mtr rolls