What is liquid waterproofing?
With liquid waterproofing, a membrane is applied to the substrate in liquid form. After curing, it creates a continuous protective layer. Compared with sheet membranes, the system forms directly around upstands, penetrations, edges and irregular roof geometry.
This makes liquid systems particularly useful on roofs with many installations, complex junctions or existing roof layers that are technically suitable to retain. It is not a universal solution: the condition and preparation of the substrate remain decisive.
When is it particularly useful?
- Renovation of existing flat roofs where full removal is unnecessary or undesirable.
- Roofs with many penetrations, rooflights, upstands and difficult junctions.
- Projects where a seamless membrane can reduce complex cutting and welding work.
- Maintenance projects where business continuity and limited disruption matter.
- Situations where the existing substrate is technically sound enough to support a renovation system.
The substrate determines the solution
A proper assessment starts before product selection. Loose material, dust, grease, poor adhesion, moisture, blisters and moving components can all reduce system performance.
Winkler specifies thorough cleaning and substrate assessment for its waterproofing systems. ONE® can be used on substrates including concrete, ceramics, wood, metal and suitable bituminous membranes. 2.0 is also suitable for several substrates, including concrete, cementitious surfaces, ceramics, wood, bitumen and EPDM, provided the surface is prepared correctly.
What are the practical advantages?
- Seamless finishing of horizontal areas and details.
- Less cutting and welding around complicated roof details.
- Possibility to renovate suitable existing roof layers instead of removing them completely.
- Different product families for specific conditions such as damp substrates, permanent ponding water or reflective roofs.
- Application by roller, brush or airless equipment, depending on the selected professional system.
When should you be cautious?
Liquid waterproofing does not solve structural problems. Poor falls, insufficient load-bearing capacity, trapped moisture, moving cracks or an unsuitable existing layer must be addressed first.
Coverage is equally important. A membrane applied too thinly will not automatically achieve the performance stated by the manufacturer. For professional projects, WLS therefore recommends substrate assessment, a defined system build-up and, where useful, a test area before large-scale application.
Which Winkler systems fit this?
ONE® is designed for demanding conditions and, according to Winkler, can be applied from 0°C and on damp or wet substrates. 2.0 is silicone-based, 100% solids and resistant to permanent ponding water. Wingum Plus H₂O is a water-based system family intended for larger areas and roof renovation.
Sources
- Winkler ONE® – officiële productinformatie
- Winkler 2.0 – officiële productinformatie
- Winkler – overzicht waterproofing systems
Assess a project?
Send WLS Group the project situation or request a sample for a test area.
