Project Reference

Firewall waterproofing is one of the most demanding applications in construction because the surface is directly exposed to the harshest elements—intense solar heat and driving rain. In a residential project at Parc Regency, Iloilo City, the contractor, Mr. Sweden Wu, experienced a common industry headache: a "popular" two-component cementitious system failed and delaminated just months after application.

The failure was attributed to two main factors:
1. Product Quality: The previous membrane lacked the necessary elasticity for exterior wall movement.
2. Mixing Errors: Two-component systems require precise ratios; a slight imbalance in the powder-to-liquid mix often leads to a brittle or weak bond.

To eliminate the risk of human error during mixing, Mr. Wu switched to a "ready-to-use" system. The remediation process began with the mechanical removal of the old, peeling membrane to ensure a clean, solid substrate.

The Buildrite Solution System:
• Critical Joint Reinforcement: Before the main coating, Buildrite LEAKPLUG was used to secure the corner joints of the firewall. These "coves" or transitions are high-stress areas where water typically enters; Leakplug provides a rapid-setting, hydraulic seal to reinforce these weak points.
• The Main Barrier: Buildrite SAPAL RTU was applied as the primary shield. As a one-component acrylic coating, it eliminated the need for on-site mixing, ensuring consistent product performance across the entire wall.

Why Sapal RTU was Successful in this Climate:
• UV Resistance: Unlike many traditional waterproofers that turn brittle under the sun, Sapal RTU is UV-stable, maintaining its integrity despite the intense Iloilo heat.
• Crack-Bridging Elasticity: It cures into a tough, rubber-like film that "stretches" during thermal expansion and "contracts" during the night, effectively bridging hairline cracks that develop in the concrete.
• Dual-Functionality: It serves as both a waterproofer and a decorative finish, providing a clean look that does not require additional topcoat paint.

By moving to a high-performance, ready-to-use system, Mr. Wu was able to provide the homeowner with a long-lasting, leak-free firewall that corrected the mistakes of the previous installation.