Acrylic Waterproofing
Waterproofing with acrylic polymer — flexible, UV- and weather-resistant, forming a watertight film at a cost-effective price. Ideal for roofs, rooftops, exterior walls, and any area prone to leaks.
- Highly flexible, reduces cracking
- UV and weather resistant
- Excellent water resistance
- Easy to apply and cost-effective
What is acrylic waterproofing?
Acrylic Waterproofing uses an acrylic polymer as a surface coating that keeps out water and moisture effectively. Once applied, it forms a thin, flexible film that water cannot pass through.
It is a cost-effective choice for repairing and protecting leak-prone areas, especially exterior surfaces exposed to sun and rain such as roofs, rooftops, and building façades.
Key properties
Highly flexible
Stretches with structural movement, reducing cracking
Weather resistant
Withstands UV and high heat for a long service life
Excellent water resistance
Forms a film water cannot penetrate, preventing leaks
Easy to apply
Apply by brush, roller, or spray — bonds to cement, wood, and metal
How an acrylic waterproofing system is built up, layer by layer
Acrylic waterproofing is not just painting over the surface. A system that lasts needs every layer in place, with the vulnerable points sealed first.
Primer
A primer coat seals the pores in the concrete and improves adhesion, so the film is less likely to peel later.
Reinforcing the vulnerable points
Tape or synthetic fabric is added at corners, joints and around pipes — the places that leak most often.
Acrylic waterproofing layer
Applied to the specified number of coats and thickness, each coat laid across the previous one so the film stays continuous and even.
Light-coloured heat-reflective top layer
A light shade on top reflects heat and lowers the temperature entering the building.
Acrylic or PU waterproofing — which should you choose?
The two are not always interchangeable. Choosing the wrong system is one of the main reasons a roof has to be redone within a few years.
Flexibility
Acrylic offers reasonable flexibility; PU stretches further and copes better with structural movement.
Foot traffic and load
Acrylic suits areas with no foot traffic; PU is tougher and handles being walked on.
Permanently submerged areas
Acrylic is not suited to constant immersion; for water tanks or bathrooms, use PU.
Heat reflection
This is where acrylic stands out — light shades noticeably reduce the heat entering the building.
Budget
Acrylic costs less and goes on faster, which makes it worthwhile for large areas that are not walked on.
Which jobs it suits
Acrylic: non-trafficked roof decks, roofs, external walls · PU: walkable roof decks, balconies, bathrooms, water tanks
Read more: What types of roof waterproofing systems are there? · PU waterproofing
Suitable applications
- Roofs — protection against rainwater leaks
- Rooftops — areas exposed to sun and rain year-round
- Exterior walls — stops water seeping into the building
- Bathrooms / balcony floors — high-moisture areas
What to know and how to maintain it
Acrylic offers good value when it is matched to the right job, but there are conditions worth knowing before you decide.
The surface must be thoroughly dry
Applying it to a damp surface, or just before rain, keeps the film from curing fully and it peels sooner.
Not suited to standing water
The fall has to be set so all water drains away; standing water ages the film faster than expected.
A shorter service life than PU
The trade-off is a lower cost, which suits tight budgets and areas with no foot traffic.
Inspect once a year
Look for cracks and blisters, and clear the drains so they do not block.
Wash off dust and stains periodically
A clean surface keeps its heat-reflecting performance for longer.
It can be recoated when due
Once the film thins, it can be cleaned and given a fresh coat without stripping the old system.
Frequently asked questions
Where can acrylic waterproofing be used?
How does acrylic differ from PU waterproofing?
Do you offer a free on-site survey?
Have a leak problem? Interested in acrylic waterproofing?
Free on-site survey and quote nationwide — by the professional team at DMH Groups
If you are looking at concrete floor coatings for other areas, see the overview of all three systems at Concrete floor coatings: which system to choose — acrylic, epoxy or PU