Choosing the Right Waterproofing System

A professional comparison to help you protect your home or building in Indonesia’s climate

Why Waterproofing Matters in Tropical Regions

Indonesia’s climate is defined by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and long exposure to UV radiation. For residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, roof and surface waterproofing is not optional — it’s essential.

In this article, we explore the most commonly used waterproofing systems, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and explain why Gurtex’s advanced polyurethane-based solution is designed to outperform conventional methods in tropical environments.

Torch-On Bitumen vs Gurtex Roofing System

Let’s start with roofing membranes. Many traditional systems rely on torch-on bitumen rolls, but this approach comes with limitations in safety, durability, and flexibility.

Comparison Table

Feature / Property	Torch-On Bitumen Rolls	Gurtex Roofing System (3x SG368 + 2x SG168)
Material	Modified bitumen sheets fused with flame	Liquid-applied polyurethane (SG368) + UV-resistant topcoat (SG168)
Application Method	Heat-fused roll membrane (requires open flame)	Cold-applied, brush or roller — no fire risk, safe for any surface
Layers & Build-Up	1 or 2 rolled sheets (3–4 mm thick)	3 layers SG368 base + 2 SG168 topcoats (approx. 2 mm total dry film)
UV Resistance	Basic UV protection, degrades over time	Excellent long-term UV resistance (SG168 top layer)
Waterproofing Performance	Good, but seams are vulnerable	Fully seamless membrane — no joints or overlaps
Adhesion & Flexibility	Adheres with flame + primer; cracks with movement	High elasticity (> 400%) — bridges cracks and movement
Durability	7–10 years (depending on UV, heat, seams)	10–15+ years — ideal for tropical climate
Surface Compatibility	Needs dry, smooth surfaces	Applies on damp surfaces, concrete, screed, etc.
Maintenance	Requires flame, patching, risk of expansion	Brush-on recoating — minimal disruption
Safety & Practicality	Requires torching (fire hazard), smell	100% cold-applied — safe, clean, low-odor
Appearance & Finish	Granulated surface, visible seams	Smooth, continuous, paintable finish

Acrylic Waterproofing vs Gurtex SG368 (Elastomeric)

For wet areas, balconies, retaining walls, and underground tanks, acrylic coatings are often used due to their availability. However, they may not meet the demands of high-performance waterproofing — especially under pressure or movement.

Detailed Performance Comparison

Feature / Property	Acrylic Waterproofing	Gurtex SG368
Material Type	Water-based acrylic polymer	Water-based latex bitumen blend (elastomeric)
UV Resistance	Moderate (can degrade over time)	Not UV-resistant — must be covered
Water Resistance	Basic waterproofing; repels surface water	True hydro-isolation — blocks water under pressure
Pressure Tolerance	Cannot handle negative pressure	Handles both positive & negative pressure
Application Areas	Walls, balconies, low-traffic roofs	Pools, basements, tanks, foundations (not exposed)
Elongation / Flexibility	100–200%, can become brittle	~300–400% — stays elastic
Adhesion Strength	Moderate — depends on prep	Strong adhesion to concrete, render, screed
Film Thickness (dry)	~0.3–0.6 mm (thin)	~1.5 mm (thick protective layer)
Traffic Resistance	Not foot-traffic resistant	Not traffic-resistant unless protected
Chemical Resistance	Low — not suitable for chlorinated or alkaline	High — resistant to saltwater and mild chemicals
Curing Time	Quick-drying, may dry too fast	Slower curing — 3–4 days before covering
Typical Lifespan	3–5 years (with maintenance)	10–15 years (with protection)
Topcoat Requirement	Used alone or with acrylic paint	Must be protected (tile, screed, or UV-coat)
VOC/Environmental	Low VOC	Low VOC, water-based, safe

Designed for the Tropics: What Sets Gurtex Apart

Unlike many generic solutions, Gurtex waterproofing systems are engineered for:

Seamless protection: No joints, no overlaps — less risk of leakage
Flexible membranes: Handles movement and thermal expansion without cracking
Fire-free application: Safer for wood surfaces, villas, and confined rooftops
UV-resistant topcoats: Designed to last in direct sunlight
Local repairability: Quick brush-on recoating means no heat or torch needed

Whether for roofs, tanks, bathrooms, or concrete foundations — Gurtex offers long-lasting, reliable performance.

Choosing the Right System — Professional Tips

For flat or sloped roofs, use the Gurtex Roofing System (SG368 + SG168 topcoats)
For wet areas and foundations, apply Gurtex SG368 with proper covering
Always protect the system with UV topcoat or screed depending on the exposure
Surface prep is key — though Gurtex is forgiving on damp or rough surfaces

Eco-Safe and International Ready

Gurtex systems are low-VOC, water-based, and compliant with global safety standards. They’re ideal for modern green buildings and meet export-quality benchmarks — suitable for international markets across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

Final Thoughts – Why Gurtex Is the Smarter Choice

When it comes to waterproofing in tropical climates, performance, longevity, and safety matter most. Gurtex offers a professional-grade solution with:

Cold-applied safety
Superior flexibility
Seamless protection
Long-term value