Water ingress is one of the most persistent and damaging challenges faced by buildings across their service life. Whether caused by rainfall, groundwater pressure, leaking overhead tanks, defective plumbing, or poorly sealed wet areas, uncontrolled moisture penetration can significantly compromise both structural integrity and occupant comfort.
Over time, water ingress can lead to corrosion of reinforcement, deterioration of concrete, mold formation, tile failures, and expensive maintenance issues. To mitigate these risks, modern construction increasingly relies on waterproof sealing membranes as an integral part of building protection systems, especially in areas exposed to continuous or intermittent moisture.
Importance of Sealing Membranes in Waterproofing Systems
Traditional waterproofing methods often struggle to provide consistent protection beneath tiled surfaces, where water can infiltrate through grout joints and microcracks. Sealing membranes address this limitation by creating a continuous, impermeable layer beneath tiles, preventing moisture from reaching the structural substrate.
A well-designed sealing membrane system not only blocks water ingress but also accommodates minor structural movements, ensuring long-term performance without cracking or delamination.
One such advanced solution is PRONIL PROMEM, a waterproof sealing membrane engineered for use in a wide range of residential, commercial, and infrastructure applications.
Overview of PRONIL PROMEM
PRONIL PROMEM is a high-performance sealing membrane manufactured using a multi-layer composite structure. It consists of a polyethylene core laminated on both sides with polypropylene non-woven fabric. This construction enables excellent waterproofing performance while maintaining strong compatibility with commonly used tile adhesives.
The membrane is specifically designed for installation beneath tiled finishes, offering reliable protection in wet and water-prone areas of buildings.
Key Advantages of PRONIL PROMEM
- Effective Waterproof Barrier
Provides dependable protection to floors and walls beneath tile installations by preventing water penetration. - Excellent Adhesion Compatibility
Bonds well with cementitious tile adhesives, epoxy adhesives, modified polyurethane systems, and hybrid adhesives. - Versatile Application Range
Suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, terraces, swimming pools, and other wet areas. - Joint Sealing Capability
Can also be used as a sealing layer for joints and transitions in moisture-sensitive zones. - Durability and Flexibility
Designed to withstand regular thermal and structural movements without loss of waterproofing performance.
Typical Applications
PRONIL PROMEM is commonly used in:
- Residential bathrooms and toilets
- Kitchens and utility areas
- Balconies and terraces
- Swimming pools and wet decks
- Sunken slabs and podium areas
- Commercial washrooms and public facilities
Its adaptability makes it suitable for both new construction and refurbishment projects.
Installation Methodology
Proper installation is essential to achieve the full waterproofing performance of the membrane. The recommended installation procedure includes the following steps:
Surface Preparation
Ensure that floors and walls are clean, dry, and free from dust, laitance, oil, or any loose materials before installation.
Step 1: Membrane Cutting
Cut the sealing membrane according to the dimensions of the floor or wall area that requires waterproofing.
Step 2: Adhesive Selection and Application
Use a suitable C2-grade cementitious tile adhesive (with strength greater than 1 N/mm²). Mix the adhesive as per the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it evenly using a 4 × 4 mm notched trowel, maintaining a minimum adhesive thickness of 4 mm.
Step 3: Membrane Placement
Place the PRONIL PROMEM membrane onto the freshly applied adhesive. Installation should proceed from the center toward the edges to eliminate trapped air. The membrane can be applied vertically or horizontally depending on site requirements.
Step 4: Joint and Seam Treatment
Ensure the membrane is smooth and free from wrinkles or air pockets. Adjacent sheets should overlap by a minimum of 50 mm.
Alternatively, butt-joint installation can be adopted, provided that sufficient acrylic polymer or compatible adhesive is applied over the joint and reinforced with waterproof tape or flashing to maintain continuity.
Step 5: Pipe Penetration Detailing
Install PRONIL PROMEM pipe collars at pipe penetrations to prevent water ingress at vulnerable points. Pipe collars are available for standard pipe diameters, with customization options as required.
Step 6: Tiling Application
Once the membrane is securely fixed, tile adhesive can be applied directly over the membrane, and tiling work can commence immediately.
Long-Term Benefits of Using PRONIL PROMEM
By effectively restricting water ingress, PRONIL PROMEM helps:
- Extend the service life of buildings
- Reduce risks of corrosion, rotting, and structural damage
- Minimize maintenance and repair costs
- Improve indoor hygiene and living conditions
- Enhance overall reliability of wet-area construction
Sealing membranes such as PRONIL PROMEM play a crucial role in ensuring that tiled surfaces perform as intended over the long term.
PRONIL Construction Chemicals has over two decades of experience in developing specialized waterproofing solutions for the construction industry. The company manufactures a comprehensive range of products including Acrylic Swellable Bars, Bentonite Hydrophilic Waterstops, Expansion Joint Tapes, and Flexible Waterproofing Sealing Systems. PRONIL’s solutions are widely used across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, offering dependable performance for pivotal waterproofing applications.
About Author
The author oversees PRONIL operations across India and South-East Asia. With more than two decades of industry experience, he plays a key role in shaping business strategy and driving growth. His responsibilities include strategic planning, sales and marketing, product development, and customer engagement, contributing to the company’s continued market leadership.
Pronil India
Pronil Building Products, Plot XII, Aringar Anna Street, Co-operative nagar, Thiruverkadu, Chennai – 600077
Mobile: +91 94890 58644 | Website: www.pronil.com
