From foundations to roofs… all of Mapei’s Roof Waterproofing solutions

The Mapei waterproofing line has evolved over 43 years with innovations like MAPELASTIC and MAPETHENE powered by better waterproofing chemicals

Acquisitions in 2006 and 2008 broadened the portfolio, while recent developments include MAPELASTIC TURBO and synthetic membranes to address Radon gas concerns. Sustainability is emphasized with products like MAPELASTIC ZERO and MONOLASTIC ZERO.  

IDROSILEX and MAPELASTIC: Pioneering Waterproofing Solutions

The Mapei waterproofing line has a 43-year history. It was in 1980 when IDROSILEX was introduced as an admixture to create waterproof mortars to protect and waterproof underground areas.

During the ’80s and ’90s, important studies and research work then led to the development of a two-component, flexible cementitious mortar for protecting and waterproofing concrete structures: the introduction in 1992 of MAPELASTIC, a product renowned on all markets for its excellent protection and waterproofing qualities which soon became the reference product for treating balconies and terraces. With waterproofing chemicals delivering better results, the growth only improved over time. 

Expanding Horizons: Mapei's Waterproofing Revolution (2006-2008)

2006 to 2008 proved to be a decisive turning point for the waterproofing sector in Mapei, thanks to the acquisition of Rasco Bitumentechnik GmbH in 2006 and Polyglass in 2008, and the definition and creation of the waterproofing products line, opening the solutions portfolio to numerous technologies for both underground structures and roofs.

What followed was Introduced soon after were MAPETHENE self-adhesive bitumen membranes and the PLASTIMUL range of water-based bitumen emulsions for treating underground structures and, in addition, MAPEPROOF bentonite sheets and their accessory items (hydro-swelling joints and PVC water stops) to complete the portfolio of waterproofing systems for foundation structures. The portfolio of solutions for structures below ground level grew even further with the introduction a new, flexible cementitious membrane. It is in these years that the formulation for MAPELASTIC FOUNDATION was developed, a product appreciated for its many pluses and its capacity to resist negative pressure of 1.5 atm, thereby making this product particularly interesting for restoring waterproofing in underground areas from the inside powered with better waterproofing chemicals.

MONOLASTIC, MAPELASTIC AQUADEFENSE  and PURTOP

Apart from MAPELASTIC FOUNDATION, in the same arc of time a one-component, flexible cementitious version was created called MONOLASTIC which, alongside MAPELASTIC, represents the most widely sold waterproofing solutions for balconies and terraces in combination with the accessory items including MAPEBAND tapes, and MAPENET 150/MAPETEX SEL N meshes and fabrics and the DRAIN line of drainage outlets.

In 2010 attention on the waterproofing line turned to liquid membranes, particularly with the development of MAPELASTIC AQUADEFENSE, the first ready-to-use product for waterproofing underneath ceramic coverings. This was followed in 2011 by adding the AQUAFLEX ROOF range of acrylic roofing membranes aimed primarily at the renovation and waterproofing restoration sectors. To complete the portfolio of waterproofing products, in 2009-2011 the PURTOP range was developed and a dedicated selection of Realtà Mapei International articles highlighted its exceptional characteristics and possible applications. After laying the foundations for a complete product line that would enable us to supply waterproofing solutions from foundations right up to roofs, in 2014 the company and its waterproofing products line focused their attention on extending and completing the portfolio of products with specific characteristics.

MAPELASTIC TURBO: Redefining Waterproofing Standards for Challenging Substrates

Going into detail, September 2014 saw the introduction of MAPELASTIC TURBO, the revolutionary two-component, elastic cementitious product for waterproofing balconies and terraces with not completely dry but cured substrates.

This innovative formulation became particularly appreciated by users because it met specific market requirements: the need for a product that remains fluid at any temperature, a product that cures without forming residues, and, above all, one that could be used on substrates that are not completely dry but sufficiently cured. The right waterproofing chemicals play a central role in this process. 

Advancing Technological Frontiers

Also, from 2017 until now, there was the start of an important period of in-depth technical analysis for the waterproofing line and the development of synthetic membranes for underground structures. The work carried out to introduce MAPEPROOF FBT, MAPEPROOF AL AP, and MAPEPROOF FBH fully-bonded membranes put us in a position to approach the market which, until then, had been the exclusive domain of our competitors but, thanks to our experience and knowledge of waterproofing methods for underground structures, apart from just Roof Waterproofing, we were able to gain a foothold. Going into detail, thanks to these synthetic membranes, along with our capillary network of training activities, we managed to capture the attention of designers on an increasingly important topic: awareness of Radon gas in new buildings and buildings under restoration. A fundamental characteristic of these synthetic membranes is that they form an effective barrier against the penetration of Radon gas in underground structures, an area of application for which standards are under review and for which it is expected the minimum level of Radon indoors in homes and in new buildings open to the public will be lowered in 2024-2025 to 200 Bq/m³.