Not all waterproofing is the same. Depending on the area, budget and how the space is used, different systems make sense. Here’s how liquid membrane waterproofing compares to the more traditional methods still widely used in Malta.
Liquid Membrane Waterproofing
Applied as a fluid coating that cures into a fully bonded, seamless membrane.
- Seamless finish: no joints or overlaps, which are the most common failure points in other systems
- Flexible: moves with hairline cracks and thermal expansion in the concrete below
- Fast application: multiple coats can often be applied within days
- Versatile: works on roofs, terraces, balconies, bathrooms, and complex detailing around pipes and upstands
Traditional Waterproofing (Torch-On Membrane / Bituminous Felt)
Rolled sheet membranes heat-bonded to the surface.
- Proven and durable on large, simple flat areas
- Requires open flame application, which needs more site precautions
- Seams and overlaps are potential weak points if not detailed correctly
- Less flexible around complex junctions, pipes and irregular shapes
Cementitious Waterproofing
A cement-based coating, often used internally in wet areas.
- Good for bathrooms, wet rooms and below-ground applications
- Rigid rather than flexible — less suited to areas exposed to movement or extreme temperature swings
- Generally more affordable for smaller internal areas
Which Should You Choose?
| Area | Best option |
|---|---|
| Flat roofs | Liquid membrane or torch-on, depending on complexity |
| Terraces & balconies with lots of detailing | Liquid membrane |
| Bathrooms & wet rooms | Cementitious or liquid membrane |
| Large, simple commercial roofs | Torch-on membrane |
In practice, many Malta properties benefit from a combination — liquid membrane around complex detailing, paired with a broader system across large flat areas.
Why Choose Shaw Contractors
We work with all major waterproofing systems and recommend the right one for your specific project, not a one-size-fits-all solution. See our complete guide to liquid membrane waterproofing for more detail.
Not sure which system your property needs? Contact Shaw Contractors for expert advice.
