Professional-grade Rubber Bitumen Emulsion DPM — a high-performance liquid DPM for concrete floor applications, walls, and below-ground waterproofing
Our Rubber Bitumen Emulsion DPM is a professional-grade, cold-applied rubberised bitumen emulsion designed to create a seamless, flexible waterproof coating. Moreover, it acts as a highly effective bitumen DPM (damp proof membrane) and moisture barrier for concrete, masonry, and foundation structures. In fact, it works on both internal and external applications. Additionally, this dual capability makes it ideal for comprehensive moisture protection across all building types. This water-based emulsion dries to a tough, black elastic membrane that prevents water penetration and protects against sulphate attack in soils. Download the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for detailed specifications and application rates.
This advanced bitumen emulsion is engineered for trade and industrial professionals requiring a reliable moisture barrier. As a versatile liquid DPM, it provides superior protection against rising damp and water ingress on a variety of structural surfaces. Whether you are treating a foundation or installing a liquid DPM for concrete floor protection in a new build, this formulation ensures a seamless, flexible, and waterproof finish
What is Rubber Bitumen Emulsion?
Rubber bitumen emulsion is a water-based waterproofing coating that combines bitumen (asphalt) with rubber polymers to create a flexible, protective membrane. Unlike traditional solvent-based bitumen, our emulsion disperses these materials in water, making it easier to apply, safer to handle, and quicker to clean up.
When applied and dried, it forms a tough, rubberised bitumen layer that adheres well to concrete, brick, and masonry surfaces. The rubber component gives it superior flexibility compared to plain bitumen—meaning it can bridge minor cracks and accommodate slight substrate movement without cracking through.
Unsure which application method suits your project? Our technical team can recommend the right system, coverage rates, and overlay materials for your specific substrate and use case. Call us on 01942 884122.
Why choose rubber bitumen emulsion?
- Flexible membrane: Rubber polymers allow the coating to move with the substrate, reducing crack propagation
- Water-based formula: Lower odour, safer application, water-clean tools (no solvents needed)
- Strong adhesion: Bonds reliably to mineral surfaces (concrete, brick, block, render, screeds)
- Proven performance: Complies with British Standards for damp-proof membranes and waterproofing systems
- Versatile application: Brush, roller, or spray—suitable for both horizontal and vertical surfaces
What is a Bitumen DPM Used For?
A bitumen damp-proof membrane (DPM) is a protective barrier that prevents water and moisture from penetrating building materials and structures. Rubber bitumen emulsion acts as a flexible, adhesive DPM that can be applied directly to surfaces—no need for separate membranes or sheets—making it ideal for both new construction and remedial waterproofing work.
Professional Applications:
- Liquid DPM for concrete floor installations (both new and existing surfaces).
- Below-ground waterproofing for basements, cellars, and foundations.
- Heavy-duty moisture barrier for walls and masonry.
- Comprehensive protection against rising damp in trade and industrial projects
Below-ground protection
- Basement walls and foundations (external face, below ground level)
- Retaining walls and earth-contact surfaces
- Tanking systems (walls and floors in basements, cellars, and below-grade spaces)
- Protection against hydrostatic pressure and rising damp
Roof and gutter work
- Roof valleys, gutters, and downpipe details
- Flat roof repairs and sealing (non-trafficked areas)
- Flashing details around penetrations (pipes, vents, chimneys)
- Crack and joint sealing on roofs
Masonry and structural repairs
- Sealing cracks in concrete, brick, and blockwork
- Waterproofing rendered or plastered surfaces
- Repairing failed mortar joints and cracks
- Protecting masonry from water ingress and frost damage
Specialist applications
- Waterproofing concrete floors before screeding
- Sealing joints and movement cracks (with reinforcing scrim)
- Protecting metal surfaces (with appropriate primer/preparation)
- Remedial damp treatment on existing structures
Why use a bitumen DPM instead of alternatives?
Cost-effective: Competitive pricing compared to sheet membranes or specialist tanking systems, with minimal waste.
Flexible application: Brush, roller, or spray application means it can reach awkward areas, corners, and details that sheet membranes struggle with.
Proven performance: Bitumen has been used in waterproofing for decades. It complies with British Standards (BS 6398, BS 8102, BS 8104) and performs reliably in harsh conditions.
Good adhesion: Bonds directly to mineral surfaces without additional primers (in most cases), creating a monolithic membrane with no seams or joints to fail.
Rubber flexibility: Unlike plain bitumen, the rubber component allows the membrane to accommodate minor substrate movement and bridge fine cracks without cracking through.
Durability: When properly applied and protected from UV, a bitumen DPM can last 20+ years, especially in below-ground or protected applications.
When to use rubber bitumen emulsion DPM
✅ Ideal for:
- New construction tanking systems (basement walls, floors)
- Remedial waterproofing on existing structures
- Roof and gutter repairs
- Crack and joint sealing
- Situations where flexibility and adhesion are important
- Projects with budget constraints (cost-effective solution)
❌ Not suitable for:
- Permanent wearing surfaces (must be covered with screed, tiles, or protection board)
- Areas exposed to prolonged UV without a protective topcoat
- Substrates that are wet or saturated (surface must be damp-dry, not wet)
- Use with incompatible materials (e.g., certain solvents, oils, foam insulations)
Where Can You Apply It?
- Add bullet list of substrates:
- Concrete and brick foundations
- Retaining walls & bridge abutments
- Tanking systems
- Floors (sandwich construction)
- Interior & exterior walls
- Felt, asphalt, lead, zinc, aluminium, slate, timber, corrugated roofs
- Vapour barrier walls
Preparation
Surface Condition: Surfaces must be sound, stable, and free from dust, grease, or loose material. The product can be applied to damp surfaces, but they must not be waterlogged.
Porous Substrates: Dry or highly porous surfaces should be pre-dampened with clean water before application.
Weather Conditions: Do not apply in wet weather or if rain is expected. The emulsion must dry completely before exposure to water. Do not apply if the ambient temperature is below 10°C.
Appearance Note: The emulsion appears brown when wet but will cure to a solid black finish.
Application
Methods: Can be applied by brush, roller, or spray to both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
Coating Requirements:
* Floors (Sandwich Construction): Apply 2 coats. Blind the second coat with sand while wet, then cover with a minimum 50mm screed.
* Interior Walls: Apply 2 coats. Leave approximately 300mm untreated at the top to allow moisture to escape.
* Exterior Walls: Apply 3 coats. Blind the final coat with sand.
* Plastering Prep: Apply 2 coats. Blind the second coat with sand before plastering.
Inter-coat Drying: Allow each coat to dry completely (typically overnight) before applying the subsequent coat.
Reinforcement: For cracks, joints, or seams, the membrane is often reinforced with a scrim bandage.
Compatibility/Overlays:
* Suitable: Screeds (min 50mm), tiles, emulsion paints, and wallpapers (using lining paper/cellulose paste).
* Unsuitable: Do not use with rubber tiles, pure vinyl tiles, vinyl sheets, or rubber foam-backed carpets, as these may react with the bitumen.
Please note: This is a water based emulsion and must be completely dry before being subjected to wet conditions
Formulation: Rubber bitumen emulsion.
Application Method: Liquid applied via brush or spray.
Surface Compatibility: Concrete, masonry, and below-ground surfaces.
Finish: Highly flexible and 100% waterproof.
Pack Sizes: 5 Litre, 25 Litre.
Coverage / Drying Times
(Based on standard conditions of 20°C)
Surface Dry: Not specified (Dries to a tough, elastic membrane).
Hard Dry: Normally dries overnight.
Overcoat: Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next (typically overnight). Keep coated areas dry until fully cured. Please note, drying times will be extended at low temperatures or high humidity. Do not apply when ambient temperature falls below 10ºC or in wet weather.
Theoretical Coverage: Varies by application: 1 m²/L (Floors – 2 coats), 2 m²/L (Walls – 2 to 3 coats), 4.5 m²/L (Plastering – 2 coats).
(Coverage rate can be affected by such variables as type and condition of substrate, type of application equipment and individual method of application.)
Thinning and Cleaning
Thinning: Water-based emulsion. Use as supplied; do not thin (surfaces should be pre-dampened with clean water if porous).
Cleaning: Clean tools with warm water before the product sets. If dried, use White Spirit or paraffin.
If using more than one batch of the same colour, intermix before use.
Compatibility: What Can Go Over It?
Rubber bitumen emulsion must be covered or protected with a suitable overlay material—it is not designed as a final wearing surface. The choice of overlay depends on your application, substrate, and end-use requirements. Below is a guide to compatible materials and those to avoid.
Compatible & Incompatible Materials Reference
Q: What is Rubber Bitumen Emulsion DPM and what does “DPM” stand for?
A: Rubber Bitumen Emulsion DPM is a cold-applied, rubberised bitumen emulsion designed to form a flexible, waterproof coating. “DPM” stands for Damp Proof Membrane — meaning this product helps prevent moisture migration through structural elements.
Q: Where should I use Rubber Bitumen Emulsion DPM?
A: It is ideal for waterproofing concrete and brick foundations, retaining walls, bridge abutments, tanking systems, and other below-ground structures. It can also be used on floors, walls, and to protect against sulphate attack in soil.
Palatine Paints
Q: Can I apply it to damp surfaces?
A: Yes — the product can be applied to damp (but not waterlogged) surfaces. However, surfaces must be sound, stable, and free from dust, grease, or loose material. Porous or dry substrates should be pre-dampened with clean water before application.
Q: Does the appearance of the product change once it has dried?
A: The emulsion appears brown during the application process, but it will turn into a solid black finish once it has fully cured.
Q: Are there any weather conditions I should avoid when applying this?
A: You must not apply this emulsion in wet weather or if rain is expected, as it is water-based and must dry completely before it is exposed to wet conditions.
Q: How many coats do I need?
A: Typically 2–3 coats depending on application. Floors require 2 coats at 1 m²/L; walls require 2–3 coats at 2 m²/L; difficult surfaces require 2 coats at 4.5 m²/L. See coverage table for details.
Q: How long does it take to dry?
A: Surface dry time varies by temperature and humidity. Normally dries overnight. Do not apply when ambient temperature is below 10°C. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Q: Can I screed over a bitumen DPM?
A: Yes. Apply the DPM in sandwich construction (2 coats at 1 m²/L), blind the second coat with sand, then apply a 50mm minimum screed on top.
Q: Can I tile or apply flooring over it?
A: Yes, but NOT rubber tiles, pure vinyl tiles, vinyl sheets, or rubber foam-backed carpet. These contain solvents/plasticizers that may react with the DPM. Emulsion paints and wallpapers are suitable (use lining paper with cellulose paste; avoid vinyl wallpaper).
Q: What temperature can I apply it in?
A: Do not apply when ambient temperature falls below 10°C or in wet weather. Drying times will be extended at low temperatures or high humidity.
Q: Do you provide a technical data sheet?
A: Yes. Download the Rubber Bitumen Emulsion DPM Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for full specifications, coverage rates, and application instructions.
Q: Can I order larger quantities?
A: For orders exceeding 25L or custom batch sizes (120L, 250L, 450L), contact our team for volume pricing and delivery options
What is liquid DPM used for?
It is primarily used as a moisture barrier for a liquid DPM for concrete floor application, below-ground waterproofing, and preventing rising damp in masonry.
Q: How do I apply rubber bitumen emulsion DPM?
A: This bitumen emulsion should be applied by brush or spray. For best results, allow 24–48 hours for drying between coats.
Q: Can I use liquid DPM on concrete floors?
A: Yes; it is the ideal solution for both new and existing concrete floors to prevent moisture from damaging floor finishes.
Q: What is the difference between liquid DPM and sheet membrane?
A: A liquid DPM is flexible and significantly easier to apply around complex shapes. In contrast, sheet membranes are thicker and more rigid.
Q: How long does liquid DPM take to dry?
A: Drying typically takes 24–48 hours depending on local temperature and humidity. Ensure the bitumen emulsion is fully cured before applying any topcoats.
Q: Can I paint over rubber bitumen emulsion DPM?
A: Yes; once the liquid DPM has fully cured, it can be painted with compatible topcoats.
Q: Is it suitable for external use?
A: It is designed primarily for below-ground and internal moisture protection. Any external use requires a UV-stable topcoat for protection
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