Protection Boards

Waterproofing membrane protection boards are rigid sheets installed over an applied waterproofing membrane to protect it from mechanical damage before and during backfilling operations. They are not temporary surface protection products for floors or walls during construction activity. Their purpose is specific: once a self-adhesive waterproofing membrane has been applied to a structure, the membrane is vulnerable to puncture, abrasion and impact from backfill material, site traffic and ongoing construction operations. A protection board provides a sacrificial layer between the membrane and those damaging forces, preserving the integrity of the waterproofing system throughout the construction programme.

The protection boards stocked here are bituminous products from RIW and GCP, specified for use with self-adhesive sheet waterproofing membrane systems in below-ground construction. Each board is designed for use within a specific membrane system and should be specified in accordance with the membrane manufacturer's recommendations.

Bituminous Protection Boards for Membrane Systems

Bituminous protection boards are manufactured from fibrous materials combined with bitumen and resins, producing a board that is robust, rot resistant and durable in below-ground conditions. The bituminous composition makes them resistant to ground salts, water and corrosive chemicals encountered in below-ground environments, ensuring the protection course maintains its function throughout the service life of the structure.

The boards are cold applied and lightweight enough to be handled and installed by site operatives without specialist equipment. They can be cut on site to fit around details and penetrations, allowing the protection course to be completed without gaps in coverage at complex junctions.

Protection boards are an essential component of a complete below-ground waterproofing system. Protection of self-adhesive membranes from site damage is critical to the success of the waterproofing system. A membrane that has been damaged during backfilling without adequate protection undermines the waterproofing system it was installed to deliver. Specifying a compatible protection board as part of the waterproofing design is not optional where backfilling is involved.

Where Are Membrane Protection Boards Used?

Bituminous protection boards are used in below-ground reinforced concrete structures where self-adhesive waterproofing membranes have been applied to the external face of the structure prior to backfilling. This covers vertical retaining walls and basement walls, horizontal slab applications and reservoir roof construction.

On vertical surfaces, protection boards shield the membrane from the compressive and abrasive forces generated as backfill material is placed and compacted against the wall. On horizontal surfaces they protect the membrane from foot traffic, the movement of construction materials, and the weight and impact of overburden material being placed above.

Protection boards also protect membrane installations from damage by other trades working on the structure after waterproofing has been applied, providing a robust covering that allows the construction programme to continue without risk to the membrane below.

Installing a Waterproofing Protection Board

Protection boards should be installed as soon as practicable after the waterproofing membrane has been applied, and backfilling should follow promptly. On vertical applications in particular, the temporary fixing used to hold boards to the membrane is not designed for long-term exposure, and boards should not be left unbackfilled for extended periods after installation.

Boards are temporarily fixed to the membrane surface using adhesive applied to discrete patches, holding the board in place until the backfill material provides permanent restraint. On horizontal surfaces in exposed or windy conditions, temporary ballast should be used to prevent boards from being displaced before overburden is placed.

Adjacent boards are laid with close butt joints at all edges to ensure continuous coverage across the membrane face. Where the protection course meets details such as penetrations or changes of direction, boards should be cut on site to maintain full contact with the membrane surface. Gaps in the protection course that leave sections of membrane exposed to backfill must be avoided.

Choosing the Right Protection Board

The correct protection board for any project is the one recommended by the manufacturer of the waterproofing membrane being used. Bituminous protection boards are system-specific products, each designed to be compatible with the membrane system they accompany. Using a protection board from a different system may not provide the same degree of protection or adhesive compatibility with the membrane surface.

Where the specified membrane is from the RIW range, the RIW protection board is the appropriate choice. Where the specified membrane is a GCP Bituthene or Preprufe system, the GCP protection board is recommended. Confirming the correct board at design stage avoids compatibility questions arising on site and ensures the protection course performs as part of the complete system.

Why Choose Construction Supplies UK for Protection Boards?

Bituminous protection boards for waterproofing membrane systems: We stock protection boards from RIW and GCP, covering below-ground self-adhesive membrane systems on vertical and horizontal applications.

Trusted industry brands: Shop protection boards from RIW and GCP, two of the most widely specified brands in structural waterproofing.

Competitive trade prices: Protection boards supplied at competitive trade prices with no minimum order value.

Fast UK-wide delivery: Reliable nationwide delivery with free shipping available on orders over £300.

Expert support when you need it: Our team can help you identify the right protection board for your specified membrane system. Get in touch @ sales@constructionsuppliesuk.co.uk or call us on 03300 55 32 02.