IS 1346:1991 is the Indian Standard code of practice for waterproofing roofs using bitumen felts. It provides detailed guidelines on the selection, preparation, application, and maintenance of bitumen felt waterproofing systems for various roof types including flat, sloping, timber, and shell roofs. This standard is essential for engineers, architects, and construction professionals involved in designing and executing durable waterproofing treatments to protect buildings from water ingress and related damage.
Overview
IS 1346:1991 is the Indian Standard code of practice for waterproofing roofs using bitumen felts. It provides detailed guidelines on the selection, preparation, application, and maintenance of bitumen felt waterproofing systems for various roof types including flat, sloping, timber, and shell roofs. This standard is essential for engineers, architects, and construction professionals involved in designing and executing durable waterproofing treatments to protect buildings from water ingress and related damage.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 1346 Scope Summary:
Design Considerations (Clause 4.1):
The designer must ensure compliance with IS 3067:1988 for roof design, felt coverings, and finishing details affecting waterproofing.
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 702 : 1988 | Industrial bitumen specification |
| 1203 : 1978 | Bitumen penetration test method |
| 1322 : 1982 | Bitumen felts for waterproofing |
| 3067 : 1988 | Damp-proofing design and preparation |
| 3384 : 1986 | Bitumen primer specification |
| 4911 : 1986 | Glossary of waterproofing terms |
| 7193 : 1974 | Glass fibre base felts |
| 1609 : 1976 | Laying bitumen felts |
| 1834 : 1984 | Hot sealing compounds |
graph TD
A[IS 1346 Scope] --> B[Bituminous Materials]
A --> C[Waterproofing Treatments]
B --> D[Industrial Bitumen (IS 702)]
B --> E[Bitumen Penetration Test (IS 1203)]
C --> F[Bitumen Felts (IS 1322)]
C --> G[Damp-proofing Design (IS 3067)]
C --> H[Primers & Sealants (IS 3384, IS 1834)]
IS 1346: Necessary Information & Specifications Summary
Reference Standards (Annex A, Clause 2.1):
Key IS codes to be referred for materials and procedures include:
Design Information (Clause 4.1):
Designers must have sufficient info per IS 3067:1988, covering:
Material Quantities (Clause 2.5):
| Material | Quantity per m² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot applied bitumen | 2.5 kg (min) | For waterproofing layer |
| Pea-sized gravel/grit | 0.008 m³ | Free of fine sand; coarse sand alternative |
flowchart TD
A[Roof Design] --> B{Design Info per IS 3067}
B --> C[Felt Coverings]
B --> D[Finish Details]
A --> E[Waterproofing]
E --> F[Hot Bitumen: ≥2.5 kg/m²]
E --> G[Gravel/Grit: 0.008 m³/m²]
Summary: Ensure all referenced IS codes are consulted for material specs and design details. Use specified quantities of bitumen and gravel for effective waterproofing as per IS 1346.
IS 1346 - Definitions Summary
Reference Standard: Definitions in IS 1346 refer primarily to IS 4911:1986 (Glossary of terms related to bituminous waterproofing and damp-proofing).
Key Terms (from IS 4911:1986):
Specifications for Application Layers (Typical):
| Layer | Material | Application Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | IS 3384:1986 compliant | 0.27 l/m² min |
| Bitumen | Hot applied bitumen | 1.2 kg/m² min |
| Felt | Hessian-base or glass fibre base | Type 2 or 3, Grade 1 or 2 |
| Gravel (optional) | Pea-sized gravel/grit | 0.006 m³/m² |
Annex A: Lists related IS codes for materials/testing (IS 702, IS 1203, IS 1322, IS 3384, IS 4911, etc.).
Summary Diagram of Typical Waterproofing Layer:
graph TD
A[Concrete Surface] --> B[Primer (0.27 l/m²)]
B --> C[Hot Applied Bitumen (1.2 kg/m²)]
C --> D[Felt Layer (Type 2/3, Grade 1/2)]
D --> E[Hot Applied Bitumen (1.2 kg/m²)]
E --> F[Optional Gravel Layer (0.006 m³/m²)]
Note: For detailed definitions, consult IS 4911:1986. IS 1346 relies on these for terminology and classification.
IS 1346: Design Considerations Summary
General Design Requirements (Clause 4.1):
Referenced Standards (Annex A, Clause 2.1):
Key IS codes for materials and methods related to waterproofing and roofing:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 702:1988 | Industrial bitumen specification |
| 1203:1978 | Testing tar & bituminous penetration |
| 1322:1982 | Bitumen felts for waterproofing |
| 3067:1988 | Design & preparatory work for damp-proofing |
| 3384:1986 | Bitumen primer for waterproofing |
| 1609:1976 | Laying damp-proofing with bitumen felts |
| 2690 (Part 1 & 2):1975 | Burnt clay flat terracing tiles |
Surface Finish (Clause 6.4.1):
[ \text{Minimum slope for roof} = 1:100 \quad \text{to ensure drainage} ]
flowchart TD
A[Design Requirements] --> B[Material Selection]
B --> C[Waterproofing Layers]
C --> D[Surface Finish]
D --> E[Inspection & Maintenance]
Note: For detailed design, consult IS 3067:1988 and related standards listed in Annex A of IS 1346.
IS 1346 - Materials for Waterproofing: Key Specifications
Bitumen Grades (IS 702:1988):
Bitumen Application Rates:
Felt Types:
Top Dressing:
Primer:
| Material | Specification / Grade | Application Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bitumen (bonding) | IS 702:1988 Grade 85/25, 90/15 | 1.2 kg/m² (min) |
| Bitumen (top dressing) | Penetration ≤ 40 (IS 1203) | 2.5 kg/m² (min) |
| Primer | IS 3384:1986 | 0.27 l/m² (min) |
| Felts | Hessian Type 3 Grade 1 / Glass fibre Type 2 Grade 1 | As per layer specification |
| Top dressing aggregate | Pea gravel or grit | 0.006 - 0.008 m³/m² |
flowchart TD
A[Roof Surface]
IS 1346 Waterproofing Treatment - Key Specifications & Formulas
| Treatment Type | Layers / Courses | Key Materials & Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Floating Treatment (Clause 3.3) | 5 layers | 1) Fibre base bitumen saturated underlay, Type 1<br>2) Hot bitumen @ 1.2 kg/m² min<br>3) Fibre-base self-finished felt, Type 2, Grade 1 or 2<br>4) Hot bitumen @ 1.2 kg/m² min<br>5) Pea-sized gravel @ 0.008 m³/m² (no fine sand) |
| Heavy Treatment (Severe conditions) | 7 layers | 1) Primer (IS 3384:1986) @ 0.27 l/m² min<br>2) Hot bitumen @ 1.2 kg/m² min<br>3) Hessian or glass fibre felt (Type 3 or 2, Grade 1)<br>4) Hot bitumen @ 1.2 kg/m² min<br>5) Hessian or glass fibre felt<br>6) Hot bitumen @ 1.2 kg/m² min<br>7) Pea-sized gravel @ 0.006 m³/m² |
| Normal Treatment (Concrete/Masonry Roofs) | 5 layers | 1) Primer (IS 3384:1986) @ 0.27 l/m² min<br>... (other layers similar to floating or heavy treatment) |
IS 1346: Method of Laying Waterproofing Treatment
| Treatment Type | Layer No. | Material Description | Application Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Treatment | 1 | Hot applied bitumen | 1.2 kg/m² (Min) |
| 2 | Hessian-base felt Type 3 Grade 1 or Glass fibre base Type 2 Grade 1 | - | |
| 3 | Hot applied bitumen | 1.2 kg/m² (Min) | |
| 4 | Pea-sized gravel or grit (no fine sand) | 0.006 m³/m² | |
| Floating Treatment | 1 | Fibre-base bitumen saturated underlay Type 1 | - |
| 2 | Hot applied bitumen | 1.2 kg/m² (Min) | |
| 3 | Fibre-base self-finished felt Type 2 Grade 1 or 2 | - | |
| 4 | Hot applied bitumen | 1.2 kg/m² (Min) | |
| 5 | Pea-sized gravel or grit (no fine sand) | 0.008 m³/m² | |
| Heavy Treatment | 1 | Primer as per IS 3384:1986 | 0.27 l/m² (Min) |
| 2 | Hot applied bitumen | 1.2 kg/m² (Min) | |
| 3 | Hessian-base felt Type 3 Grade 1 or Glass fibre base Type 2 Grade 1 | - | |
| 4 | Hot applied bitumen | 1.2 kg/m² (Min) | |
| 5 | Hessian-base felt Type 3 Grade 1 or Glass fibre base Type 2 Grade 1 | - | |
| 6 | Hot applied bitumen | 1.2 kg/m² (Min) | |
| 7 | Pea-sized gravel or grit (no fine sand) | 0.006 m³/m² |
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 702:1988 | Industrial bitumen specification |
| 1203:1978 | Bituminous material penetration test |
| 3067:1988 | Damp-proofing design & preparatory work |
| 1322:1982 | Bitumen felts for waterproofing |
| 1609:1976 | Laying damp-proofing using bitumen felts |
| 1834:1984 | Hot applied sealing compound for concrete joints |
| Material | Rate/Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot applied bitumen | ≥ 2.5 kg/m² | Ensures waterproofing layer |
| Pea-sized gravel | 0.008 m³/m² | Free of fine sand; coarse sand allowed as alternative |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Roof Inspection] --> B[Clean Roof Surface]
B --> C[Treat Gutters & Drains]
C --> D[Treat Main Roof Surface]
D --> E[Treat Flashings & Pipes]
E --> F[Apply Bitumen & Gravel]
F --> G[Top Dressing: Tiles/Concrete/Paint]
G --> H[Clean & Remove Surplus Materials]
H --> I[End: Maintenance Complete]
For detailed
IS 1346: List of Referred Indian Standards (Annex A, Clause 2.1)
This standard refers to key IS codes related to waterproofing, bitumen, tiles, and damp-proofing materials:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 702 : 1988 | Specification for industrial bitumen (Second Revision) |
| 1203 : 1978 | Method of testing tar and bituminous material: Determination of penetration |
| 1237 : 1980 | Specification for cement concrete flooring tiles |
| 1322 : 1982 | Specification for bitumen felts for waterproofing and damp-proofing |
| 1609 : 1976 | Code of practice for laying damp-proofing treatment using bitumen felts |
| 1834 : 1984 | Specification for hot applied sealing compound for joints in concrete |
| 2690 (Part 1 & 2) : 1975 | Specification for burnt clay flat terracing tiles (Machine & Handmade) |
| 3067 : 1988 | Code of practice for general design details and preparatory work for damp-proofing |
| 3384 : 1986 | Specification for bitumen primer for use in waterproofing and damp-proofing |
| 4911 : 1986 | Glossary of terms relating to bituminous waterproofing and damp-proofing |
| 7193 : 1974 | Specification for glass fibre base coal tar pitch and bitumen felts |
flowchart TD
A[IS 1346] --> B[Bitumen Specifications (IS 702, 1203)]
A --> C[Waterproofing Felts (IS 1322, 1609)]
A --> D[Tiles & Flooring (IS 1237, 2690)]
A --> E[Damp-proofing Codes (IS 3067, 3384)]
A --> F[Sealing Compounds (IS 1834)]
A --> G[Glossary & Terminology (IS 4911)]
This diagram shows the relation of IS 1346 with referred standards for waterproofing and roofing materials.
Frequently Asked
Recommended Types and Grades of Bitumen Felts (IS 1346)
Bonding Bitumen Grades (Clause 5.4):
Waterproofing Treatment (Clause 6 & 1.2):
Light Treatment:
Heavy Treatment:
Standards Compliance:
| Roof Construction | Felt Type & Grade | Bitumen Grade (Bonding) | Bitumen Application Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Roofs | Fibre-base Type 2, Grade 1 or 2 | 85/25 or 90/15 | ≥ 1.2 kg/m² |
| Vertical ≤1 m | Same as horizontal | 85/25 or 90/15 | - |
| Vertical >1 m | Same as horizontal | 115/15 | - |
| Heavy Duty Roofs | Hessian Type 3 Grade 2, Glass fibre Type 2 Grade 2 | 85/25 or 90/15 | ≥ 1.2 kg/m² |
This ensures durable adhesion and waterproof
Preparation of Roof Surface before Bitumen Felt Waterproofing (IS 1346):
| Application | Bitumen Grade (IS 702:1988) | Penetration (IS 1203:1978) |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Surface & Felt Bonding | 85/25 or 90/15 | ≤ 40 |
| Vertical Surface ≤ 1m height | 85/25 or 90/15 | |
| Vertical Surface > 1m height | 115/15 |
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Proper Method for Layering and Bonding Multiple Bitumen Felt Sheets (IS 1346):
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Priming | Apply priming coat on surface |
| First Layer Bonding | Hot bitumen adhesive to bond felt to surface |
| Subsequent Layers | Hot bitumen bonding with overlapping joints |
| Gutters | Minimum two layers, each hot bitumen bonded |
This ensures waterproofing integrity and durability as per IS 1346 clauses 3.1, 3.2, 6.2, and 7.3.2.
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To ensure waterproofing continuity for parapet walls, gutters, and flashings as per IS 1346:
Parapet Walls (Clause 7.2.2 & 7.3.4):
Gutters (Clause 7.2.4.3 & 7.4.1):
General:
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This systematic layering and secure fixing maintain waterproofing continuity at critical junctions.
To prolong the life of bitumen felt waterproofing as per IS 1346:
Regular maintenance and careful application ensure durability and effective waterproofing.
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