IS 13461991AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Code of Practice for Waterproofing of Roofs with Bitumen Felts

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.

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81Clauses Indexed
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1991Edition
Waterproofing and Damp-ProofingCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 1346 PDF, IS 1346 pdf free download, IS 1346 free download pdf, IS1346 PDF, IS-1346 PDF, IS 1346 1991 PDF, IS 1346:1991 PDF, IS 1346-1991 PDF, IS 1346 (1991) PDF, IS 1346 1991 edition PDF, IS 1346 edition 1991 PDF

What This Standard Covers

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.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Civil Engineers
  • Structural Engineers
  • Architects
  • Construction Managers
  • Waterproofing Contractors
  • Building Inspectors
  • Roofing Specialists

Key Topics Covered

Materials specifications for bitumen felts and primers
Surface preparation and cleaning of roofs
Application methods for flat, sloping, timber, and shell roofs
Layering and bonding techniques for multiple bitumen felt layers
Treatment of parapet walls, gutters, and flashings
Use of primers and hot applied bitumen bonding materials
Surface finishes including gravel, tiles, and bituminous paints
Expansion joints and detailing around roof openings
Inspection, maintenance, and repair procedures
Considerations for roof gardens and insulation
Fire protection measures for waterproofing layers
Drainage and slope requirements to prevent water ponding

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 1346 Scope Summary:

  • Scope: This standard covers specifications related to bituminous materials and waterproofing treatments for buildings.
  • Definitions: Refer to IS 4911:1986 for terms related to bituminous waterproofing and damp-proofing.
  • Referenced Standards (Annex A): Essential adjuncts include:
    • IS 702: Industrial bitumen specification
    • IS 1203: Testing bituminous materials - penetration
    • IS 1322: Bitumen felts for waterproofing
    • IS 3067: Practice for damp-proofing design and preparation
    • IS 3384, 4911, 7193: Bitumen primers, glossaries, and felts
    • IS 1609: Laying bitumen felts
    • IS 1834: Hot sealing compounds for concrete joints

Design Considerations (Clause 4.1):
The designer must ensure compliance with IS 3067:1988 for roof design, felt coverings, and finishing details affecting waterproofing.


Key Reference Table (Annex A)

IS No.Title
702 : 1988Industrial bitumen specification
1203 : 1978Bitumen penetration test method
1322 : 1982Bitumen felts for waterproofing
3067 : 1988Damp-proofing design and preparation
3384 : 1986Bitumen primer specification
4911 : 1986Glossary of waterproofing terms
7193 : 1974Glass fibre base felts
1609 : 1976Laying bitumen felts
1834 : 1984Hot sealing compounds

Summary Diagram of Scope Context

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)]
 
2Necessary Information

IS 1346: Necessary Information & Specifications Summary

  1. Reference Standards (Annex A, Clause 2.1):
    Key IS codes to be referred for materials and procedures include:

    • IS 702: Industrial Bitumen specification
    • IS 1322: Bitumen felts for waterproofing
    • IS 3067: General design and preparatory work for damp-proofing
    • IS 1609: Laying damp-proofing treatment using bitumen felts
    • IS 2690 (Parts 1 & 2): Burnt clay flat terracing tiles
    • IS 1237: Cement concrete flooring tiles
    • IS 1834: Hot applied sealing compound for concrete joints
  2. Design Information (Clause 4.1):
    Designers must have sufficient info per IS 3067:1988, covering:

    • Roof design details
    • Felt coverings and finishes
    • Waterproofing and damp-proofing requirements
  3. Material Quantities (Clause 2.5):

    • Hot applied bitumen: ≥ 2.5 kg/m²
    • Pea-sized gravel/grit: 0.008 m³/m² (coarse sand if gravel unavailable)

Quick Reference Table for Bitumen & Gravel Application

MaterialQuantity per m²Notes
Hot applied bitumen2.5 kg (min)For waterproofing layer
Pea-sized gravel/grit0.008 m³Free 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.

3Definitions

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):

    • Bitumen Felt: A sheet material made by impregnating or coating a base (hessian, glass fibre, or fibre base) with bitumen.
    • Hot Applied Bitumen: Bitumen heated and applied in molten form.
    • Primer: A preparatory coating applied to surfaces before waterproofing.
    • Grades and Types: Felt types and grades are classified based on base material and finishing (e.g., Type 2 Grade 1 = glass fibre base, self-finished).
  • Specifications for Application Layers (Typical):

    LayerMaterialApplication Rate
    PrimerIS 3384:1986 compliant0.27 l/m² min
    BitumenHot applied bitumen1.2 kg/m² min
    FeltHessian-base or glass fibre baseType 2 or 3, Grade 1 or 2
    Gravel (optional)Pea-sized gravel/grit0.006 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.

4Design Considerations

IS 1346: Design Considerations Summary

  1. General Design Requirements (Clause 4.1):

    • Designer must refer to IS 3067:1988 for sufficient information on roof design, felt coverings, and finishes.
    • Consider durability, waterproofing, and compatibility with roofing materials.
  2. Referenced Standards (Annex A, Clause 2.1):
    Key IS codes for materials and methods related to waterproofing and roofing:

    IS No.Title
    702:1988Industrial bitumen specification
    1203:1978Testing tar & bituminous penetration
    1322:1982Bitumen felts for waterproofing
    3067:1988Design & preparatory work for damp-proofing
    3384:1986Bitumen primer for waterproofing
    1609:1976Laying damp-proofing with bitumen felts
    2690 (Part 1 & 2):1975Burnt clay flat terracing tiles
  3. Surface Finish (Clause 6.4.1):

    • Surface finish should ensure proper adhesion and protection of waterproofing layers.

Key Design Considerations Checklist:

  • Material compatibility: Bitumen, felts, tiles per IS specifications.
  • Waterproofing layers: Follow IS 3067 and IS 1609 for detailing.
  • Maintenance: Refer to inspection guidelines in Clause 2.1.
  • Durability: Use industrial bitumen per IS 702.
  • Surface preparation: Clean, dry, and smooth as per Clause 6.4.1.

Typical Design Formula (from IS 3067/related codes):

[ \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.

5Materials

IS 1346 - Materials for Waterproofing: Key Specifications

  • Bitumen Grades (IS 702:1988):

    • Industrial blown bitumen Grade 85/25 or 90/15 for bonding between felts and roof.
    • For top dressing, bitumen with penetration ≤ 40 (IS 1203:1978).
    • Vertical surfaces:
      • Up to 1 m height: Grade 85/25 or 90/15.
      • Above 1 m height: Grade 115/15.
  • Bitumen Application Rates:

    • Hot applied bitumen: 1.2 kg/m² minimum between layers.
    • For final layer: 2.5 kg/m² minimum (Clause 2.5).
  • Felt Types:

    • Hessian-base self-finished felt: Type 3, Grade 1.
    • Glass fibre base bitumen felt: Type 2, Grade 1.
    • Fibre-base self-finished felt: Type 2, Grade 1 or Grade 2.
  • Top Dressing:

    • Pea-sized gravel or grit (free of fine sand) at 0.006 to 0.008 m³/m².
    • Coarse sand allowed if gravel unavailable.
  • Primer:

    • IS 3384:1986 compliant primer at 0.27 l/m² minimum.

Summary Table:

MaterialSpecification / GradeApplication Rate
Bitumen (bonding)IS 702:1988 Grade 85/25, 90/151.2 kg/m² (min)
Bitumen (top dressing)Penetration ≤ 40 (IS 1203)2.5 kg/m² (min)
PrimerIS 3384:19860.27 l/m² (min)
FeltsHessian Type 3 Grade 1 / Glass fibre Type 2 Grade 1As per layer specification
Top dressing aggregatePea gravel or grit0.006 - 0.008 m³/m²

flowchart TD
    A[Roof Surface]
6Waterproofing Treatment

IS 1346 Waterproofing Treatment - Key Specifications & Formulas


1. Types of Waterproofing Treatments

Treatment TypeLayers / CoursesKey Materials & Rates
Floating Treatment (Clause 3.3)5 layers1) 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 layers1) 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 layers1) Primer (IS 3384:1986) @ 0.27 l/m² min<br>... (other layers similar to floating or heavy treatment)

2. Timber Roof Treatment (Clause 1.2)

  • Hot applied bitumen @ 1.2 kg/m² min
  • Two coats of bituminous paint @ 0.1 l/m² per coat
    OR
  • Single coat of bituminous emulsion @ 0.5 l/m²

3. General Notes

  • Bitumen application rates are minimum.
  • Gravel or grit must be pea-sized and free from fine sand.
  • Primer conforms to IS 3384:1986.
  • Felt types and grades are specified for durability and adhesion
7Method of Laying Waterproofing Treatment

IS 1346: Method of Laying Waterproofing Treatment

Key Specifications & Layers (per m²)

Treatment TypeLayer No.Material DescriptionApplication Rate
Light Treatment1Hot applied bitumen1.2 kg/m² (Min)
2Hessian-base felt Type 3 Grade 1 or Glass fibre base Type 2 Grade 1-
3Hot applied bitumen1.2 kg/m² (Min)
4Pea-sized gravel or grit (no fine sand)0.006 m³/m²
Floating Treatment1Fibre-base bitumen saturated underlay Type 1-
2Hot applied bitumen1.2 kg/m² (Min)
3Fibre-base self-finished felt Type 2 Grade 1 or 2-
4Hot applied bitumen1.2 kg/m² (Min)
5Pea-sized gravel or grit (no fine sand)0.008 m³/m²
Heavy Treatment1Primer as per IS 3384:19860.27 l/m² (Min)
2Hot applied bitumen1.2 kg/m² (Min)
3Hessian-base felt Type 3 Grade 1 or Glass fibre base Type 2 Grade 1-
4Hot applied bitumen1.2 kg/m² (Min)
5Hessian-base felt Type 3 Grade 1 or Glass fibre base Type 2 Grade 1-
6Hot applied bitumen1.2 kg/m² (Min)
7Pea-sized gravel or grit (no fine sand)0.006 m³/m²
8Inspection and Maintenance

IS 1346: Inspection and Maintenance - Key Points

1. Sequence of Operation for Roof Maintenance (Clause 7.1)

  • Preparatory work as per IS 3067:1988 (damp-proofing details)
  • Collect & store materials/tools
  • Clean roof surface (remove foreign matter)
  • Treat gutters and drain mouths
  • Treat main roof (flat or sloping)
  • Treat flashings and projecting pipes
  • Apply top dressing: gravel, grit, tiles, concrete protection, or paints/emulsion
  • Clean and remove surplus materials

2. Material Specifications (Clause 2.5)

  • Hot applied bitumen: Minimum 2.5 kg/m²
  • Pea-sized gravel or grit (free from fine sand): 0.008 m³/m²
    • Note: Coarse sand can substitute if pea gravel unavailable.

3. Referenced IS Codes for Materials & Methods

IS No.Title
702:1988Industrial bitumen specification
1203:1978Bituminous material penetration test
3067:1988Damp-proofing design & preparatory work
1322:1982Bitumen felts for waterproofing
1609:1976Laying damp-proofing using bitumen felts
1834:1984Hot applied sealing compound for concrete joints

Summary Table: Bitumen & Gravel Application

MaterialRate/QuantityNotes
Hot applied bitumen≥ 2.5 kg/m²Ensures waterproofing layer
Pea-sized gravel0.008 m³/m²Free 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

Annex AList of Referred Indian Standards

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 : 1988Specification for industrial bitumen (Second Revision)
1203 : 1978Method of testing tar and bituminous material: Determination of penetration
1237 : 1980Specification for cement concrete flooring tiles
1322 : 1982Specification for bitumen felts for waterproofing and damp-proofing
1609 : 1976Code of practice for laying damp-proofing treatment using bitumen felts
1834 : 1984Specification for hot applied sealing compound for joints in concrete
2690 (Part 1 & 2) : 1975Specification for burnt clay flat terracing tiles (Machine & Handmade)
3067 : 1988Code of practice for general design details and preparatory work for damp-proofing
3384 : 1986Specification for bitumen primer for use in waterproofing and damp-proofing
4911 : 1986Glossary of terms relating to bituminous waterproofing and damp-proofing
7193 : 1974Specification for glass fibre base coal tar pitch and bitumen felts

Usage Notes:

  • These standards complement IS 1346 for comprehensive waterproofing design and materials testing.
  • Refer to each IS for detailed specifications, testing methods, and application guidelines.

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.

Popular Questions About IS 1346

?What types and grades of bitumen felts are recommended for different roof constructions?

Recommended Types and Grades of Bitumen Felts (IS 1346)

  • Bonding Bitumen Grades (Clause 5.4):

    • Between felt and roof & between felts: Industrial blown bitumen Grade 85/25 or 90/15 (IS 702:1988).
    • For vertical surfaces up to 1 m height: Grade 85/25 or 90/15.
    • Above 1 m height: Grade 115/15.
  • Waterproofing Treatment (Clause 6 & 1.2):

    • Light Treatment:

      • Hot applied bitumen: min. 1.2 kg/m².
      • Fibre-base self-finished felt: Type 2, Grade 1 or 2.
      • Hessian based felt: Type 3, Grade 1.
      • Glass fibre base felt: Type 2, Grade 1.
    • Heavy Treatment:

      • Fibre-base self-finished felt: Type 2, Grade 1.
      • Hessian based felt: Type 3, Grade 2.
      • Glass fibre base felt: Type 2, Grade 2.
      • Hot applied bitumen: min. 1.2 kg/m².
  • Standards Compliance:

    • Felts must comply with IS 1322:1982 and IS 7193:1974.

Summary Table

Roof ConstructionFelt Type & GradeBitumen Grade (Bonding)Bitumen Application Rate
Horizontal RoofsFibre-base Type 2, Grade 1 or 285/25 or 90/15≥ 1.2 kg/m²
Vertical ≤1 mSame as horizontal85/25 or 90/15-
Vertical >1 mSame as horizontal115/15-
Heavy Duty RoofsHessian Type 3 Grade 2, Glass fibre Type 2 Grade 285/25 or 90/15≥ 1.2 kg/m²

This ensures durable adhesion and waterproof

?How should the roof surface be prepared before applying bitumen felt waterproofing?

Preparation of Roof Surface before Bitumen Felt Waterproofing (IS 1346):

  • Clean Thoroughly: Remove all foreign matter such as fungus, moss, dust, etc., by wire brushing and dusting (Clause 7.2).
  • Ensure Dryness: Cement or lime work must be fully set and dried before waterproofing (Clause 7.2).
  • Slope Provision: Provide a minimum slope of 1:100 to avoid water stagnation (Clause 7.2).
  • Apply Bitumen Primer: Brush industrial blown type bitumen primer (Grade 85/25 or 90/15 per IS 702:1988) uniformly and allow it to dry completely (Clause 7.2.1.1).
  • Optional Felt Layer: Use a bitumen saturated felt layer between roof and first self-finished felt if isolation from structure is needed (Clause 3.4).

Summary Table: Bitumen Grades for Bonding

ApplicationBitumen Grade (IS 702:1988)Penetration (IS 1203:1978)
Roof Surface & Felt Bonding85/25 or 90/15≤ 40
Vertical Surface ≤ 1m height85/25 or 90/15
Vertical Surface > 1m height115/15

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?What is the proper method for layering and bonding multiple bitumen felt sheets?

Proper Method for Layering and Bonding Multiple Bitumen Felt Sheets (IS 1346):

  • Priming: Apply a priming coat on the surface (roof or gutter) before laying felt.
  • First Layer: Bond the first layer of bitumen felt to the primed surface using hot bitumen adhesive.
  • Subsequent Layers: Apply the second and further layers with hot bitumen bonding material, ensuring:
    • Overlapping joints between sheets.
    • Secure bonding between layers.
  • Gutters: Provide at least one extra layer of felt compared to the roof proper (minimum two layers), with each layer bonded by hot bitumen.

Summary Table:

StepDescription
PrimingApply priming coat on surface
First Layer BondingHot bitumen adhesive to bond felt to surface
Subsequent LayersHot bitumen bonding with overlapping joints
GuttersMinimum 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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?How are parapet walls, gutters, and flashings treated to ensure waterproofing continuity?

To ensure waterproofing continuity for parapet walls, gutters, and flashings as per IS 1346:

  • Parapet Walls (Clause 7.2.2 & 7.3.4):

    • Use felt flashing with minimum 100 mm laps.
    • Lower edge overlaps roof felt; upper edge tucked into groove in parapet.
    • Joints staggered between layers.
    • For masonry parapets, treat flashings as above.
    • For timber walls, flashings are bonded over felt turn-up and angle fillet, secured with timber battens.
  • Gutters (Clause 7.2.4.3 & 7.4.1):

    • Flashings laid separately at gutter sides, carried under roof eaves.
    • For shell roofs, provide one extra felt layer in valley gutters.
    • Felt extends at least 150 mm above anticipated standing water.
    • Felts laid parallel to runoff; in curved shells, felts follow curvature.
  • General:

    • All joints in felt flashings must be sealed and lapped 100 mm.
    • Secure upper edges firmly to prevent water ingress.
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This systematic layering and secure fixing maintain waterproofing continuity at critical junctions.

?What maintenance practices are recommended to prolong the life of bitumen felt waterproofing?

To prolong the life of bitumen felt waterproofing as per IS 1346:

  • Periodic Inspection: Conduct detailed inspections before the rainy season (Clause 8.1) to detect and repair defects early.
  • Proper Surface Preparation: Ensure the roof surface is clean, dry, and primed before laying felt (Clause 3.4).
  • Use Correct Bonding Bitumen: Use industrial blown bitumen Grade 85/25 or 90/15 for bonding between felt layers and roof (Clause 5.4).
  • Seal Joints Carefully: Overlapping and lap joints must be sealed properly with hot bitumen to avoid water ingress.
  • Drainage Maintenance: Keep drainage openings clear and well-treated to prevent water ponding.
  • Protect Parapet and Vertical Surfaces: Apply recommended bitumen grades (85/25 or 90/15 up to 1m height, 115/15 above) to vertical surfaces (Clause 5.4).
  • Avoid Mechanical Damage: Prevent foot traffic or heavy loads on the waterproofed surface.

Regular maintenance and careful application ensure durability and effective waterproofing.

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