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IS 1047:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for cold applied bituminous waterproofing materials - specification. This code specifies the requirements and testing methods for cold-applied bituminous materials (both solvent-based solutions and water-based emulsions) used for waterproofing and damp-proofing. Engineers and contractors use it to govern the quality, drying time, and flexibility of liquid-applied bituminous coatings on foundations, basements, and roofs.
Specifies requirements for various types of cold-applied bituminous materials used for waterproofing purposes.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
! Cold applied bitumen is safer for confined spaces (like basements) as it eliminates the fire hazards and noxious fumes associated with heating solid bitumen.
! Solvent-based coatings must only be applied to completely dry surfaces to prevent blistering.
! Surfaces should generally be prepared and treated with a compatible bituminous primer (refer to IS 3384) prior to application for optimal adhesion.
Standard Specification for Asphalt Roof Cement, Asbestos-Free
Covers trowel-grade bituminous cement for patching and flashing, very similar to IS 1047 Type 2.
ASTM D4479 / D4479M - 19ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Asphalt Roof Coatings - Asbestos-Free
Specifies brushable asphalt coatings for roofing, analogous to IS 1047 Type 1 but with a focus on roof applications.
BS EN 15814:2011+A2:2014BSI / CEN, UK / Europe
MediumCurrent
Polymer modified bituminous thick coatings for waterproofing - Definitions, requirements and test methods
A modern standard for thick, polymer-modified bituminous waterproofing, representing an advanced evolution of the IS 1047 concept.
BS 6949:1991British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighWithdrawn
Specification for bitumen-based coatings for cold application, excluding use for roofs and potable water tanks
A historically close standard covering general-purpose cold-applied bituminous damp-proofing coatings.
Key Differences
≠IS 1047:1985 is prescriptive, defining composition limits (e.g., ash, volatile matter). Modern standards like BS EN 15814 are performance-based, specifying required outcomes like crack-bridging ability and water tightness under pressure.
≠Modern ASTM standards (e.g., D4586, D4479) explicitly require materials to be 'asbestos-free'. The 1985 version of IS 1047 does not address asbestos, which was a common filler at the time.
≠Advanced international standards like BS EN 15814 cover polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) for enhanced flexibility and durability, a technology not specified or required in the older IS 1047.
≠IS 1047 provides broad classifications (Type 1-Brushing, Type 2-Trowelling) for general use. ASTM standards are more application-specific (e.g., D4479 for 'coatings', D4586 for 'cement/mastic'), providing clearer use-case guidance.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are fundamentally based on bituminous binders (asphalt/bitumen) as the primary waterproofing agent.
≈The core concept of providing both a thinner, brushable grade (IS Type 1) and a thicker, trowelable mastic grade (IS Type 2) is common across the IS and ASTM standards.
≈Core performance tests share similar principles, including checks for heat resistance (sag/flow test), water resistance via immersion, and consistency/workability.
≈All referenced standards specify materials intended for cold application at ambient temperatures, distinguishing them from hot-applied bitumen or torch-on membranes.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Heat Resistance (Sag Test)
No flow or slip at 70°C for 2 hours.
No sag or slip > 3.2 mm (1/8 in) at 60°C for 2 hours.
ASTM D4586
Flexibility / Pliability (at low temp)
No cracking when bent over a 12 mm mandrel at 10°C.
No cracking or flaking when bent over a 25 mm (1 in) mandrel at 0°C.
ASTM D4586
Volatile Matter (Trowel Grade)
15% to 30% by mass (Type 2)
Max 25% by mass (Type II, Trowelable)
ASTM D4586
Ash Content (Trowel Grade)
20% to 40% by mass (Type 2)
20% to 40% by mass (Type II, Trowelable)
ASTM D4586
Water Resistance
Immersed 24h, film shows no blistering or loss of adhesion.
Immersed 24h, film shows no blistering or re-emulsification.
ASTM D4586
Nonvolatile Matter (Brush Grade)
Min 50% by mass (Type 1)
Min 50% by mass (Type I, solvent based)
ASTM D4479
Drying Time
Free from tackiness in not more than 24 hours.
Shall set to the touch in 8 hours and be firm-set in 24 hours.
ASTM D4479
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Drying time (surface dry), max4 hours
Drying time (hard dry), max24 hours
Flash point for solvent-based (Abel), min30°C
Flexibility at 0°CNo cracking or flaking
Resistance to water (Stripping test)No stripping of bituminous film
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Cold Applied Bituminous Waterproofing Materials