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IS 6494 : 1988Code of practice for waterproofing of concrete roof slabs

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BS 6229 · ACI 222.3R · ASTM D6622 / D6622M - 15(2021)
CurrentFrequently UsedCode of PracticeBIMArchitectural · Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
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OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 6494:1988 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for waterproofing of concrete roof slabs. This code of practice provides guidelines for the waterproofing of flat and sloped concrete roof slabs in buildings. It covers various waterproofing systems including bitumen felts, mastic asphalt, and plastic sheeting, detailing material requirements, surface preparation, application techniques, and protective finishes. The standard emphasizes the importance of proper drainage, detailing at junctions, and maintenance for long-term effectiveness.

Lays down the recommendations for waterproofing of various types of concrete roof slabs using different materials and techniques.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Architectural — Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
Type
Code of Practice
International equivalents
BS 6229:2018 · BSI - British Standards Institution, UKACI 222.3R-11 · ACI - American Concrete Institute, USAASTM D6622 / D6622M - 15(2021) · ASTM International, USA
Typically used with
IS 73IS 1346IS 3384IS 7193IS 1580
Also on InfraLens for IS 6494
5Key values2Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! The single most critical factor for successful roof waterproofing is providing an adequate slope (at least 1 in 100) for positive drainage, which is often overlooked in construction.
! Failures most commonly occur at junctions, such as with parapet walls, pipes, and drains. Meticulous detailing and execution in these areas are non-negotiable.
! Ensure the concrete surface is completely dry, clean, and free of loose material before applying any primer or waterproofing layer to achieve proper adhesion.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3General RecommendationsCl. 3.1SlopeCl. 3.4Treatment at JunctionsCl. 4Waterproofing Treatment with Bitumen FeltsCl. 5Waterproofing Treatment with Mastic AsphaltCl. 8Precautions and Maintenance
Pulled from IS 6494:1988. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
bitumenmastic asphaltfeltplastic sheetingconcrete

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS 6229:2018BSI - British Standards Institution, UK
HighCurrent
Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible sheet coverings - Code of practice
Provides recommendations for the design, materials, application, and maintenance of flat roofs, directly overlapping with IS 6494's objective.
ACI 222.3R-11ACI - American Concrete Institute, USA
HighCurrent
Guide to Design and Construction Practices for Waterproofing Systems for Concrete Structures
Offers a broad guide to waterproofing concrete, including roofs, focusing on system selection and design principles.
ASTM D6622 / D6622M - 15(2021)ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Guide for Application of Fully Adhered Hot-Applied Reinforced Bituminous Roof and Waterproofing Membranes
Specifically covers hot-applied bituminous systems, which are one of the key methods described in IS 6494.
ASTM C898 / C898M - 17ASTM International, USA
LowWithdrawn
Standard Guide for Use of High Solids Content, Cold Liquid-Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane with Separate Wearing Course
Represents a modern alternative (liquid-applied membranes) to the traditional systems in IS 6494, but shares the same goal.
Key Differences
≠IS 6494 is highly prescriptive, detailing traditional materials like tar felts, brickbat coba, and mud phuska. International standards are performance-based, specifying required properties (e.g., tensile strength, elongation) for modern, factory-manufactured systems like single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO) and liquid-applied coatings.
≠IS 6494 integrates thermal insulation with waterproofing through materials like mud phuska or lime concrete (terrace). Modern standards like BS 6229 treat waterproofing and thermal insulation as separate but integrated high-performance layers (e.g., membrane over PIR/XPS insulation boards).
≠The Indian standard focuses on multi-layer, site-built-up systems. International codes extensively cover single-ply membrane systems, which are factory-manufactured to a consistent thickness and quality, reducing on-site variables and labor.
≠Modern international standards provide extremely detailed, engineered solutions for complex details like penetrations, upstands, and terminations. IS 6494 provides more generic guidance for these critical areas, relying on traditional trade practices.
Key Similarities
≈All standards universally emphasize the critical need to provide an adequate slope (fall) on the roof surface to ensure positive drainage and prevent water ponding.
≈Both IS 6494 and its international counterparts stress the necessity of proper substrate preparation, requiring the concrete slab to be clean, dry, sound, and free of contaminants before application of any waterproofing system.
≈The fundamental concept of protecting the primary waterproofing layer from mechanical damage and UV radiation is common. IS 6494 uses brickbat coba or tiles, while international standards use ballast, pavers, or a protection screed.
≈All standards recognize the importance of carrying the waterproofing treatment up adjacent vertical surfaces (parapet walls, etc.) to a minimum height to prevent water ingress at the wall-roof junction.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum Roof Slope (Fall)1 in 100 (for bitumen felt)1 in 80 (minimum finished fall at any point)BS 6229:2018
Minimum Upstand HeightNot less than 150 mm above finished roof level.Minimum 150 mm (6 in.) above the finished roof surface.ACI 222.3R-11 / BS 6229:2018
Bitumen Primer Application Rate0.27 L/m² to 0.3 L/m² depending on surface.Typically 0.2 - 0.4 L/m² (1 gal/100-150 sq ft) or to manufacturer's specification.ASTM D6622 / General Practice
Hot Bitumen Application Rate (per coat)At least 1.2 kg/m² per coat.Typically 1.0 - 1.5 kg/m² (20-30 lbs/100 sq ft) per mopping.ASTM D6622 / General Practice
Protective LayerPrescribed options: Graded screed, brickbat coba, tiles.Options include: cementitious screed, pavers on pedestals, ballast, asphaltic concrete.ACI 222.3R-11
Membrane Elongation at BreakNot specified; performance is based on the composite system.>300% (typical for EPDM/TPO single-ply membranes).ASTM D4637 / D6878
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
Minimum slope for roof drainage1 in 100
Minimum upstand height at parapets/vertical surfaces150 mm
Longitudinal lap for bitumen felts100 mm
End lap for bitumen felts150 mm
Typical thickness for mastic asphalt treatment20 to 25 mm (in two layers)

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Quantities of Materials for Different Grades of Bitumen Felt Waterproofing Treatment on Roofs
Table 2 - Grading of Aggregate for Mastic Asphalt
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - General Recommendations
Clause 3.1 - Slope
Clause 3.4 - Treatment at Junctions
Clause 4 - Waterproofing Treatment with Bitumen Felts
Clause 5 - Waterproofing Treatment with Mastic Asphalt
Clause 8 - Precautions and Maintenance

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 73:2013Paving Bitumen - Specification
→
IS 1346:1991Code of Practice for Waterproofing of Roofs w...
→
IS 3384:1986Code of practice for laying bitumen felt for ...
→
IS 7193:1994glass fibre base bitumen felts
→
IS 1580:1991bituminous compound for water-proofing and ca...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the minimum recommended slope for a concrete roof for waterproofing?+
A slope of at least 1 in 100 should be provided to ensure effective drainage towards outlets (Clause 3.1).
How far up a parapet wall should the waterproofing extend?+
The waterproofing treatment should be carried up parapet walls and other vertical surfaces for a minimum height of 150 mm above the finished roof level (Clause 3.4).
What are the required overlaps for bitumen felt layers?+
A minimum lap of 100 mm at longitudinal joints and 150 mm at end joints is specified for bitumen felt sheets (Clause 4.3.2).
Should a protective layer be applied over the waterproofing?+
Yes, a protective surface finish like gravel spreading, lime-surkhi concrete, or tiles is recommended to protect the treatment from sun exposure and mechanical damage (Clause 4.3.4).

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