Houseboat Waterproofing Guide

Waterproofing your houseboat is essential to protect it from harsh marine conditions, prevent leaks, and extend its lifespan. Using Liquid Rubber DIY products, you can create a strong, flexible, and watertight barrier to keep your houseboat in top condition. Follow this step-by-step guide for a professional, long-lasting finish.

Why Waterproof Your Houseboat?

• Prevent Leaks: Seals seams, joins, and cracks, preventing water intrusion.
• Protect Against Corrosion: Shields metal and wood surfaces from rust and decay.
• Enhance Longevity: Increases the lifespan of your houseboat by reinforcing vulnerable areas.
• Reduce Maintenance Costs: A properly waterproofed surface reduces the need for frequent repairs.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the following tools and materials:

• Liquid Rubber DIY Waterproof Sealant
• Geo-Textile: For reinforcing seams, joints, vents, skylights, and other vulnerable areas.
• Rapid Cure Spray (Optional): Speeds up curing time.
• Primer/Sealer:
  • For painted or previously coated surfaces, use Primer/Sealer.
  • For raw metal surfaces or areas sanded down to the metal, use Etch Primer.
• Thermal Coating: White is recommended for optimal heat reflection and UV protection.
• Cleaning Supplies: High-pressure water, detergent, stiff brush, scrubbing pad.
• Repair Tools: Patch repair kit for any pre-existing damage.
• Application Tools: Roller, brush, or spray equipment.
• Safety Gear: Gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask.
• Weather Considerations: Choose a dry day with moderate temperatures, avoiding direct sunlight during application.

Use the House Kit Calculator on our website to determine the exact amount of product you’ll need.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean and Prepare the Surface

• Wash or water-blast the entire houseboat roof or deck surface to remove dirt, debris, and old coatings.
• Use a leaf blower to remove excess water and ensure the surface is completely dry before applying any product.

2. Reinforce Seams, Joins, and Holes

• Pre-cut Geo-Textile to fit over seams, joins, and any holes.
• Apply Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant with a brush over these areas before embedding the pre-cut Geo-Textile into the wet sealant.
• Smooth out the textile to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.
• Once set, instantly spray Rapid Cure Spray to secure the area and speed up the drying process.

3. Seal Screws, Rust, and Railings

• Screws do not require Geo-Textile—simply apply a small amount of Waterproof Sealant over them with a gloved finger.
• Spray Rapid Cure Spray over the treated screws to instantly set the sealant.
• Apply Waterproof Sealant to surface rust, pipes, and railing bases for extra protection. Allow it to cure before proceeding.

4. Apply Waterproof Sealant to the Full Surface

• Once the initial reinforced areas are dry, apply a first coat of Waterproof Sealant using a brush, roller, or spray machine to the entire houseboat roof or deck.
• If rain is expected or to speed up curing, spray Rapid Cure Spray immediately after application.

5. Apply the Final Waterproofing Layers

• Apply a second coat of Waterproof Sealant across the entire surface to ensure a complete waterproof barrier. Additional coats can be applied if required.
• Recommended thickness: 1.5mm dry-film (approximately 2 liters per square meter).
• Allow the product to cure for at least 24 hours per 1mm of thickness (longer in colder weather). A full cure usually takes 2-3 days for optimal performance.

6. Apply the Protective Coating

• Once fully cured, clean the surface again to remove any dirt, salt, or natural debris that may have settled.
• If the surface was previously painted, apply Sealer before adding the final coating. If working with raw metal, apply Etch Primer to ensure proper adhesion.
• Once dry, apply Thermal Coating for additional UV protection and heat reflection. Apply 3 coats over the Waterproof Sealant or 2 coats minimum over primed metal surfaces.

Additional Tips

• Apply products in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sunlight.
• Always ensure surfaces are completely dry before application.
• Use Rapid Cure Spray to set the product quickly and reduce curing time, especially if rain is approaching.
• Waterproofing works best in temperatures between 10°C and 32°C.