When it comes to waterproofing, the options can vary in terms of cost, durability, and effectiveness, making your choice crucial for your project’s success. Among the well-established solutions, Aquadefense and Redgard stand out as popular choices. These products have a proven track record of guarding against water-related issues like leaks, shower water damage, and rainwater infiltration. When making the decision between Aquadefense-vs-Redgard for your waterproofing needs, there are several key factors to take into consideration.
Aquadefense Vs Redgard Comparison Chart
| Characteristics | Aquadefense | Redgard |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Aquadefense is a liquid rubber fast drying waterproofing material | Redgard is an elastomeric membrane product |
| Used for | creating waterproof barriers and crack-resistant membranes | Under tile and stone applications as a waterproof barrier |
| Similarities | Both products are popular for creating secondary and primary waterproof barriers in commercial and residential installations | In our opinion, you won’t go wrong using either of these products for your waterproofing projects. |
| Suitable for | 1. Aquadefense is useable under flooring 2. On walls behind tile or other surface treatments on ceilings, and in high-temperature areas like saunas and steam rooms. | 1. Redgard is suitable as a substrate waterproofing application in showers 2. Steam rooms and saunas 3. Fountains and swimming pools before applying a finish covering 4. Hot tubs and spas 5. Redgard as a base coat covering with a proper finish coat |
| Application area | 1. Balconies and Terraces 2. Bathrooms and Shower 3. Cubicles Laundry Rooms 4. Hot and Wet Environments 5. Exterior Areas | Balconies and terraces |
| Advantage | 1. No mixing is required 2. Solid instruction 3. Fast drying | 1. Hot water exposure is not a problem for Redgard 2. Ready-to-use formulation of Redgard 3. Quick-dry formula |
| Usable on | Existing concrete, Plasterboard, Cement board, Existing coatings | 1. Suitable shower pan product 2. Makes a great substrate preparation material to seal and waterproof swimming pools and hot tub |
| Disadvantage | 1. Can’t use where structural cracks over 1/8 inch exist 2. You should not apply Aquadefense If your substrate contains asbestos 3. The substrate material must be relatively low in moisture 4. Aquadefense must have two coats applied according to Mapei’s application instructions | 1. Don’t apply if temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit within 72 hours of applying the product 2. Surfaces that are too wet or suffer from hydrostatic pressure are not candidates for the application of Redgard 3. Redgard must have a suitable finish layer installed 4. Redgard is not suitable as a finish coat and must be protected by another material. 5. Redgard has no adhesive qualities |
| Comment | I like the ease of application and cleanup system. Aquadefense beats Redgard in terms of use cases and handling hydrostatic pressure | I like the applications methods include rolling, troweling, and spraying. |
| Price | 1 Gallon Latest Price 5 Gallon Latest Price | 1 Gallon Latest Price 3.5 Gallon Latest Price |
Advantages of Aquadefense Waterproof
Aquadefense has notable strengths that set it apart from other products:
- Enhanced Strength and Durability: Its robust and thick composition eliminates the need for frequent re-coating, making maintenance easier.
- Resilience: Unlike similar alternatives, it remains free from swelling, cracking, and damage caused by mold, mildew, and insects.
- UV Resistance: Its exceptional resistance to UV damage ensures a prolonged lifespan, particularly in sunlight-exposed areas. This translates to substantial cost savings, as you won’t need to reapply coatings frequently.
- Flexibility: Aquadefense boasts high flexibility, allowing it to stretch and adapt to wood movement. This prevents cracks and brittleness that often arise from moisture exposure, reducing the likelihood of early structural failures due to water damage.
In a nutshell, Aquadefense stands out as a reliable solution offering lasting protection and cost-efficiency, making it a strong contender for your waterproofing needs.
Advantages of Redgard Waterproofing
Redgard presents itself as a robust waterproofing solution with an epoxy-based composition. Its remarkable strength and flexibility make it an appealing choice, suitable for both interior and exterior applications. Notably, it excels in highly wet conditions, distinguishing it from other alternatives. Its aesthetic appeal remains intact even in challenging environments, setting it apart from options like cement board, which necessitates additional sealants upon installation. The affordability of Redgard also positions it favorably among alternatives. Additionally, it meets required code standards when appropriately incorporated into construction planning and applied correctly. This makes Redgard a well-rounded option that balances performance, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Disadvantages Aquadefense
- Where structural cracks over 1/8 inch exist, cannot be used Aquadefense.
- people should not apply Aquadefense if their substrate contains any form of asbestos.
- The substrate material must have low amounts of moisture.
- The two layers of the Aquadefense should be applied as instructed by Mapei.
Disadvantages of Redgard
- Don’t apply if the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit within 72 hours of applying this product.
- Redgard is unsuitable for surfaces with too much moisture or high hydrostatic pressure.
- Installing a suitable finish layer is necessary.
- Redgard is not a protective coating and needs to be painted with an alternate surface material for this purpose.
- Redgard lacks adhesive qualities.
Applying the Process of Aquadefense
Application of Aquadefense is a straightforward process, offering flexibility based on your needs. When treating surfaces above ground, a simple spray or roll-on method can be employed, allowing the solution to air-dry naturally. To expedite drying, a blow dryer can be used. Conversely, for surfaces located below ground where moisture and dirt intrusion is more concerning, a robust waterproof barrier becomes crucial. In such scenarios, it’s advisable to utilize an appropriate sealant to effectively apply Aquadefense, ensuring comprehensive protection against potential pests and moisture issues.
As with any product, it’s essential to meticulously adhere to the provided guidelines when utilizing it. If uncertainties arise regarding your unique circumstances, it’s recommended to seek advice from a pest control professional with expertise before initiating any treatments. During the treatment process or at all times, ensure that the product remains inaccessible to children and pets to prevent potential harm. Additionally, while applying any pest control solution, it’s advisable to avoid inhaling any vapors for your safety.
Applying Process of Redgard
When it comes to waterproofing walls, floors, and foundations, our standard approach involves the application of two layers of RedGard onto all external surfaces that come into contact with water. To ensure optimal results, we initiate the process with an adhesion promoter, followed by the application of our waterproofing products. The specifics of this process might vary depending on the extent of protection needed.
It’s worth noting that the application of RedGard holds significant importance. This meticulous process serves to prevent water from infiltrating gaps between slabs and plays a crucial role in preventing the occurrence of evaporation within wall cavities, which might have been an issue due to past subpar application practices.
In contemporary construction practices, contractors commonly employ the ‘puddling’ installation method. This technique utilizes liquid asphalt, often in the form of hot tar, which is skillfully applied using trowels. The process involves spreading the material until it naturally converges and then carefully brushing off the excess. This results in the formation of thick, impervious coats over extensive surfaces, which subsequently become water-resistant after undergoing the drying process.
Price Range Of Both Products
Comparing the price ranges of both products is a crucial step. Take the time to closely evaluate the offerings of each, considering their features and applications. Instead of solely focusing on the cost, assess this comparison holistically. While the price range of RedGard is slightly higher than that of AquaDefense, the decision should be based on a comprehensive evaluation rather than a mere price comparison.
Final Thoughts on Both Products and Which One Is Better
Both RedGard and AquaDefense excel in waterproofing capabilities. While AquaDefense exhibits greater versatility compared to RedGard, I personally appreciate the user-friendly application and cleanup process of RedGard, which can be applied through rolling, troweling, or spraying.
AquaDefense boasts a broader range of applications than RedGard and stands out in handling hydrostatic pressure. This makes it superior to RedGard in terms of hydrostatic pressure resistance and overall application scenarios. Apart from these distinctions, these two products share many similarities. The ultimate decision now rests in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions are Answered
How Do I Determine If My Home Requires Waterproofing?
When considering waterproofing, many homeowners ponder if it’s necessary for their situation. If you reside in an area prone to abundant rain and snow, if your basement frequently floods during storms, or if musty odors emanate from your basement walls seasonally, you might be contemplating the benefits of waterproofing.
Thankfully, there are distinct signs that a waterproofing professional can detect to answer this query. Keep an eye out for issues like plumbing troubles, foundation wall cracks, or deteriorating floor joists. Should any of these problems arise, water infiltration could be causing interior harm; however, an expert waterproofer can provide a definitive assessment.
Can AquaDefense Be Tiled Over?
Absolutely, you can tile over AquaDefense without worry. In fact, AquaDefense is designed for tiling purposes. The advantage is that you don’t need to remove it from your floor or wall before tiling. It remains robust beneath tiles and won’t deteriorate. To be cautious, consider placing a paper towel or a similar material over it during tiling to prevent any accidental water spills during the installation process.
Is One Coat of RedGard Adequate?
No, for effective waterproofing, applying a minimum of 2 coats of RedGard to your basement walls is recommended. This ensures comprehensive coverage, sealing any potential gaps between layers, and creating a resilient waterproof barrier capable of withstanding heavy rain and flooding.
Can AquaDefense Be Applied on Drywall?
Certainly, AquaDefense can be utilized on drywall. Unlike other wet-spray products, AquaDefense doesn’t necessitate a damp surface before application. It adheres well to drywall, similar to an unbroken block wall. It’s advisable to conduct a small test on an inconspicuous area before full application to gauge its performance.
Can AquaDefense Be Painted?
Absolutely, AquaDefense is paintable and holds a well-kept secret: many DIY enthusiasts use it as a primer for paints due to its exceptional adhesion to various surfaces. Pairing AquaDefense with your paint can lead to longer-lasting, more effective paint results, enhancing overall durability and adherence.
Can You Paint Over a Waterproof Membrane?
Given that our membranes are designed for a permanent watertight seal, painting over them is not recommended. If you opt to paint, consulting a professional to ensure paint compatibility with RedGard waterproofing is advisable.
Can You Apply RedGard on Drywall?
Yes, both our RedGard and AquaDefense coatings are suitable for new or existing drywall. For optimal results, ensure your walls are free from dirt or dust before applying.
Is RedGard Effective for Shower Walls?
Absolutely, RedGard is suitable for shower walls. Its pH-neutral formula ensures safety for most surfaces, including stone, ceramic tile, glass, fiberglass, grout, and mortar.
Can AquaDefense Be Used on Plywood?
Indeed, AquaDefense is plywood-friendly. As a water-based formula, it safeguards plywood from water-related damage. Applying it after framing is crucial, preventing AquaDefense from permeating core components like interior walls or support beams, which could weaken them over time. Allow a minimum of two hours of drying time before placing flooring materials atop the treated surface.
Will Thinset Adhere to AquaDefense or RedGard?
Since AquaDefense and RedGard are synthetic fabrics, it’s advised not to use cement adhesive with them. If a thin set or mortar is applied, they should be mixed with a joint compound. Apply this mixture to both sides of AquaDefense or RedGard before installation. By following this approach, you’ll ensure proper adherence without issues between thin-set and AquaDefense or RedGard.
Conclusion
In closing, there is no one perfect solution for everyone. However, I think it’s fair to say that both of these products are quality waterproofing products and either could be a very good option for you. We’ll leave it up to you to decide which way works best for your situation.