Heat-bonded · Cement dams · Leak repair
Torch-on bitumen membranes for cement dams, canals and rigid reservoirs — bonded waterproofing where HDPE sheet lining is not the right fit.
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TORCH-ON DAM LINING
Torch-on bitumen systems support waterproofing and lining work on prepared concrete, cement and selected water-retaining surfaces.
WHY IT MATTERS
Strong adhesion to prepared concrete and gunite
Suitable for localised leak repair and full relines
3 mm and 4 mm membranes for depth and traffic loads
Heat-bonded laps, correctly detailed, reduce the risk of seam failure
15–20 year typical service life on well-prepared substrates (conditions apply; not a guarantee)
Suitable for canals, rigid tanks and cement dams
TECHNICAL DETAIL
Earth dams with soil batters are lined with HDPE or PVC sheet geomembrane. Cement or gunite structures — including some farm dams, irrigation canals and process reservoirs — are better served by torch-on bitumen that bonds directly to the rigid surface. We inspect first and recommend the system that matches structure type, not habit.
Bitumen torch-on is often used on cement reservoir walls and floors, and on canal linings, where a bonded membrane is required. On farms that includes cement dams and irrigation canals after the concrete is cleaned, primed and dried. A sheet geomembrane cannot anchor to a vertical rigid wall on its own.
Reservoir repairs are quoted when a flexible bonded membrane will outperform a rigid coating. Large earth dams stay on HDPE. A property with both a cement reservoir and an earth dam is specified as two jobs, not one membrane type for both.
Torch-on work is carried out by trained technicians, with fire precautions and hot-work planning around active farms and industrial yards. Surfaces are cleaned, primed and dried before the membrane is laid; overlaps and penetrations are torched to achieve a full bond. House roofs, damp walls and balconies are quoted on our home waterproofing page, not as dam lining.
HOW IT WORKS
From your first enquiry to final handover, Damtech keeps the process clear, practical and hassle-free.
Tell us what you need, including dam linings, waterproofing, steel water tanks, maintenance or repair.
No obligation. No pressure.
We assess the application, site conditions and practical requirements for your project.
Thorough. Practical. Honest.
We recommend a suitable material, system and installation approach for your site.
Clear recommendations.
Our team delivers the agreed service with clear communication and practical workmanship.
On time. On standard.
OUR PROJECTS
Quality materials, expert installation and practical solutions for dam linings, waterproofing and water storage.
550 m² bitumen torch-on lining for cement / structured dam waterproofing.
Hoedspruit structured dam waterproofed with 550 m² bitumen torch-on lining for Lowveld water storage.
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Torch-on bitumen waterproofing for a round concrete dam with an 18 m diameter. Approximately 255 m² circular base footprint, calculated from the 18 m diameter. This is a geometric base-area estimate — not the measured installed membrane quantity. Installed membrane area is higher once walls are included — roughly +130 m² if the wall is 2.3 m high all around (π × 18 m × 2.3 m), plus overlaps, detailing and waste.
Tzaneen round concrete dam waterproofed with torch-on bitumen — 18 m diameter, approximately 255 m² base footprint.
View projectEXPLORE SERVICES
Compare all lining types on our dam linings overview.
FAQ
Often, once the substrate has been assessed for soundness and moisture. Failed sections may be removed before new membrane is torched in place, and severely cracked structures may need structural repair first.
Large earth dams are usually lined with HDPE geomembrane. Torch-on is reserved for rigid concrete, gunite or canal surfaces where heat-bonded adhesion is required.
Yes. Bitumen torch-on is used on cement reservoirs and canal linings where a bonded membrane is required. Large earth dams are lined with HDPE instead — see our dam linings service.
House roofs, damp walls and balconies are quoted as home waterproofing in Pretoria and Gauteng. Cement dams, canals and rigid reservoirs stay on this torch-on dam lining service.
EXPLORE SERVICES
READY TO GET STARTED?
Describe your cement dam, canal or reservoir leak — we will advise on torch-on repair or reline options.