Waterproofing methods vary in cost, durability, and effectiveness, so it’s important to choose the best one for your project. Aquadefense and Redgard are two popular products that have been on the market for decades and offer excellent protection against most water-related problems like leaks, shower water, and rainwater damage. When choosing between these two waterproofing materials, consider some important things.
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
- It’s stronger and thicker, meaning it doesn’t need to be re-coated as often as other products.
- It doesn’t swell or crack like similar products do and is resistant to mold, mildew, and insects.
- Because it’s less susceptible to UV damage, it lasts longer in sunlight than many of its competitors. This can save you a lot of money because you don’t have to re-coat your exterior walls and floors every year or two.
- The coating is highly flexible and stretches with wood rather than cracking or becoming brittle over time. This means that you’ll save yourself a lot of money on repairs down the road by keeping moisture away from joints that might otherwise fail early on in your structure’s life cycle due to water damage.
Advantages of Redgard Waterproofing
Redgard is an Epoxy-based waterproofing system, making it a very strong and flexible waterproofing solution. It can be used with all types of interior or exterior applications. Its great performance under extreme wet conditions makes this product stand out over other options while retaining good looks compared to other options, including cement board which requires
additional sealant applied at installation time. The cost for redgard also come on the lower side than others. It will still meet code requirements where needed if one uses it correctly during construction planning stages before application.
Disadvantages Aquadefense
- Where structural cracks over 1/8 inch exist, cannot use 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 Process of Aquadefense
You can spray or roll it on surfaces above the ground and then leave it to dry naturally. Alternatively, you can speed up drying time by using a blow dryer. For surfaces below ground, where pests are more likely to find water sources, you must create a waterproof barrier to protect against moisture and dirt penetration. In these cases, it’s advised that you use an appropriate sealant to apply Aquadefense.
As always, be sure to follow instructions carefully when using any product. If in doubt about your specific situation, consult a professional with experience in pest control before proceeding with any treatments. Keep out of reach of children and pets during treatment or at all times as exposure may cause harm. Avoid breathing vapours during the application of any pest control product.
Applying Process of Redgard
As a waterproofing system for walls, floors and foundations, we typically apply two layers of redgard to all exterior surfaces that are in contact with water. We always use an adhesion promoter first and then apply our waterproofing products. This process can vary depending upon how much protection you actually require.
However, it is important when applying RedGard because it makes sure there isn’t going into gaps between slabs and helps stop evaporation from taking place inside wall cavities due to previous poor application practices.
Today’s most common method used by contractors involves the installation technique known as ‘puddling’. Which uses liquid asphalt such as hot tar applied using trowels until they meet on their own accord before being brushed off, leaving behind thick coats over large expanses, making them impervious after drying out.
Price Range Of Both Products
It’s essential that you compare both products side-by-side and see what your options are in terms of the price given. Each offers a range for different applications with varying features attached, so make decisions based on this comparison alone rather than just comparing price. The price range of redgard is higher than aquadefense but not much higher.
Final Thoughts on Both Products and Which One Is Better
In a sentence, both redgard and aqadefense do well with waterproofing. Aquadefense is a more versatile product than regard, but I like the ease of application and cleanup system of Redgard. You can apply Redgard with rolling, troweling, or spraying.
Aquadefense have more use case than regard, and Redgard cannot handle hydrostatic pressure like aquadefense, so Aquadefense beats it in terms of hydrostatic pressure and use cases. Except that everything is similar with these two products. Now the choice is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions are Answered
How Do I Know If My Home Needs a Waterproofing Solution?
One of the most common questions homeowners have when looking into waterproofing is, do I need it? If you live in an area where rain and snow are plentiful, if your basement often floods during storms, or if you find that musty smells start to float up through your basement walls at certain times of the year, then you’ve probably wondered whether waterproofing could help you.
Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs that a waterproofer can usually look for to answer that question. You can also watch out for things like plumbing problems, cracks in foundation walls, or rotting floor joists. If you notice any of these issues, then water might be seeping into your home—and causing damage from within—but only a professional waterproofer will be able to tell for sure.
Can You Tile Over AquaDefense?
It’s okay to tile over AquaDefense. In fact, AquaDefense was designed for tiling. The good news is that you don’t have to remove it from your floor or wall first. It won’t degrade under tiling. You may want to consider laying a paper towel or something similar over it when you start tiling, though, just in case any excess water accidentally spills onto your floor or wall during installation.
Is one Coat of Redgard Enough?
No. For effective waterproofing, you should apply at least 2 coats of Redgard to your basement walls. This ensures that any gaps in-between coatings are properly sealed, creating a durable waterproof seal that can withstand heavy rainstorms and frequent flooding.
Can You Use AquaDefense on Drywall?
Yes, AquaDefense is one of a handful of products that can be used on drywall. Unlike other wet-spray products, AquaDefense doesn’t require a surface to be damp before you spray it on; you can use it on drywall just as easily as you can use it on an unbroken block wall. We do recommend testing your product on a small, inconspicuous area first to see how it works for you.
Can AquaDefense be Painted?
Yes, AquaDefense is paintable. In fact, it’s one of our best-kept secrets that we get many DIYers to use this product as primers for their paints because of how well it adheres to most surfaces. As a result, your paint will last longer, stick better and overall be more effective when you pair it with AquaDefense!
Know More: 4 Best Wood Graining Tools in 2022
Can You Paint Over a Waterproof Membrane?
Since our membranes are designed to maintain a permanent watertight seal, it’s not advisable to paint over them. If you do choose to paint, it’s recommended that you consult with a professional to determine if your choice of paint is compatible with Redgard waterproofing.
Can You Use Redgard on Drywall?
Yes, our Redgard and AquaDefense coatings can be applied to new or existing drywall. For best results with either option, ensure that your walls are free of any dirt or dust before applying.
Know More: 5 Best Drywall Taping Tools in 2022
Is Redgard Good for Shower Walls?
Yes. The pH-neutral formula of Redgard is safe for most surfaces, including stone, ceramic tile, glass, fibreglass, grout and mortar.
Know More: What is Redgard and How to Use It Efficiently
Can You Use AquaDefense on Plywood?
Yes. AquaDefense uses a water-based formula, so it’s not only safe for wood but can actually help protect plywood from damage caused by water exposure. The key is to apply it after completing all of your framings. This prevents AquaDefense from soaking into any core components, like interior walls or support beams, which might weaken them over time. We typically recommend that you allow at least two hours of drying time between applying and placing flooring materials on top of your treated surface.
Will Thinset Stick to AquaDefense or Redgard?
Because aquadefense and redgard are synthetic fabrics, it’s recommended that you not use tile with cement adhesive. If thinset or mortar is used, they should be mixed with a joint compound. The joint compound should then be applied to both sides of aquadefense or redgard before it is installed on your wall. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have no problems with thinset sticking to 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.
