The following table explains the advantages of RAWMAT® HDB over Thermoplastics in more detail.
| Thermoplastics | RAWMAT® HDB |
|---|---|
| Require smooth lean concrete blinding before application. | RAWMAT® HDB can be laid directly onto a compacted sub-base, often no oversite blinding required. |
| Can be laid in rain but seams are difficult to weld effectively. | RAWMAT® HDB can be laid in any weather and onto wet concrete or other surfaces. |
| Very labour intensive using highly trained specialist installers. | RAWMAT® HDB can be laid quickly and easily by unskilled labour. |
| Welding of seams is very complex operation. | RAWMAT® HDB forms self sealing overlaps, no welding, tapes or rolling required to seal joints. |
| Unbonded and so leaks are not localised. | Bentonite bonds permenantly to the structure, no possibility of tracking. |
| Protection is always required, boards or geotextiles. | In most applications no need for protection boards or geotextiles. |
| Spot-fixed with adhesives. | RAWMAT® HDB is nailed to the structure and will self-seal to punctures. |
| Once punctured no self-healing - difficult to locate & repair. | RAWMAT® HDB will self-seal to punctures; bentonite bonds permenantly to the structure, with no possibility of tracking. |
| PVC breaks down in contact with bitumen. | RAWMAT® HDB is highly resistant to hydrocarbons including bitumen. |
| Not robust. | RAWMAT® HDB is a very robust material which can withstand the rigours of construction sites. |