Plascon raises the bar for heavy-duty roof waterproofing with new product, Plascon RubberTUFF

Waterproofing is one of the fastest-growing categories in the South African home improvement market, with good reason. Because when roof coatings fail, the damage to homes can be far-reaching. Plascon's new Plascon RubberTUFF Waterproofer is a heavy-duty, reinforced waterproofing system built to protect South African roofs against the conditions that cause most coatings to fail prematurely, while offering retailers a category-leading profit opportunity in a market growing at approximately 10% annually.

At the heart of Plascon RubberTUFF's performance is its rubber-acrylic formulation, which gives the coating exceptional elasticity of up to 400% elongation. This is what makes it tough. As a building's structure expands and contracts with temperature changes, or as existing cracks shift, Plascon RubberTUFF moves with it to prevent cracking under stress. This material property distinguishes a heavy-duty waterproofer from standard roof paint and underpins Plascon RubberTUFF's 12-year guarantee.

Roof coating and dedicated waterproofer in one

Plascon RubberTUFF functions as both a high-performance roof coating and a dedicated waterproofing membrane. In waterproofing mode, it forms a seamless, continuous barrier capable of withstanding water ingress, including on flat or low-pitched areas where water is slow to drain. Straightforward enough for a weekend DIY project, and robust enough for a professional contracting job.

Wide substrate compatibility

Plascon RubberTUFF is suited to the full range of roofing substrates commonly encountered on South African residential and commercial sites, including galvanised iron, Zincalume, Aluzinc and Chromadek sheeting, roof tiles, fibre cement, cementitious surfaces as well as PVC gutters and downpipes. It is appropriate for both new construction and refurbishment projects, and can be applied over previously painted surfaces.

Easy to apply

Plascon RubberTUFF is applied directly from the container by brush, roller or airless spray. A system build of two to three coats is typical for waterproofing applications. Future maintenance is straightforward, with a simple recoat process that extends the system's life without requiring major preparation.

Product details

Finish: Smooth, medium sheenColours: White, Black, Dark Grey, Charcoal, Light Grey, Red, Terracotta, GreenCoverage (roof coating): 8–12 m²/LCoverage (waterproofing): 1.5–2 m²/LDrying time: Touch-dry in 30 minutes; recoatable in 2–4 hours at 23°CPackaging: 5 L and 20 LGuarantee: 12-year quality guarantee (terms apply)

A trusted name behind a heavy-duty product

Waterproofing problems are inconvenient, cause damage and are expensive to repair, and South African homeowners and contractors know it. With climate change, ageing building stock and rapid urbanisation all driving demand in the waterproofing category, Plascon RubberTUFF arrives at exactly the right moment. For retailers, it represents a high-margin addition to the waterproofing shelf from a brand with more than 130 years in the South African coatings market. For homeowners and contractors, it is a trusted, proven solution built for the conditions they face every day.

For technical data, surface preparation guides and stockist information, visit plascon.co.za.

About Plascon

Plascon has led the way in the coatings business since 1889. The company continues to innovate with a focus on developing pioneering products while being conscious of its environmental impact. With an extensive range of high-performance decorative, automotive, industrial and professional coatings, Plascon is set to continue as South Africa’s coatings company of choice.