Crack Reduction & Waterproofing Membranes
When planning a new floor installation, most people focus on the finish — the beautiful tiles, polished stone, or smooth microcement surface that will be underfoot. But beneath that decorative layer lies a critical safeguard that can make or break your floor’s durability: an anti-fracture and waterproofing membrane. This invisible protector not only shields against cracks but also creates a watertight barrier.
In this guide, we’ll break down what these membranes do, why they matter, and how to choose the right one for your next project.
What Is a Crack Reduction or Anti-Fracture Membrane?
A crack reduction membrane (sometimes called an anti-fracture membrane) is a specially engineered layer installed between the subfloor and the finished floor covering. Think of it as a shock absorber; when the underlying substrate moves, shifts, or expands, the membrane flexes with it, stopping cracks from transferring to the visible surface.
Without this protective layer, small structural movements or thermal changes can quickly lead to fractures in tiles, stone, or renders. Over time, this not only affects appearance but can compromise the structural integrity of the flooring system.
For high-performance solutions, liquid-applied membranes — like SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ — offer exceptional flexibility to adapt to movement. To be exact, Liquid Membrane boasts an unmatched 1300% elongation, meaning it can stretch up to 13 times its length without breaking.
The Dual Benefit: Crack Protection + Waterproofing
The best membranes are multi-purpose. Ours doubles as a waterproofing solution, which is especially critical for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms, showers, kitchens, and outdoor areas. Prevent leaks and protect against spills, steam damage, rain, humidity and temperature swings.
By choosing a two-in-one membrane that’s both flexible and waterproof, you’re protecting your floors from two of their greatest enemies: movement and moisture. But choosing a liquid membrane goes one step further — because it allows you to apply it yourself.
Where sheet membranes require careful seam sealing and aren’t user-friendly, a liquid formula provides seamless coverage and is easy to install with just a roller or brush in just 2-3 coats. They can even bridge minor cracks in existing substrates (up to 6mm) and can be reinforced with fabric/mesh for further stabilisation.
The most critical part of installation is ensuring you prepare the substrate correctly; we have instructions on how to do this here.
Protect Your Flooring
Flooring is one of the most expensive finishes in any build, and one of the most disruptive to repair. A crack reduction and waterproofing membrane provides insurance against both visible damage and hidden problems. When you consider the potential savings in maintenance and the peace of mind of knowing your floors are protected, the decision becomes an easy one. Shop SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ now.