Detail coat

nounStandard termWaterproofing

An extra reinforced layer of membrane at corners, cracks, drains and penetrations before the main coat goes on.

Most leaks start at details, so membrane systems specify an extra layer, often with embedded fabric, at inside and outside corners, cold joints, cracks, drains, pipes and terminations. The detail coat extends several inches each side and is allowed to cure or tack before the field membrane covers it. Inspectors check details before signing off the field coat.

Heard on the job

Detail coat goes on all the drains and the cold joints first, field coat tomorrow once the fabric's set.

Also heard as

  • detailing
  • reinforcing coat
  • stripe coat