Cistern Coatings & Liquid-Applied Waterproofing Membranes
A seamless waterproof membrane that bonds to prepared concrete. A lighter alternative to a fabricated liner when your cistern's concrete is sound.
- Seamless: no fabricated seams
- Bonds directly to the prepared cistern
- Localized areas can often be repaired or recoated
No exact measurements needed. Phone photos are fine.
- 5 years in businessHundreds of custom liners supplied
- NSF/ANSI/CAN 61Food-grade liner material
- 10-year warrantyManufacturer coverage, seams included
- Shipped across CanadaDIY or professional install
Benefits of liquid-applied membranes
Seamless waterproofing
A continuous membrane with no fabricated seams.
Bonds to the cistern
The membrane becomes part of the prepared substrate.
Protects the structure
A suitable system isolates stored water from the concrete.
Repairable
Localized areas may be repaired or recoated, depending on the system.
A multi-layer system built for water storage
Coatings are applied in layers to a properly prepared surface and designed for long-term water storage. Surface preparation and cure time matter most, which is why we inspect before we recommend.
If your concrete has significant cracking or movement, a fabricated custom liner is usually the better choice. We'll tell you either way.
Cistern coating vs. custom liner vs. replacement
| Your situation | Best-fit option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sound concrete, no major movement | Liquid-applied coating | Bonds to well-prepared concrete as a seamless membrane. |
| Cracked, porous or deteriorating interior | Custom liner | An independent barrier that doesn't depend on the old surface. |
| Existing liner torn, failed or aged | Replacement liner | Re-measured and fabricated around the confirmed cistern dimensions. |
| Structure moving, collapsing or too small | Structural repair or full replacement | A liner holds water. It does not replace structure. We'll tell you if that's your case. |
Five steps to a waterproof cistern
Inspect the cistern
Prepare the substrate
Prime when required
Apply the membrane
Allow the system to cure
Frequently asked questions
What is the best coating for a concrete cistern?
It depends on the condition of the concrete, how the water is used, any existing coatings, cracking and moisture. We assess these before recommending a system.
Can you use epoxy inside a cistern?
Only tank- and water-storage-rated systems are suitable, matched to the substrate and the water use. Never assume a general-purpose epoxy is appropriate.
Will a coating stop my cistern leaking?
A properly applied membrane can stop water migration through sound concrete. Significant cracking or movement may favour a fabricated liner instead.
Is a coating safe for drinking water?
Only use coatings certified for potable water if the cistern stores drinking water. Confirm the certification of the exact product.
Liner or coating: which is better?
A liner is an independent barrier inside the cistern. A coating bonds to the existing surface. Sound concrete may suit a coating; older, cracked or hard-to-prepare surfaces usually suit a liner.
How long does a coating last?
Service life depends on the product, surface preparation, substrate, installation and maintenance. We can discuss expectations for your cistern in your quote.
Do you work outside Eastern Ontario?
We're based in Eastern Ontario, with installation available there. Contact us about installation and product supply elsewhere in Canada.
Get your cistern coating quote
Tell us about your cistern and we'll recommend a coating or a liner.