| 1 |
Product type and intended use |
Confirm whether the product is a sheet membrane, liquid-applied membrane, or another system, and whether it is intended for floors, walls, wet areas, or exterior installations. |
Technical data sheet (TDS), installation instructions, and stated substrate and application limits. |
The product documentation should match the project’s substrate, finish, exposure, and installation method. |
| 2 |
Crack-isolation performance |
Check whether the product has been evaluated for crack isolation and whether the test method and claimed performance apply to the supplied product. |
ANSI A118.12 is a recognized specification for crack-isolation membranes used beneath ceramic tile. |
Request the full test report and confirm the product name, test method, laboratory, and report date. |
| 3 |
Waterproofing performance |
For wet-area applications, verify water impermeability, treatment of seams and corners, and compatibility with drains and penetrations. |
ANSI A118.10 addresses load-bearing, bonded, waterproof membranes for thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone installations. EN 14891 covers liquid-applied water-impermeable products beneath ceramic tiling. |
Check that the applicable standard and test scope correspond to the membrane type and intended installation. |
| 4 |
Independent testing and traceability |
Establish whether performance claims are supported by a test report for the exact formulation and production source being offered. |
Complete laboratory reports identifying the sample, methods, results, testing date, and issuing laboratory. |
Treat a certificate or summary without product identification and supporting results as incomplete evidence. |
| 5 |
Manufacturing quality management |
Review documented controls for incoming materials, production, inspection, batch identification, and handling of nonconforming products. |
A current ISO 9001 certificate can indicate a quality-management system; verify its scope, validity, and issuing certification body. |
Ask for batch-level quality records and the process for investigating and resolving product complaints. |
| 6 |
Installation guidance and system compatibility |
Confirm substrate preparation, primer requirements, adhesive or mortar compatibility, coverage guidance, curing conditions, and detailing instructions. |
Current installation manual, compatible-product list, and written technical support for the proposed assembly. |
Prefer a manufacturer that documents the complete assembly rather than making unsupported claims about the membrane alone. |
| 7 |
Environmental and health documentation |
Review product composition disclosures, safety information, emissions claims, and applicable regulatory documentation for the destination market. |
Safety Data Sheet (SDS), technical documentation, and third-party environmental or emissions reports where relevant. |
Verify that documents apply to the specific product and market; do not assume one certificate covers every formulation. |
| 8 |
Production capacity and consistency |
Assess the supplier’s ability to meet forecast quantities while keeping product specifications and packaging consistent between batches. |
Production plan, sample batch records, capacity statement, and agreed inspection or pre-shipment procedures. |
Confirm lead times, order-change controls, and how specification changes are communicated and approved. |
| 9 |
Packaging, storage, and logistics |
Check packaging protection, labeling, shelf-life information, storage conditions, and suitability for the planned transport route. |
Product labels, packaging specifications, shipment documents, and written storage and handling instructions. |
Agree on packaging, shipment inspection, and responsibility for transit damage before placing an order. |
| 10 |
Technical service and after-sales support |
Determine how the supplier handles sample requests, installation questions, site issues, complaints, and corrective actions. |
Written support process, named technical contact, warranty terms, and documented complaint-resolution procedure. |
Request written responses to project-specific questions before ordering and confirm support availability in the destination market. |