Interactive visual comparison
Insulation Material Authenticity Checker
Imitation or low-quality waterproofing material may look similar at first glance, but fails within a few seasons. Choose the material type and compare the general visual and tactile indicators of genuine versus imitation material — color, thickness, texture, smell and manufacturer labels.
✅ Signs of genuine material — epoxy coating
- A uniform, consistent color across the whole surface after curing, with no scattered light or dark patches.
- A uniform layer thickness that you can clearly see in a side cut or at the edges — one cohesive layer, not peeling layers.
- A sharp, distinctive chemical smell only while mixing and applying, which fades gradually after full curing.
- A hard, smooth feel after full curing, with clear resistance to scratching with a fingernail.
- The raw material containers (before mixing) clearly show printed manufacturer details and a batch number (Batch), not a handwritten label or a sticker over other printing.
⚠️ Signs of imitation or poor material — epoxy coating
- Noticeable color differences between areas of the same surface, or glossy patches next to dull ones.
- A very thin or uneven layer, sometimes with separate layers that peel apart easily.
- A pungent chemical smell that lasts a very long time even after apparent curing, or a smell completely different from normal epoxy.
- A soft or sticky feel even after enough time to cure, or a surface that cracks easily under light pressure.
- Containers without clear manufacturer details, or labels that look home-printed or stuck over another container.
✅ Signs of genuine material — SBS bitumen membrane
- An evenly finished top surface (sand or mineral, depending on the type) spread uniformly without bare gaps.
- A constant roll thickness along its whole length, usually printed on the wrapper or the edge of the roll itself.
- Good flexibility when rolling and unrolling, without cracks in the bitumen layer even in mild weather.
- Welded edges (when heated) that fuse uniformly with the rest of the membrane without gaps or air bubbles.
- The roll wrapper clearly shows the manufacturer's name, product type and thickness, and a traceable batch number.
⚠️ Signs of imitation or poor material — SBS bitumen membrane
- Patchy or irregular surface finish, with areas of exposed, uncovered bitumen.
- Varying thickness within the same roll, with some parts much thinner than the rest.
- Noticeable stiffness and brittleness when unrolling, especially in cold weather — a sign of low polymer content.
- Uneven welding that leaves visible gaps or bubbles, which become future weak points for leaks.
- A wrapper without clear manufacturing details, or details that don't match the roll's actual thickness when measured.
Kashf authenticity commitment
Every waterproofing material we use in our projects comes from suppliers we verify directly; this is Kashf's own commercial commitment to its customers — included in the written warranty card provided with every waterproofing project we carry out, stating the material used and the warranty period.
Note: this is Kashf's internal commercial warranty on the quality of work and materials used in our projects (in Saudi Arabia), not a certificate of conformity or accreditation from any official body.
Not sure about the quality of the current waterproofing at your property?
The Kashf team inspects the current waterproofing and suggests the most suitable solution, with a written warranty on any work we carry out (in Saudi Arabia).