Division 7 covers two critical building systems:

1. Waterproofing Systems – to protect the building envelope from water penetration and to hold water (pools and tanks)
2. Thermal Insulation Systems – to enhance energy efficiency and indoor comfort

The Philippines is prone to tropical storms and typhoons. Thermal and moisture protection is not just a technical requirement but essential features to ensure building durability, comfort, and performance. High humidity, intense rainfall, and prolonged solar exposure demand construction solutions that manage water ingress and control internal temperatures effectively.

Locally, waterproofing is typically applied to roofs, bathrooms, basements, balconies, retaining walls, and podium decks. These waterproofing systems come in various forms: 

a. Cementitious
b. Liquid-Applied Membranes (Polyurethane / Acrylic / Hybrid)
c. Torch-Applied Bituminous Membranes
d. Self-Adhesive Bituminous Membranes
e. Bentonite Waterproofing (Volclay/Geo-composite)
f. Crystalline Waterproofing (Integral Admixtures or Surface Applied)

Please check your architects and engineers for the proper waterproofing system suited for your project.

For thermal insulation systems, it is a necessity to manage indoor temperature. Without insulation, roofs, roof decks and exterior walls allow heat to enter interior spaces creating higher cooling loads.

The proper investment in good thermal insulation systems guarantees both energy cost savings and comfort for the building occupants.

Here are your choices for thermal insulation systems:
a. Polyurethane Foam (PU Foam)
b. Polyisocyanurate (PIR)
c. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
d. Reflective Foil Insulation
e. Mineral Wool (Rockwool) and Glass Wool

In the tropical Philippine climate, solar radiation is a major contributor to heat gain, especially through the roof and exterior walls. To combat this, modern buildings increasingly use heat-reflective coatings as cost-effective, passive method of reducing indoor temperatures and cooling loads.

Titanium oxide infused coatings have gained popularity in local projects. It is applied after the paint primer and has performed well in tropical conditions.