Solving Roof Ponding Problems with #298X Asphalt Emulsion Pond Filler & Sloping Compound

Water pooling on a flat or low-slope commercial roof is more than a nuisance — it accelerates deterioration, adds structural load, and can lead to costly damage if left unaddressed. Western Colloid’s #298X Asphalt Emulsion Pond Filler & Sloping Compound offers a practical, lightweight solution for eliminating ponding water and restoring proper drainage to commercial roofs.

What Is #298X?

#298X is a premium-grade, clay-stabilized asphalt emulsion formulated with lightweight fillers, fibers, and polymers. Built on a foundation of Western Colloid #298 ASTM D1227 Type III Asphalt Emulsion, it is water-based, non-flammable, and odorless — making it safer and easier to work with than solvent-based alternatives. Once dried, it is fully waterproof and will not absorb water even when exposed to standing water over extended periods.

What sets #298X apart from standard asphalt emulsions is its proprietary lightweight component and high volume solids content. These additives significantly reduce shrinkage after drying, helping the product maintain its shape and fill in ponding areas without reforming depressions over time.

Where It’s Used

#298X is designed for low-slope commercial roofing applications where water collects due to deck deflections, structural settling, or inadequate drainage design. Common use cases include:

• “Bird baths” and ponding areas caused by deflections in roof decking
• Drain surrounds where the roof has settled and the drain sits higher than the surrounding deck surface
• Crickets above skylights, A/C units, and other rooftop fixtures that interrupt water flow to drains
• Slopes along walls and curbs to direct water away from vertical surfaces
  
  

How It Works
Because #298X is not self-leveling, it can be shaped and formed — a key advantage when building crickets or directional slopes. For large ponding areas, a leveling screed may be used to achieve a smooth, even surface. The compound’s body and workability make it far more efficient for these tasks than cutting and fitting rigid insulation boards or roofing sheet materials.

The lightweight filler in #298X is a critical feature: by displacing standing water with a material that weighs less than the water itself, the product helps prevent future deflections in the underlying deck.

Application Flexibility

#298X can be applied at two stages of a roofing project:

1. Before a new coating or membrane — Applied as part of roof preparation, it fills voids and levels the surface before a new system is installed.
2. After a new system is installed — If ponding areas were missed during prep, #298X can be applied over the finished system. In this case, it should be topped with a surface coating and a ply of polyester reinforcing fabric to protect it from UV exposure and long-term weathering.

The product adheres to most commercial roofing substrates, including built-up roofing (BUR), cleaned gravel surfaces, single-ply membranes, and metal.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight — Weighs less than the water it displaces, reducing load on the roof deck
• High volume solids — Minimizes shrinkage for lasting fills and slopes
• Versatile — Fills depressions, builds crickets, and creates directional slopes
• Time and labor savings — Faster and simpler than using cut insulation or sheet materials for small-scale slope corrections
• Inexpensive – A less expensive alternative to other sloping products.
• Water-based formula — Non-flammable, low odor, and easy cleanup

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