Pre-Applied Membrane Having Granular Polymer Outer Protective Layer

Provided is a pre-applied waterproofing membrane having a waterproofing adhesive layer and an outer particle layer comprising synthetic polymer granules to protect the adhesive layer and to facilitate detailing at membrane-to-membrane overlaps. In preferred embodiments, the synthetic polymer granules are made from polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, acrylic, and styrene butadiene copolymers or polymers. Most preferably, the synthetic polymer granules have round or spherical shapes that help to facilitate detailing at the building or installation site, such as sealing at membrane overlaps, and sealing around pipes or other details. Alternatively, the membranes may be made having side edges which are free of synthetic polymer granules, whereby a removable release liner strip can be used to prevent adhesive from sticking to the back of the membrane when the membrane is rolled up on itself for shipment.