Plastifelt
Fibre reinforced polymer modified bituminous waterproofing
Properties
- Excellent resistance to positive water & vapor pressure
- Good flexibility. Can take structural movements
- Good dimensional stability under tension
- Resistant to water borne chemicals
Description
Plastifelt is a polymer modified bituminous waterproofing membrane, manufactured from a mixture of bitumen and selected polymers, which are blended together to obtain good waterproofing properties. The bitumen compound also exhibits high heat and UV resistance properties. The polymerized bitumen is coated on to a dimensionally stable reinforcement core of non woven glass fibre carrier.
TDS for Plastifelt
- Step by Step
Substrate preparation
The surface shall be cleaned thoroughly of all contaminants like dust, traces of curing compound, oil and grease. All surface imperfections, protrusions, structurally unsound and friable concrete must be removed and repaired.
Priming
Apply Polyprime SB* (Solvent based primer) @4-6 m²/L to a clean, smooth and dry surface by brush, roller or spray. Allow the primer to dry prior to the application of the membrane. The primer promotes the adhesion between the membrane and the concrete surface.
Alignment
Start the installation of all membrane plies from the low point or drains, so that the flow of water is over or parallel to the plies, but never against the laps. All overlaps at the membrane seams shall be installed so as to have “up” slope laps over “down” slope laps. Begin membrane application by unrolling the roll of Plastifelt membrane and aligning the side laps. Side overlaps should be a minimum of 100 mm and the end overlaps 150mm.
Torching
Plastifelt membrane is installed by using a cylinder fed propane gas torch. Use of hand-held roofing torch is recommended as it affords a good control. Begin torching the embossed polyethylene side of the rolled portion of the membrane. As the membrane is heated the embossing starts to melt away exposing a shiny bitumen surface. Roll forward the membrane and press firmly with the boot or roller against the substrate to bond well. The propane flame should be moved from side to side and up the lap edge while the membrane is slowly unrolled and adhered to the underlying surface.
Caution: Do not over torch the membrane as this will expose the reinforcement and cause damage to it.
Sealing
Heat both the overlaps and use round tipped trowel to seal the overlap. Adequate heat is confirmed when a uniform flow of melted bitumen compound flows evenly in a bead that oozes from the applied membrane’s edges. Excess compound should be pressed into the seam using a heated trowel. Any un-bonded areas must be lifted and re-torched.
Upstand
Flashing details are accomplished using cut pieces of Plastifelt membrane in combination with appropriate prefabricated flashing components. The same side lap and end lap rules apply to flashing details as to field membrane. An appropriate flashing membrane (mineral surface membrane) shall be lapped with the base membrane and taken up on the parapet wall and tucked into a groove cut into the concrete. The grooves will be sealed with a suitable mastic sealant (Bitumastic)*.
