Aquatech^®

Aquatech is a liquid waterproofing membrane in the form of an aqueous emulsion, based on styrene-acrylic elastomers. It can be applied using a brush, roller, squeegee, trowel or airless pump. Once dry, it forms an elastic, waterproof membrane that is resistant to UV rays and occasional water pooling, and is walkable for inspection and maintenance work. Aquatech is classified according to EN 14891 as a DM O1 P type waterproofing product for use beneath ceramic tiling bonded with C2 type adhesives in accordance with EN 12004. Aquatech is certified as EC1 Plus by the GEV body in terms of very low emissions of volatile organic compounds. Once installed, the product meets the requirements for Class E building materials in accordance with standard DIN EN 13501-1.

Instructions for use

Preparation for installation
The surfaces to be waterproofed must have a sufficient gradient to ensure water runs off, although occasional water pooling may be tolerated. It is therefore not necessary to level out any minor imperfections in the substrate. However, significant irregularities must be removed. Cementitious substrates must be fully cured (at least 28 days old) and/or have a residual moisture content, determined using a calcium carbide hygrometer, of less than 4% by weight. Higher moisture levels may cause blistering and delamination. The substrate must be clean and dry, free from loose particles. It is recommended to scrub vigorously with a wire brush and then dust thoroughly. Roofs over inhabited areas must strictly include a vapour barrier with appropriate vents. For heavily cracked surfaces, it is recommended to reinforce Aquatech with suitable Torggler Tessuto NT 50 reinforcement fabric. In this case, it is recommended to apply the previous coat of product in generous quantities, ensuring that, when laying the fabric, the material is still sufficiently fresh to guarantee complete wetting of the fabric, aided by the necessary compression process using suitable equipment to ensure perfect integration of the fabric with the product. This prevents detachment caused by insufficient contact area and failure of the NT 50 or Black Hydro Tex fabric to integrate with the waterproofing material. Expansion joints and, in any case, all gaps or cracks attributable to periodic movements of the substrate must be sealed after the waterproofing has been applied using Low Modulus Silicone from the Torggler range, or isolated by laying special reinforced elastic overlap tapes across them, incorporating them between the two coats of Aquatech. For perimeter joints and connections to chimneys, vents, etc., we recommend using our self-adhesive Perimeter Tape 0.10 (4×15 m).

Product preparation
Stir Aquatech thoroughly before use. To improve adhesion to porous substrates, a pre-treatment with diluted Aquatech is recommended; depending on the porosity of the substrate, dilute with water to approximately 50%. Consumption of undiluted Aquatech: approx. 150 g/m².

Application instructions
Once the substrate is walkable (depending on environmental conditions, this may take between two and ten hours), apply Aquatech using a brush, roller, squeegee, trowel or airless pump in at least two cross-coats. For roller application, a medium-pile roller is recommended. Aquatech must be applied undiluted at a rate of at least 1 kg/m², to achieve a dried film thickness of approx. 0.5 mm. Each coat must only be applied once the previous one is walkable. Aquatech is available in three colours – white, grey and brick red – to allow the application of two coats of different colours over the entire surface to be treated. The airless pump must be fitted with nozzles of the appropriate size (typically between 0.023 and 0.039 inches or 0.58 and 0.99 millimetres, taking care, however, to avoid spray nozzles larger than the pump can handle).

Cleaning
Clean the tools used with water immediately after use. Dried product must be removed with solvents (mineral spirits, nitro solvent, etc.).

Application example
In accordance with DIN 18534: for wall and floor surfaces in water exposure classes W0-I and W1-I, and on wall surfaces in zone W2-I.
Ready-to-use, fast-drying, solvent-free liquid waterproofing film, applied to walls and interior floor surfaces, in damp and wet areas, under ceramic and natural stone tiling, including bathroom floor surfaces without floor drains with shower trays or bathtubs, and wall surfaces in sanitary facilities in public and commercial areas with floor drains without chemical exposure.

Substrate types
Depending on the moisture stress classes or the type of substrate, suitable substrates include mineral substrates such as concrete, lightweight concrete, aerated concrete, cement and lime-cement-based plasters, plasterboard and gypsum fibre boards, gypsum and binder-based wall plasters, solid-joint masonry (including masonry, but not mixed masonry); cement screeds, calcium sulphate screeds (anhydrite and anhydrite-based self-levelling screeds), dry screeds, cement-bonded dry-construction panels, and metal substrates (for the treatment of metal substrates, please contact Technical Support).

Application and installation
The substrate must be pre-treated with Tile Primer (a primer based on styrene-acrylic polymers in aqueous dispersion) or Multigrip (a single-component adhesion promoter), applied in a single coat using a roller or brush. Install the various accessories onto the substrate, such as pipe collars with flexible reinforcement (e.g. Flex Pipe Collar 22-37, 50-75 and 93-146), polypropylene reinforcement tape with side perforations – expandable transversely and stable longitudinally (e.g. PP Tape 120 MM-50), reinforcement fabric for closed corners such as Corner Tissue 90° and reinforcement fabric for open corners such as Corner Tissue 270°, using products from the Torggler Tile 250 range (white or grey) or Tile 480 (white or grey) or Aquatech.
Proceed by installing the self-adhesive butyl collar for floor drains, type Floor Collar, between the first and second layers of Aquatech liquid waterproofing. Depending on the water exposure class, carry out the waterproofing with Aquatech applied in multiple layers using a roller or brush. The dry film thickness must not exceed 0.5 mm. Waterproofing may only be carried out in combination with the tile adhesives Tile 250 (white/grey) and Tile 480 (white/grey).

Storage

Aquatech remains stable for at least 12 months if stored in its original packaging in a cool place (at temperatures between +5 °C and +30 °C). DO NOT FREEZE.

Warnings

• Aquatech is not suitable as a top coat for swimming pools.
• Old bituminous membranes or non-porous metal substrates must be pre-treated with Primer Aquatech, a product that does not contain anti-corrosive agents.
• Aquatech must be applied at temperatures above +5 °C. This minimum temperature must also be maintained during the drying period. Do not apply the product if rain is imminent or in foggy conditions.
• If not completely dry, the Aquatech film will be damaged by water.
• Do not apply to bituminous membranes installed less than 2 years ago.
• Do not apply to damp substrates with a residual moisture content exceeding 4%.
• If left exposed, the product is not puncture-resistant.

NOTE:
When used as a protective and waterproofing layer left exposed, Aquatech may, depending on exposure, undergo slight surface discolouration; this does not compromise the waterproofing and protective properties of the dried layer.