Watco Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane can be used on new or old concrete and sand and cement floors to hold back damp. If a DPM has failed or perhaps was never installed in the first place, the features of this product will effectively suppress vapour and hold back damp.

It can be overcoated after 16 hours with any Watco 100% solids coating such as Epoxicote High Build, Chemi-Coat, Safety Grip or Bund Sealer, etc and after 24-48 hours with a water based Watco coating such as Epoxy Gloss Coat or Safety Coat.

One thick roller applied coating is sufficient on average or good quality concrete.

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• Features & Benefits
• Surface Preparation
• Mixing
• Application
• Standard Compliance
• Limitations

Features & Benefits

• Areas of use include:
• Concrete floors subject to rising damp
• New or old concrete floors where a DPM has failed or was never installed
• Suitable for heavy wear areas
• Use on areas of damp concrete which cannot be surface dried prior to painting
• Virtually solvent free liquid epoxy resin damp-proofer
• 100% solids, high build coating
• Holds back rising damp where a damp proof membrane is either missing or defective
• Withstands 98% RH (relative humidity)
• Can be over painted after 16 hours with most types of floor coatings
• Special wetting and flow agents prevent ‘air pin holes’ which often occur when using a high build epoxy on bare concrete
• One high build (250 microns) coat is usually sufficient (see ‘Application’)

Surface Preparation

Concrete & sand and cement screed – should be sound, clean and free of any contaminants liable to prevent penetration into the substrate or adhesion to the surface. Machine scarifying or shot blasting are ideal ways to clean and prepare large areas of concrete and remove contaminants. Use a vacuum to remove all surface dust.

Very smooth or power floated concrete – should be shot blasted to provide a good key for the Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane to bond to. Use a vacuum to remove all surface dust.

Underfloor heating systems – should be switched off at least two days prior to the application of Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane and left for a minimum of two days before switching back on. Once switched on, the underfloor heating should gradually be turned up a few degrees at a time.

Mixing

The product comprises a resin and curing agent packed in a plastic container. Remove the lid from the container and remove the ‘top chamber’ which contains the curing agent. Tip the contents of the top chamber into the container, mixing with the resin. Mix thoroughly using a wide bladed tool – a piece of batten is ideal. Scrape around the sides and bottom of the container to ensure the product is well mixed. This is fine for a small number of units. If you have multiple packs to mix we recommend a paint stirrer in a slow speed electric drill.

Application

Important – once the contents of the pack have been mixed, a chemical reaction takes place which creates heat, and the product should therefore be decanted into a roller tray and used immediately.

Best results are obtained in warm (minimum of 15°C), dry conditions with good ventilation. Apply with a medium pile roller, (not foam), working well in the surface of the concrete. One thick (250 microns) coat is usually sufficient.

The coating should cover the substrate leaving no pin holes or missed patches. Most reasonable quality new concrete will cover successfully with one coat. Inspect the surface once the first coat has dried. Apply a second coat to cover any patches which may have been missed or where trapped air has caused pinholes. The product contains special wetting agents which help prevent air bubbles forming on most concrete surfaces.

Repairs/Resurfacing – If the intention is to apply a floor screed or resurfacer, such as Watco Flowtop, or Concrex to the Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane then 2 coats are required. Please blind the second coat with dry sand to provide a key for the overlay material.

Overcoating Time – Allow 16 hours at 15°C before applying any Watco 100% solids coating such as Epoxicote High Build, Chemi-Coat, Safety Grip, Bund Sealer, etc. Allow 24-48 hours before applying water based products such as Watco Epoxy Gloss Coat or Safety Coat. If more than 4-5 days have elapsed before overcoating, Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane should be lightly abraded to provide a key.

Standard Compliance

• BREEAM COMPLIANT
• VOC LEVEL 10g/litre (very low)
• ISO 16000
• REACH COMPLIANT

Limitations

If the surface to be primed is very porous or open textured, trapped surface air may cause pinholes.

The first coat should be inspected on such surfaces and a second coat applied in any patches where pinhole air holes exist.

Do not exceed the coverage stated – mark out an area of 25m2 per pack to avoid applying it too thinly.

Once mixed, use immediately, and finish within 1 hour.

Do not part mix.

Only mix enough packs that can be used within the working life.