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VAPORTIGHT COAT FAQs

1. How soon after the concrete is poured can I install a VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG product?

VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2, and VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 can be applied to new concrete as soon as 5 days after the concrete is poured or when the concrete has reached minimum 2,500 psi compressive strength.

2. What methods of surface prep are acceptable for installing VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG products?

VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG products require a concrete surface profile (CSP) of 3 to 5. Preferred methods of mechanical profiling include steel shot blasting and scarifying. CSPs of 3, 4 and 5 can be achieved through grinding if other preferred mechanical profiling methods are not possible. When using a diamond cup grinder, it is important to set it at a slow speed / low revolution to avoid “polishing” the surface, which defeats the purpose of mechanical preparation. After profiling, always verify the texture by evaluating and comparing the actual concrete surface with a control such as a CSP chip set. A Concrete Surface Profile Chip Set can be obtained from the ICRI online store:

3. What types of flooring can be installed directly over VAPORTIGHT COAT products?

  • Floating Floors including engineered wood, laminate and WPC (wood plastic composite) can typically be installed directly over VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3.
  • Carpet Tile and Resilient Tile including LVP (luxury vinyl plank), LVT (luxury vinyl tile), rubber tile, and VCT (vinyl composition tile) can be installed directly over VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 when using pressure-sensitive adhesives that are recommended over epoxy moisture barriers.
  • Ceramic and Porcelain Tile can be installed directly over VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 when using two-part epoxy-based tile mortars.
  • Outdoor Running Tracks and Specialty Sports Surfaces can typically be installed directly over VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 or over the sand broadcast layer of VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2. Refer to the manufacturer of the running track and sports flooring system for approval and recommendations.

4. What types of membranes and coatings can be applied directly over VAPORTIGHT COAT products?

  • Epoxy-based floor paints, epoxy poured floors, and epoxy-based roofing membranes can be applied directly over VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3.
  • PMMA (polymethyl-methacrylate) waterproof membranes, polyurea/polyurethane vehicle traffic coatings, and silicone and urethane base coats for roofing systems can typically be applied directly over VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3. Refer to the manufacturer of the membrane, coating, or roofing system for approval and recommendations.
  • Many types of membranes, coatings, and base coats can be applied over the sand broadcast layer of VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2. In these applications, the membrane, coating, or base coat will need to be applied thick enough to cover all variations in the sand broadcast layer. Refer to the manufacturer of the membrane, coating, or roofing system for guidance. A mock-up is highly recommended to confirm suitability.

5. How do I repair damaged concrete prior to the application of VAPORTIGHT COAT products?

First, remove all laitance, loose, and deteriorated concrete. Mechanically prepare the surface to a concrete surface profile (CSP as per ICRI Guideline No. 310.2R-13.) of 3 – 5. Resurface any spalled areas and fill any low spots using MORTAR-QuickPatch. Following the repair, mechanically profile these areas to a CSP of 3 – 5. Click Here to contact the Aquafin Technical Team for more detailed repair processes.

6. How do I patch cracks before installing VAPORTIGHT COAT products?

Cracks 1/8” and wider can be filled with VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2 or  VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 mixed with 5 parts by volume of oven-dried sand. Cracks less than 1/8” can be filled with VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2 or  VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 neat.

7. How do I smooth and level the concrete AFTER installing VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG products?

SG2

  • Apply a quality cementitious self-leveling underlayment such as Aquafin’s LEVEL-One EZ directly over the sand broadcast layer of VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2.

SG3

  • Apply Aquafin’s SLU-PRIMER over VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 followed by Aquafin’s LEVEL-One EZ.
  • Or, apply another quality brand of self-leveling underlayment by first priming with the manufacturer’s own primer. Ensure that the manufacturer’s recommended primer can be used over epoxy vapor barriers.

Once at least ¼” of Aquafin’s LEVEL-One EZ has been applied and has dried, it can receive a myriad of finished flooring including; broadloom carpet and carpet tile, resilient tile [LVP (luxury vinyl plank), LVT (luxury vinyl tile), rubber tile, and VCT (vinyl composition tile)], ceramic, natural stone and porcelain tile, floating floors [engineered wood, laminate and WPC (wood plastic composite)], glue-down wood flooring [bamboo, engineered wood, and solid wood], and resilient sheet flooring (rolled rubber and sheet vinyl).