Self-adhesive, rubberized asphalt/polyethylene water proofing membranes for plaza and parking decks. Description Bituthene® 3000 and Bituthene Low Temperature are self-adhesive, rubberized asphalt/polyethylene waterproofing membranes used in basements and sub-structures.
Use Bituthene is ideal for waterproofing concrete decks where in-service temperatures will not exceed 130°F (54°C). It can be applied to split slab construction, such as in plaza areas and parking decks. Interior uses may include mechanical rooms, laboratories, kitchens and bathrooms. (For below grade applications, see Below Grade Waterproofing Bituthene 3000 and Bituthene Low Temperature.) Bituthene is 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) thick, 3 ft (0.9 m) wide and 66.7 ft (20 m) long and is supplied in rolls. It is unrolled sticky side down onto concrete slabs primed with Bituthene Primer WP-3000, Bituthene Primer B2 or Bituthene Primer B2 LVC. Continuity is achieved by overlapping a minimum 2 in. (50 mm) and firmly rolling the joint. Bituthene is extremely flexible. It is capable of bridging shrinkage cracks in the concrete and will accommodate minor differential movement throughout the service life of the structure.
Safety, Storage and Handling InformationBituthene products must be handled properly. Vapors from solvent-based primers and mastic are harmful and flammable. For these products, the best available information on safe handling, storage, personal protection, health and environmental considerations has been gathered. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available at graceconstruction.com and users should acquaint themselves with this information. Carefully read detailed precaution statements on product labels and the MSDS before use.
Surface Preparation Surfaces should be structurally sound and free of voids, spalled areas, loose aggregate and sharp protrusions. Remove contaminants such as grease, oil and wax from exposed surfaces. Remove dust, dirt, loose stone and debris. Concrete must be properly cured (minimum 7 days for normal structural concrete and 14 days for lightweight structural concrete).If time is critical, Bituthene Primer B2 or Bituthene Primer B2 LVC may be used to allow priming and installation of membrane on damp surfaces or green concrete. Priming may begin in this case as soon as the concrete will maintain structural integrity. Use form release agents which will not transfer to the concrete. Remove forms as soon as possible from below horizontal slabs to prevent entrapment of excess moisture. Excess moisture may lead to blistering of the membrane. Cure concrete with clear, resin-based curing compounds which do not contain oil, wax or pigment. See Technical Letter 5 for more information. Except with Bituthene Primer B2 or Bituthene Primer B2 LVC, allow concrete to thoroughly dry following rain. Do not apply any products to frozen concrete. Repair defects such as spalled or poorly consolidated areas. Remove sharp protrusions and form match lines. For rough or uneven deck surfaces use Bituthene Deck Prep as a repair and leveling agent. See Above Grade Waterproofing Bituthene Deck Prep product information sheet for details. On masonry surfaces, apply a parge coat to rough concrete block and brick walls or trowel cut mortar joints flush to the face of the concrete blocks.
Corner Details The treatment of corners varies depending on the location of the corner. For detailed information on Bituthene Liquid Membrane, see separate product information sheet.
Joints Properly seal all joints with waterstop, joint filler and sealant as required. Bituthene membranes are not intended to function as the primary joint seal. Allow sealants to fully cure. Pre-strip all slab and wall cracks over 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) wide and all construction and control joints with 9 in. (230 mm) wide sheet membrane strip.
Application on Horizontal Surfaces (Note: Preprufe® pre-applied membranes are strongly recommended for below slab or for any application where the membrane is applied before concreting. See Preprufe product information sheets.) Apply membrane from the low point to the high point so that laps shed water. Overlap all seams at least 2 in. (50 mm). Stagger all end laps. Roll the entire membrane firmly and completely as soon as possible. Use a linoleum roller or standard waterfilled garden roller less than 30 in. (760 mm) wide, weighing a minimum of 75 lbs (34 kg) when filled. Cover the face of the roller with a resilient material such as a 1/2 in. (13 mm) plastic foam or two wraps of indoor-outdoor carpet to allow the membrane to fully contact the primed substrate. Seal all T-joints and membrane terminations with Bituthene Liquid Membrane at the end of the day.
Protrusions and Drains Apply membrane to within 1 in. (25 mm) of the base of the protrusion. Apply Bituthene Liquid Membrane 0.1 in. (2.5 mm) thick around protrusion. Bituthene Liquid Membrane should extend over the membrane a minimum of 21/2 in. (65 mm) and up the penetration to just below the finished height of the wearing course.
Vertical Surfaces Apply membrane in lengths up to 8 ft (2.5 m). Overlap all seams at least 2 in. (50 mm). On higher walls apply membrane in two or more sections with the upper overlapping the lower by at least 2 in. (50 mm). Roll all membrane with a hand roller. Terminate the membrane at grade level. Press the membrane firmly to the wall with the butt end of a hardwood tool such as a hammer handle or secure into a reglet. Failure to use heavy pressure at terminations can result in a poor seal. A termination bar may be used to ensure a tight seal. Terminate the membrane at the base of the wall if the bottom of the interior floor slab is at least 6 in. (150 mm) above the footing. Otherwise, use appropriate inside corner detail where the wall and footing meet.
Membrane Repairs Patch tears and inadequately lapped seams with membrane. Clean membrane with a damp cloth and dry. Slit fishmouths and repair with a patch extending 6 in. (150 mm) in all directions from the slit and seal edges of the patch with Bituthene Liquid Membrane. Inspect the membrane thoroughly before covering and make any repairs.
Drainage Hydroduct® drainage composites are recommended for both active drainage and protection of the membrane. See Hydroduct product information sheets.
Protection of Membrane Protect Bituthene membranes to avoid damage from other trades, construction materials or backfill. Place protection immediately in temperatures above 77°F (25°C) to avoid potential for blisters.
Insulation Always apply Bituthene membrane directly to primed or conditioned structural substrates. Insulation, if used, must be applied over the membrane. Do not apply Bituthene membranes over lightweight insulating concrete.
Backfill Place backfill as soon as possible. Use care during backfill operation to avoid damage to the waterproofing system. Follow generally accepted practices for backfilling and compaction. Backfill should be added and compacted in 6 in. (150 mm) to 12 in. (300 mm) lifts. For areas which cannot be fully compacted, a termination bar is recommended across the top termination of the membrane.
Placing Steel When placing steel over properly protected membrane, use concrete bar supports (dobies) or chairs with plastic tips or rolled feet to prevent damage from sharp edges. Use special care when using wire mesh, especially if the mesh is curled.