Mapei Aquaflex system

WHERE TO USE

• Permanent encapsulation systems of type A (external exposed), type B (internal exposed) and type C (not exposed prior to confining members/structures), certified in compliance with Italian Ministerial Decree 20/08/1999, for asbestos-cement members/structures exposed to atmospheric agents and at risk, therefore, of progressive decay leading to the exposure and release of fibres.
• Elastic waterproofing membranes on mineral-based substrates such as screeds, old ceramic wall and floor tiles and concrete. Some application examples
• Permanent encapsulation of flat roofs made from slabs of flat and corrugated asbestos-cement.
• Waterproofing terraces and balconies with occasional foot traffic.
• Waterproofing old ceramic wall and floor tiles, including by overlaying.
• Waterproof protective coatings for cornices, guttering, chimney stacks, etc.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Aquaflex System treatment cycle is suitable for encapsulating members/structures of types A, B and C as specified by Ministerial Decree 20/08/1999. It meets the legal requirements for encapsulation systems and has been certified by a laboratory authorised to issue Certificates of Conformity. The encapsulation cycle is made up of high quality, certified products:

• Malech: micronized acrylic resin-based primer in water dispersion that, thanks to its high wetting capacity, penetrates into deteriorated material and binds the fibres to each other and to the cementitious matrix to prevent them from being released into the atmosphere. It also creates a surface for the next layer in the encapsulation system to anchor to.
• Aquaflex: one-component elastomeric resin based encapsulating and coating product in water dispersion, available in white, grey and red. To comply with the specifications in Italian Ministerial Decree 20/08/1999 for types A and B encapsulation cycles, two coats of Aquaflex must be applied in contrasting colours so that, over the years, the colour used for the first coat will start to show through and indicate that the encapsulation treatment needs be repaired. Type C cycles, on the other hand, require only one coat of Aquaflex. Aquaflex is supplied ready to use and its viscosity allows for easy application on horizontal, sloping and vertical surfaces. Aquaflex may be diluted with up to 5% of water if required. When the water evaporates off, Aquaflex forms a tough, elastic membrane. The elasticity of Aquaflex allows it to withstand movements caused by expansion and shrinkage due to temperature variations and vibrations. The total thickness of the cycle is very low and does not interfere with the dimensions of existing doors and openings.

According to EN 13501-1 fire resistance standards, Aquaflex System is classified as Bfl-s1 for use on floors and B-s1-d0 for use on walls and ceilings. Aquaflex maintains its elasticity, even when subjected to accelerated ageing tests, so that when applied on members/structures in good condition the permanent encapsulation system provides an excellent solution in terms of durability, with work being completed in a short space of time at a reasonable price. Buildings may also remain open while work is being carried out and application of the cycle, carried out by specialised contractors, is very simple. Also, with an encapsulation system, there is no toxic waste and risks to workers and the environment is reduced to a minimum.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Do not apply Aquaflex System if the temperature is lower than +5°C or if it is about to rain.
• Prevent the accumulation of free-standing water by forming a slight slope.
• Do not apply Aquaflex System on wet substrates or on substrates with rising damp.
• Do not apply Aquaflex System on surfaces continuously immersed in water (swimming pools, fountains, storage basins, etc.).
• Protect Aquaflex from rain and leaching during application and also until it is completely dry.

APPLICATION TECHNIQUE

• ENCAPSULATION OF ASBESTOS

All the operations for the encapsulation cycle must be carried out as specified by current norms and regulations. After cleaning and drying the slabs of asbestos-cement, apply a coat of Malech to impregnate the member/structure, making sure the product is thoroughly mixed before use. Malech may be applied with a brush, roller or by airless spray. Wait until it is completely dry (approx. 10-12 hours) before applying Aquaflex. For application on internal and external exposed members/structures, spread on two coats of Aquaflex in contrasting colours (for example, the first coat in grey and the second coat in white, or vice versa) as specified in Italian Ministerial Decree 20/08/1999 for encapsulation systems types A and B. Over the years, if the colour of the first coat starts to appear, it is an indication that repair work needs to be carried out. For type C encapsulation systems, on the other hand, one or two coats of the same colour of Aquaflex may be used. The product may be applied by trowel, roller, brush or airless spray. Only apply the second coat when the first coat is dry (from 2 to 12 hours depending on surrounding conditions). Aquaflex may be diluted with up to 5% in weight of water to make application easier. The thickness of the coats applied must comply with current norms and regulations, depending on the type of work being carried out, as specified in the following table.

• LIQUID WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE

Substrates must be sound, clean and free of all traces of oil, grease, old paint and any other substance or material that could affect adhesion of the waterproofing cycle. In the case of existing substrates, thoroughly clean the surface to be waterproofed with high pressure water jets. As a general rule, enamelled surfaces such as old ceramic tiling should be sanded down, or cleaned with a mixture of water and 30% caustic soda and then thoroughly rinsed to remove all traces of caustic soda. Before applying Aquaflex as a waterproofing membrane, take special care around expansion joints and fillet joints between horizontal and vertical surfaces by waterproofing them with Mapeband or Mapeband PE 120 bonded to the substrate with Aquaflex. Mapeband SA self-adhesive strip may also be used on horizontal/vertical fillet joints. Structural joints must be waterproofed with Mapeband TPE bonded to the substrate with Adesilex PG4. Special kits are also available from the Drain line to seal drainage points. Once the surfaces have been prepared according to specification and all the waterproofing work has been carried out, apply Aquaflex with a trowel, roller, brush or airless spray. Apply thin, even coats of product and wait until the first coat is dry (from 2-12 hours depending on the surrounding conditions) before applying a second coat in the same colour crossways to the first one. The final thickness of Aquaflex must be at least 0.7 mm in order to create a robust, elastic, seamless film. Make sure there are no interruptions in the film caused by imperfections in the substrate. Cleaning Aquaflex may be cleaned from hands, tools and surfaces while still wet with water. Once hardened, it may only be removed from the surface of metal using mechanical means.

– for waterproofing membranes

The consumption rate for each coat of Aquaflex is approximately 0.7 kg/m², which corresponds to a wet thickness of 0.5 mm (final dry thickness 0.35 mm).

PACKAGING

Aquaflex is supplied in 5 kg and 20 kg drums.

STORAGE

Aquaflex may be stored for 24 months in its original sealed packaging in a dry place. Protect from freezing weather.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND APPLICATION

Aquaflex and Malech are not considered hazardous according to current norms and regulations regarding the classification of mixtures. It is recommended to use protective gloves and goggles and to take the usual precautions for handling chemicals. For further and complete information about the safe use of our product please refer to the latest version of our Material Safety Data Sheet.

PRODUCT FOR PROFESSIONAL USE.

WARNING

Although the technical details and recommendations contained in this product data sheet correspond to the best of our knowledge and experience, all the above information must, in every case, be taken as merely indicative and subject to confirmation after long-term practical application; for this reason, anyone who intends to use the product must ensure beforehand that it is suitable for the envisaged application. In every case, the user alone is fully responsible for any consequences deriving from the use of the product.