Vulkem 350/351 Application Overview
The Vulkem 350/351 system provides a seamless, monolithic waterproof membrane ideal for various surfaces. It uses tough-curing liquid polyurethane, creating a durable rubber membrane. Its application is versatile, suitable for plazas, decks, and athletic surfaces.
Purpose of Application
The primary purpose of the Vulkem 350/351 system is to establish a durable, seamless, and waterproof membrane for pedestrian and recreational areas. This system is designed to protect surfaces from water damage, environmental contaminants, and the stresses of regular use. Specifically, Vulkem 350 acts as a base coat, creating a robust waterproof barrier. The Vulkem 351 top coat provides UV stability and enhances wear resistance, especially when combined with aggregate for slip resistance. It aims to safeguard concrete and steel reinforcement, preventing water migration and damage. This system is suitable for plazas, balconies, mechanical rooms, and stadiums where a robust and long-lasting waterproof solution is required. The application is also tailored for surfaces that need to withstand moderate pedestrian traffic and various environmental challenges, ensuring long-term protection and structural integrity. It is also used for creating slip-resistant surfaces.
Suitable Surfaces for Vulkem 350/351
Vulkem 350/351 is designed for application on a variety of surfaces, primarily focusing on providing a seamless, waterproof membrane. This system is ideally suited for smooth concrete, ensuring a robust bond and effective waterproofing. It can also be applied to well-anchored and primed wood surfaces such as AC plywood, provided that they are properly prepared and stable. Furthermore, Vulkem 350/351 is compatible with primed metal surfaces, offering a durable and protective coating against corrosion and environmental damage. These surfaces are commonly found in plazas, recreation decks, balconies, mechanical rooms, and stadiums, showcasing the system’s versatility. The key requirement for all surfaces is that they must be properly prepared, dry, and free of any contaminants that could hinder adhesion. This ensures the Vulkem system’s optimal performance and longevity on these diverse substrates, offering comprehensive protection and durability.
Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is crucial for Vulkem 350/351 application. Surfaces must be dry, clean, and free of imperfections. Addressing any substrate issues like spalling or honeycombing is essential before application to ensure adhesion.
Cleaning and Drying Requirements
Prior to applying Vulkem 350/351, thorough cleaning and drying of the substrate are absolutely essential. The surface must be completely free from any contaminants such as dust, dirt, oil, grease, and any loose particles. These materials can significantly hinder the proper adhesion of the Vulkem system, potentially leading to premature failure or compromised performance. A combination of methods like sweeping, vacuuming, and pressure washing may be necessary to achieve the desired level of cleanliness. After cleaning, it is critical to allow the substrate to dry completely. Moisture can interfere with the curing process and compromise the integrity of the waterproof membrane. The specific drying time will vary depending on environmental factors like temperature and humidity. It is crucial to verify that the substrate is bone dry before proceeding with any further application steps. This attention to detail in cleaning and drying is fundamental for the long-term success of the Vulkem system.
Addressing Substrate Imperfections
Before applying Vulkem 350/351, meticulous attention must be given to addressing any substrate imperfections that could compromise the system’s performance. This includes identifying and rectifying issues such as cracks, depressions, spalled areas, and honeycombs in concrete. Cracks should be routed out, sealed and then treated with a detail coat of Vulkem 350, extending beyond the crack edges, to ensure a seamless transition. Depressions or low spots should be filled using appropriate repair materials to create a level surface. Spalled areas, where the concrete is broken or chipped, must be repaired to restore a sound substrate. Honeycombing, which refers to areas of porous or poorly compacted concrete, should also be addressed. Failure to properly repair these imperfections will inevitably lead to issues with adhesion, water migration, and ultimately reduce the service life of the Vulkem 350/351 system. The surface must be smooth and structurally sound for optimal results.
Application Process
The Vulkem 350 base coat is typically applied with a notched squeegee or roller, followed by the Vulkem 351 top coat using a solvent-resistant roller. Texturing can be achieved by broadcasting aggregate into the wet top coat.
Vulkem 350 Base Coat Application
Prior to applying the Vulkem 350 base coat, ensure the material is thoroughly mixed using a spiral paint mixing paddle at approximately 500 rpm for a minimum of 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a consistent and even application. For detailed instructions, please consult the Vulkem 350 Mixing Guide. Apply the base coat at a rate of 40-64 square feet per gallon, aiming for a wet film thickness of 25-40 mils. The application can be done using a notched squeegee, followed by cross-rolling for leveling, or with a solvent-resistant, medium-nap roller sleeve. Ensure the base coat is applied over all detail coats and any treated areas, extending to the tape on the vertical surfaces. Allow the Vulkem 350 base coat to cure for a minimum of 12 hours before proceeding with the top coat application. Cure rates depend on temperature and humidity.
Vulkem 351 Top Coat Application
The Vulkem 351 top coat application requires a solvent-resistant, medium-nap roller sleeve, typically ranging from 9.5mm to 12.7mm. Apply the Vulkem 351 top coat according to the usage table provided by the manufacturer. If a non-slip finish is desired, immediately after applying the top coat, broadcast TREMproof Aggregate into the wet Vulkem 351 to achieve the required slip rating. The top coat should be applied over the fully cured Vulkem 350 base coat. Ensure a uniform application, and if multiple coats are required, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inter-coat cure times. The Vulkem 351 top coat is an aliphatic, single-component polyurethane designed to provide a tough, durable, and UV-stable finish. Allow the top coat to cure for the recommended minimum time which is usually 24 hours, though cure times may vary based on weather conditions.
Texturing and Aggregate Broadcast
Achieving the desired texture and slip resistance in the Vulkem 350/351 system involves the critical step of aggregate broadcast. This process is essential for pedestrian areas where a non-slip surface is paramount. Immediately following the application of the Vulkem 351 top coat, while it is still wet, broadcast a suitable aggregate, such as TREMproof Aggregate or 20-40 mesh silica sand. The rate of broadcast varies depending on the desired texture and slip resistance, but a rate of 12.5 lbs per gallon is sometimes used. The aggregate is often broadcast at a rate of 15-18 lbs per 100 square feet in some cases. Ensure that the aggregate is evenly distributed across the wet top coat to achieve a uniform texture. The aggregate will bond with the Vulkem 351 as it cures, creating a textured surface. The use of aggregate also helps to extend the life and wear of the coating. Once cured, remove any loose aggregate.
Cure Times and Maintenance
Proper curing and regular maintenance are vital for the long-term performance of the Vulkem 350/351 system. The minimum recommended cure time for the Vulkem 350/351 pedestrian deck coating is typically 24 hours. However, it’s important to note that cure rates can be influenced by site-specific conditions, weather, and temperature. Interlaminar adhesion development is also affected by these factors. Maintenance of the Vulkem system involves periodic physical inspections to identify any damage or wear. Regular cleaning is necessary to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants that can compromise the coating. In areas where applicable, snow removal and ice control are crucial to prevent damage and ensure safety. The Vulkem system can be recoated to extend its service life. These procedures will ensure the coating system continues to provide the intended service.