Pro-seal is a new damp-proof and waterproofing membrane from Wallbarn. It is a cold applied, easy to install sheet membrane made from elastomeric modified bitumen, designed as a fast, effective waterproofing solution for both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It can be used on horizontal or vertical surfaces, on areas such asroofs, in basements, wet areas, canals, culverts and civil engineering works.

It has excellent adhesion and flexibility properties and can accommodate some movement. It has high tensile and puncture resistance, possesses superior tear strength, and can be installed without any requirement for special tools or techniques.

Pro-seal has the following advantages:

• It is a much faster , cleaner way to seal and secure structural concrete than with liquid membranes
• It is safer than using super-heated materials
• It is non-toxic and safe to handle
• It ensures a consistent thickness level across the whole concrete structure (unlike liquid applied membranes)
• Being a single coat, it saves time in both installation and curing

Pro-seal is user friendly.

It is easy to cut into patches or shapes in order to fit into and around particular details, and bonds to itself very well. It also has some self-healing properties to ensure a complete seal.

This reinforced membrane is manufactured in sheet form with a HDPE film backing on one side. The other side is covered with a slip release paper layer which is peeled off before the membrane is applied to the surface.

This design helps ensure that applicators can install a viable, reliable waterproofing membrane quickly and effectively onto concrete surfaces.

The paper ensures that the bitumen does not become contaminated with dirt or grit, or stick to itself on the roll, helping application. Once the first section of the bitumen is positioned into place the paper can be peeled off. Note in the photograph that a small section of paper remains in place to protect the bitumen membrane on the area where each patch / roll is overlapped.

Application:

The concrete needs to be dry, free of voids, hollows, honeycombing, loose or course aggregates and sharp protrusions. The surface should be a floated finish or sanded. It is recommended that concrete should be at least eight days old. Concrete curing compounds should be tested for compatibility, or removed.

Do not attempt to install Pro-seal in temperatures lower than 5°C or higher than 25°C.

The surfaces should be dry and free from dirt, dust, oil and grease. The concrete should be primed with a compatible bitumen primer. Any damaged areas should be covered with an oversized patch of Pro-seal and then overlaid with the sheet membrane.

The release paper is peeled back and the membrane is pressed onto the surface and rolled out using pressure with a wooden roller. Care must be taken to ensure no air bubbles remain as this will affect the bond. The membrane will start to adhere to the surface, and over time this adhesion will increase.

The membrane should be overlapped by at least 50mm at each joint.

Pro-seal comes in a thickness of either 1.5mm or 2mm. It is extremely tough and durable. Unlike many other self-adhesive membranes on the UK market, all Wallbarn Pro-seal membranes are manufactured with an integrated reinforcement mesh. This gives them far superior tensile strength and puncture resistance, whilst still maintaining full flexibility.

It is advisable to protect the membrane. Pro-seal can be used in conjunction with Wallbarn Protecto-board[left], which will protect the membrane from damage caused by backfilling or concrete pouring. This semi flexible bituminous board is torch applied to the membrane or bonded using bituminous adhesive. Because it is manufactured from the same type of raw material as the waterproofing membrane, there is no risk of it being incompatible.

Protecto-board	Protecto-drain

Wallbarn Protecto-drain [right]can also be used as an effective protection and drainage covering. The HDPE material will not react in any way with the bitumen, and as it is such a light material, can be easily fixed to vertical surfaces and still provide a good level of protection against abrasion caused through backfilling. The HDPE can be fixed to the wall with bitumen adhesive tape, which is compatible with the waterproofing membrane.

Where the structure is being waterproofed below ground level, then Wallbarn Protecto-drain G8 is recommended to cover the Pro-seal as the groundwater can filter through the geotextile layer and into a suitable drainage outlet.

PLEASE NOTE – a 2mm thick membrane is available with both GLASS FIBRE and POLYESTER backing. The technical data for the 2mm thick membrane is essentially the same as the thinner material.

ENVIRONMENT TEST (ASTM D 543)

Irrespective of thickness the membrane is resistant to chlorides, sulphates and phosphates found in ground water.

Resistant to radon at normal levels.

STORAGE / HEALTH HAZARDS

Keep the membrane stored on pallets placed on level surfaces under shade or cover.

Pro-seal is sold as standard in plain packaging. However, there are opportunities for waterproofing systems companies and distributors to brand these membranes with their own branding and packaging. Please contact Wallbarn for details.