AquaDefense

DESCRIPTION

Mapelastic AquaDefense is a premixed, advanced liquid-rubber, extremely

quick-drying waterproofing and crack-isolation membrane for installation under

ceramic tile or stone in residential, commercial and industrial environments.

Mapelastic AquaDefense provides a thin, continuous barrier to protect adjacent

rooms and floors below from water damage. For common problem areas like

coves, corners, cracks and drains, it can be combined with MAPEI’s optional

Reinforcing Fabric or Mapeband

™

accessories (cove roll and drain flash) to

provide additional protection. Mapelastic AquaDefense dries after about 30 to

50 minutes and is then ready to receive any MAPEI polymer or epoxy mortar.

Mapelastic AquaDefense can be flood-tested after 12 hours of drying time,

is IAPMO-listed for use as a shower-pan liner, and exceeds ANSI A118.10

and ANSI A118.12 standards.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Very quick drying: Install tile after 30 to 50 minutes of drying time.

• Time-saving: Flood-test as shower-pan liner after 12 hours of drying time.

• Apply with roller or brush – easy to install over flat, curved or irregular

surfaces

• Bonds to a wide range of surfaces; convenient, user-friendly and versatile

• No odor; great for confined spaces

• Prevents in-plane floor cracks from transmitting through tile or stone

INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND APPROVALS

• ANSI: Exceeds A118.10 standard (Waterproofing Membranes for Thin-Set

Ceramic Tile) and A118.12 standard (Crack-Isolation Membranes for Thin-

Set Ceramic Tile)

• ASTM: C627 (Robinson) service rating of Extra Heavy

• ASTM: E96, Procedure E (Desiccant Method) at 100°F (37.8°C), meeting

requirements of < 0.5 perms

• IAPMO: Listed for use as shower-pan liner

• IAPMO File #3996

• ICC Evaluation Service Report ESR 3474

WHERE TO USE

• Residential and commercial interior/exterior floors, walls and ceilings

• Industrial interior floors and walls

• Tub and shower surrounds: Bathrooms; kitchens; food prep, dishwashing,

servery and cafeteria areas; countertops; and laundry rooms

• Residential and commercial submerged applications: Freshwater pools,

fountains and water features (completely covered by ceramic tile)

• Cantilevered balconies and decks over unoccupied space (see the

“Limitations” section below)

• Balconies and decks over occupied space when used in conjunction with

a primary waterproofing membrane

• Steam rooms and steam showers (refer to TCNA handbook’s sections

SR613 and SR614, or TTMAC 319SR and 321SR)

• Meets ASTM E96 Procedure E for a low-perm waterproof membrane

• In-plane crack isolation up to 1/8" (3 mm) over nonstructural cracks

• MAPEI's Reinforcing Fabric is available but optional for use on coves,

corners and field application.

Premium

Waterproong and

Crack-Isolation

Membrane

Mapela

stic

Aqu

aDefense

AquaDefense

Mapelastic

Version: February 16, 2021

LIMITATIONS

• Mapelastic AquaDefense is not for use over structural

cracks, in-plane cracks beyond 1/8" (3 mm) or where

vertical out-of-plane movement occurs.

• Do not use over substrates containing asbestos,

dimensionally unstable substrates such as hardwood

flooring, particleboard, oriented strand board (OSB),

Masonite or metal. See "Suitable Substrates" section

below.

• Do not use over: Plank flooring, treated plywood,

Lauan, gypsum-based floor-patching compounds,

vinyl, glazed tile, laminate, fiberglass or epoxy floors,

or storage tanks.

• Do not use where excessive substrate moisture and/or

where negative hydrostatic pressure exists. Maximum

allowable moisture is 8 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. (3.63 kg per

92.9 m

) per 24 hours per ASTM F1869 or up to 85%

relative humidity as measured with moisture probes.

• Do not use: As a single-application roof-deck membrane,

wear surface or primary waterproofing membrane on

balconies or decks directly over occupied space or in

storage tanks; or with premixed setting materials.

• Do not allow direct contact with solvent-based materials.

Consult MAPEI’s Technical Services Department for

installation recommendations regarding substrates and

conditions not listed.

SUITABLE SUBSTRATES

Interior and exterior

• Concrete cured for at least 28 days – see the

“Limitations” section above

• Masonry walls of cement block or brick

• Cured cement mortar beds or leveling coats

• Cement backer units (CBUs) – see manufacturer’s

installation guidelines

Interior only

• Gypsum wallboard (walls only, in approved application

areas only)

• Radiant-heated substrates

• Unglazed ceramic tile and cement terrazzo floors, and

gypsum underlayments with a minimum of 2,500 psi

(17.2 MPa) in compressive strength

Note: Existing unglazed ceramic tile must be abraded,

and existing cement terrazzo must be mechanically

profiled. Both must be skimcoated with an appropriate

MAPEI latex- or polymer-modified mortar.

• Plywood underlayments must be a Group 1 exterior-

grade plywood CC-plugged or better, conforming

to APA classification and U.S. Product Standard PS

1-95 or a “SELECT” or (SEL-TF) CANPLY classified

exterior-grade plywood conforming to CSA-0121

standard for Douglas fir for direct-bond applications

(interior, residential and light commercial floors and

countertops in dry conditions only).

• PVC, copper, brass and stainless-steel pipe penetrations

(abraded by sandpaper)

Tile Council of North America (TCNA)

Statement on Deection Criteria

Floor systems, including the framing system

and subfloor panels, over which tile will be

installed should be in conformance with the IRC

[International Residential Code] for residential

applications, the IBC [International Building

Code] for commercial applications, or applicable

building codes.

Note: The owner should communicate in

writing to the project design professional and

general contractor the “intended use” of the tile

installation, in order to enable the project design

professional and general contractor to make

necessary allowances for the expected live load,

concentrated loads, impact loads, and dead loads

including the weight of the tile and setting bed. The

tile installer shall not be responsible for any floor

framing or subfloor installation not compliant with

applicable building codes, unless the tile installer

or tile contractor designs and installs the floor

framing or subfloor.

SURFACE PREPARATION

• All substrates should be structurally sound, stable, dry,

clean and free of any substance or condition that may

reduce or prevent proper adhesion.

• Do not use chemicals (acid etching or stripping)

to prepare approved substrates.

• Concrete substrates should have a concrete surface

profile of #2 per the International Concrete Repair

Institute (ICRI). Mechanically clean and profile by

diamond-cup grinding or other engineer-approved

method when necessary.

• Substrate and room temperatures must be 45°F to

95°F (7°C to 35°C) during and at least 24 hours after

application.

• See the “Surface preparation requirements” reference

guide in the Tile & Stone Installation Systems section

of MAPEI’s Website.

MIXING

Before product use, take appropriate safety precautions.

Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for details.

1. Mix by hand before using.

2. Do not dilute with any other material.

3. Promptly wash tools with water after mixing.

Mapela

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Aqu

aDefense

AquaDefense

Mapelastic

PRODUCT APPLICATION

Read all installation instructions thoroughly before installation.

• Fill all cracks, control joints and gaps in corners and

coves that are greater than 1/32" (1 mm) with an

appropriate filler material. Force material into crack and

finish smooth with trowel. Let dry.

• MAPEI’s optional Reinforcing Fabric may be used with

Mapelastic AquaDefense in any of the areas shown

below (see the “Optional Use of MAPEI’s Reinforcing

Fabric” section below).

• MAPEI’s Mapeband accessories (cove roll and drain

flashing) also may be used with Mapelastic AquaDefense

in any of the areas shown below (see the “Optional Use

of Mapeband Accessories” section below).

Pre-treat cracks, corners and coves (oor/wall

intersections)

1. For expansion and control joints, see the “Expansion

and Control Joints” section below.

2. Apply Mapelastic AquaDefense liquid 6" (15 cm)

on both sides of cracks, corners and coves with a

paintbrush or roller. Let dry to a light-green color.

3. Apply a second coat and let dry.

Pre-treat drains

1 Review drain manufacturer’s instructions for waterproof

membrane installation in conjunction with these

instructions.

2. Fill space between drain pipe and substrate with

appropriate expansion joint materials (typically foam

backer rod and sealant).

3. For drains with bolt-down collar and weep holes, loosen

and remove bolts from drain flange. Abrade drain flange

with sandpaper, and clean and dry thoroughly.

4. With paintbrush, apply a liberal coat over and around

drain flange. Let dry to a light-green color.

5. Apply a second coat and let dry.

Pre-treat openings around pipes and other

penetrations

1. Pack/fill the openings/spaces between drain pipe and

substrate with appropriate expansion joint materials

(typically foam backer rod and sealant).

2. Apply Mapelastic AquaDefense with brush around and

up onto floor or wall penetration. Let dry to a light-green

color.

3. Apply a second coat and let dry.

Complete the main area

1. Apply Mapelastic AquaDefense to the entire area to be

waterproofed (including previously coated areas such as

cracks, drains and penetrations) using a 3/8" (10 mm)

nap roller. Let dry to a light-green color.

2. Apply a second coat to the entire installation. Let dry

30 to 50 minutes before installing tile or stone.

3. Final dry thickness of first and second coats combined

in the main area should be about 20 mils at minimum

(about the thickness of a credit card).

4. Inspect and, as needed, recoat pinholes or areas not

completely covered. Let dry.

5. Apply bead of silicone or urethane sealant around drain

flange at drain throat to join Mapelastic AquaDefense to

the drain assembly. Leave no voids.

6. Bolt down collar to drain flange.

7. Where the Mapelastic AquaDefense coating ends on

any penetration, apply a bead of silicone or urethane

sealant.

CLEANUP

• Remove excess Mapelastic AquaDefense (while

fresh) with damp sponge, soap and warm water.

Any completely dried material may be mechanically

removed.

PROTECTION

• Protect from foot traffic, rain and freezing for 24 hours.

• Protect installed Mapelastic AquaDefense from

contamination, excessive heat and extended sun

exposure until tile or stone is installed.

FLOOD-TESTING (per ASTM D5957)

If flood-testing is required, allow Mapelastic AquaDefense

to cure at least 12 hours at 73°F (23°C) and 50% relative

humidity. Actual curing time depends on air and substrate

temperature, substrate porosity and humidity. Expect shorter

drying times in warmer conditions, and longer drying times

in cooler conditions.

INSTALLING CERAMIC TILE

OR NATURAL STONE

1. Mapelastic AquaDefense is ready to receive thin-set

mortars for tile or stone when dry to touch (about 30 to

50 minutes after applying second coat).

2. Let Mapelastic AquaDefense cure for at least 8 hours

before installing large-and-heavy-tile mortars (for large

tile or stone), screeds (for leveling floors) or epoxy

adhesives.

3. For tile and stone installations, use a MAPEI polymer-

modified mortar meeting ANSI A118.4, ANSI A118.11

or ANSI A118.15, or an epoxy mortar meeting ANSI

A118.3. For the installation of resilient or wood flooring

over Mapelastic AquaDefense, adhere to the adhesive

recommendations or limitations for use over nonporous

substrates.

Mapela

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Aqu

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AquaDefense

Mapelastic

EXPANSION AND CONTROL

JOINTS

Installation with Mapeband:

Installation with MAPEI's Reinforcing Fabric:

1. Provide for expansion and control joints as specified

per TCNA Method EJ171 or TTMAC Specification Guide

09 30 00, Detail 301EJ. Do not cover expansion joints

with mortar.

2. If waterproofing integrity is required in expansion and

control joints, provide per the above drawing. MAPEI’s

Reinforcing Fabric or Mapeband can be embedded into

the Mapelastic AquaDefense liquid, allowed to dry and

filled with appropriate joint sealant or an expansion

molding system.

3. Protect tilework with metal strips (edge metal) along

both edges of structural building expansion joints.

Contact MAPEI’s Technical Services Department for more

information.

OPTIONAL USE OF MAPEI’S

REINFORCING FABRIC

Select fabric size (see packaging chart)

• For coves (floor/wall intersections), allow for 2" (5 cm)

of fabric on the floor and 4" (10 cm) up the wall. For

cracks, control joints and vertical corners, allow for 3"

(7.5 cm) of fabric on each side.

• For drains, cut desired fabric size from 38" (97-cm) wide

roll. For floor or wall penetrations, use 6" (15-cm) wide,

38" (97-cm) wide or a combination of both.

• For large areas, the 38" (97-cm) wide roll is recommended.

Cut fabric to size

• Cut all required pieces. Set aside.

Pre-treat cracks, control joints, corners, coves,

drains, and oor and wall penetrations

1. Apply Mapelastic AquaDefense as described in the

“Pre-treat” sections above.

2. Lay pre-cut pieces of fabric into wet Mapelastic

AquaDefense. Use brush to press fabric into corners until

liquid comes through fabric. Work out any wrinkles or

bubbles.

3. While fabric is wet, apply additional Mapelastic

AquaDefense over fabric until completely covered to

create void-free surface. Let dry to a light-green color.

4. Apply a second coat and let dry.

Install fabric on main area

1. Apply the first coat of Mapelastic AquaDefense

(including areas previously coated) using a 3/8"

(10-mm) nap roller.

2. Place fabric into wet liquid on the floor. Using a roller,

apply pressure to the fabric, working out wrinkles

or bubbles while forcing Mapelastic AquaDefense to

come through the fabric. Overlap seams and ends of

the fabric by 2" (5 cm). While fabric is still wet, apply

additional Mapelastic AquaDefense over the fabric until

completely covered, creating a void-free surface. Let

dry completely to a light-green color.

3. Apply a second coat of Mapelastic AquaDefense to the

entire area. Let dry.

4. Give a final inspection, looking for pinholes, areas not

completely covered and other defects.

5. Recoat as needed. Let dry to a light-green color.

6. Apply a bead of commercial-grade silicone or urethane

sealant between the membrane and the drain flange,

about 1/2" (12 mm) in from the drain opening.

7. Bolt the drain collar into place while the sealant is still

fresh.

8. Install ceramic tile or natural stone per the “Installing

ceramic tile or natural stone” section above.

OPTIONAL USE OF MAPEBAND

ACCESSORIES

• MAPEI’s Mapeband accessories (cove roll and drain

flashing) are waterproof, vapor-proof thin, elastic,

deformable, rubber-coated fabric pieces that are fully

compatible with Mapelastic AquaDefense and provide

Mapela

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Aqu

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AquaDefense

Mapelastic

Sealant

(depth is 1/2 width)

Rounded backup

(with no bond to sealant)

Bond

coat

Compressible

backup

Tile

Mapelastic AquaDefense

Bond-breaker tape

Concrete floor

MAPEI’s Reinforcing Fabric

Sealant

(depth is 1/2 width)

Rounded backup

(with no bond to sealant)

Bond

coat

Compressible backup

Concrete floor

Tile

Mapelastic

AquaDefense

Mapeband

Continued on Page 6

Mapela

stic

Aqu

aDefense

AquaDefense

Mapelastic

Product Performance Properties

Laboratory Tests Results

pH 9

Viscosity Approximately 30,000 cps

Density 1.3 g per mL

Weight 10.9 lbs. per U.S. gal. (1.3 kg per L)

Shelf Life and Product Characteristics before mixing

Shelf life (Mapelastic AquaDefense)

2 years when stored in original, unopened packaging at

73°F (23°C)

Physical state Liquid

Color Light bluish green when wet; light green when dry

Shelf life (optional Reinforcing Fabric)

Unlimited when stored in original, unopened packaging at

73°F (23°C)

Storage Store in a cool, dry place.

Protect containers from freezing in transit and storage. Provide for heated storage on site and deliver all materials at least

24 hours before work begins.

Application Properties at 73°F (23°C) and 50% relative humidity

Flash point (Seta flash) Nonflammable

VOCs (Rule #1113 of California's SCAQMD) 0 g per L

VOCs (CDPH Standard Method v1.2-2017, CA 01350) Passed

Drying time between first and second coats When light green and dry to the touch

Drying time after second coat (before applying ceramic

tile or stone)

About 30 to 50 minutes (when light green and dry to the

touch)

Drying time before flood-testing After 12 hours

Final dry thickness (2 coats) About 20 mils at minimum (about credit-card thickness)

Freeze/thaw stability (liquid) Up to 5 cycles at 32°F (0°C)

Packaging (Mapelastic AquaDefense)

Size Approximate Coverage (per 2 coats)*

Pail: 1 U.S. gal. (3.79 L) – 4-pack 60 sq. ft. (5.57 m

)

Pail: 3.5 U.S. gals. (13.2 L) 210 sq. ft. (19.5 m

)

Pail: 5 U.S. gals. (18.9 L) 300 sq. ft. (27.9 m

)

Drum: 55 U.S. gals. (208 L) – special order 3,300 sq. ft. (307 m

)

* Coverage shown is for estimating purposes only. Actual jobsite coverage may vary according to substrate conditions, concrete

profile and porosity, type of equipment used, thickness applied, handling and application procedures.

Packaging (optional Reinforcing Fabric)

Size Coverage

Roll: 6" x 75' (15 cm x 22.9 m), 8 per box – To reinforce

over cracks, control joints, corners, coves and floor/wall

penetrations

37.5 sq. ft. (3.48 m

) per roll

Roll: 38" x 75' (97 cm x 22.9 m), 1 per box – To reinforce

around drains or main area to be waterproofed

237.5 sq. ft. (22.1 m

) per roll

Packaging (Mapeband waterproong accessories)

Size and Color

Drain flashing (blue): 16.75" x 16.75" (43 x 43 cm)

Cove roll (blue): 4.75" x 163 ft. (12 cm x 49.7 m)

We proudly support the following industry organizations:

For the most current product data and BEST-BACKED

warranty information, visit www.mapei.com.

LEGAL NO TICE

The contents of this Technical Data Sheet (“TDS”)

may be copied into another project-related

document, but the resulting document shall not

supplement nor replace requirements per the

TDS in effect at the time of the MAPEI product

installation. For the most up-to-date TDS and

warranty information, please visit our website at

www.mapei.com. ANY ALTERATIONS TO THE

WORDING OR REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED

IN OR DERIVED FROM THIS TDS SHALL

VOID ALL RELATED MAPEI WARRANTIES.

Before using, the user must determine the

suitability of our products for the intended use,

and the user alone assumes all risks and liability.

ANY CLAIM SHALL BE DEEMED WAIVED

UNLESS MADE IN WRITING TO US WITHIN

FIFTEEN (15) DAYS FROM DATE IT WAS,

OR REASONABLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN,

DISCOVERED.