ALPOL HYDRO PLUS waterproofing for horizontal applications

Due to various types of surfaces involved, the ALPOL HYDRO PLUS waterproofing system can be divided into horizontal and vertical applications. The horizontal application includes the following layers: – slide insulation layer – thermal insulation layer – pressure layer – undertile insulation layer – cladding

ALPOL HYDRO PLUS waterproofing for vertical applications

The vertical application includes the following layers: – levelling layer – undertile insulation layer – cladding

Application of the slide insulation layer

First of all, clean the structural slab of loose material and non-adhesive layers. Possible irregularities and damages can be patched with ALPOL AZ 130 quick-setting mortar. The slide insulation layer can be applied on 0.2 mm PE membrane placed directly onto the surface. Overlap the membrane edges to the walls or boarding to the designed height of the thermal insulation and pressure layer. Pressure layer application should be preceded by fixing the edge expansion joint to the walls. In addition, the plumbing fixtures (floor drains) can be sealed with appropriate ALPOL M2 seal sleeves, and tube penetrations with ALPOL M1 sleeves.

Application of the thermal insulation layer

It can be made of extruded Styrofoam or EPS 100 - 038 (FS 20) Styrofoam or a proper mineral wool. It is recommended to protect the thermal insulation layer from mechanical damage with a coat of 0.15 mm PE membrane. The membrane provides also damp-proof insulation when mineral wool is used.

Application of the pressure layer

ALPOL AP 400 underlay floor mortar (ALPOL AZ 130 quick setting or ALPOL AZ 135 levelling mortar) is recommended for the pressure layer. The pressure layer should be at least 4 cm thick. When additional reinforcement is used, the reinforcing mesh should be supported on spacers. Once the mix has been prepared and applied, spread it with a skimmer blade or a large steel float. During application of that layer, particular attention must be paid to the slopes which should be consistent with water draining direction (if floor drain is present). The topmost surface of the pressure layer should be trowelled smooth.

Installation of anti-contraction expansion joint in the pressure layer

Anti-contraction joints should divide the floor into sections not exceeding 30 m2, of a side length up to 6 m. The width of the expansion joint gap, reaching to 1/3 coat depth, should be around 5 mm.

Application of the undertile insulation layer

The undertile insulation is applied onto properly seasoned pressure layer or levelling layer in case of walls. Treat absorbing surfaces with ALPOL AG 707 primer. Priming should be performed at least 3 hours before application of ALPOL AH 751 waterproofing membrane. In case of repairs, the undertile insulation can be applied on the existing cladding. Glue tape, corners and ALPOL seal sleeves before application of ALPOL AH 751 compound. Points in which additional insulation is required are shown in the figure.

Gluing ALPOL T1 sealing tape in the expansion joint

Apply waterproofing membrane on the surface in belts of the same width as that of the sealing mesh tape ALPOL T1 with some surplus. Then, embed the tape so that it can be pressed into the expansion joint gap to the depth of twice the gap width. Apply the membrane again as described above. After tiles are fixed, press expansion joint rope of appropriate thickness into the cavity formed that way.

Gluing ALPOL T1 sealing tape in the corners

Apply waterproofing membrane on the horizontal surface and wall in belts of the same width as that of the sealing mesh tape ALPOL T1 or ALPOL corner piece, with some surplus. Then, glue the tape leaving some clearance for free movement of the tape. Apply the membrane again. After tiles are fixed, press expansion joint rope into so formed cavity. Round the corner edge with ALPOL AZ 130 mortar if necessary.

Sealing the floor drain

Apply the waterproofing membrane to the edges to which the floor drain will be fixed. The floor drain is fixed mechanically with bolts, directly to the surface to the wet layer of ALPOL AH 751 waterproofing membrane. The depth to which bolts are driven may not exceed that of the pressure slab. The floor drain can also be installed by filling the gap the opening and the drain with ALPOL AZ 131 mortar. Apply the membrane in belts of the same area as that of the contact surface of ALPOL M2 seal sleeve with some surplus out of the sleeve. Do not apply the membrane on the very contact point between the sleeve and the surface. Cut appropriate hole in the sleeve and glue it in such a manner to avoid tension that would restrict its free movement. Apply the membrane again on the contact surface.

Sealing tube penetration through partitions

For sealing tubes penetrating through walls or floor, it is recommended to put sleeves around each tube and use the ALPOL M1 seal sleeve. It is enough to seal ends of tubes installed in walls (branch fixtures) with appropriate ALPOL M1 seal sleeves. ALPOL AH 751 waterproofing membrane can be applied in min. 2 coats after at least 3 hours from bonding the additional insulation components. The total thickness of the undertile insulation should be around 2 mm.

Application of the underslab insulation layer

ALPOL AH 751 waterproofing membrane can be applied in min. 2 coats after at least 3 hours from bonding additional insulation components. Apply the first coat of the sealing compound on the entire surface with a rough paintbrush or brush, rubbing it intensively into the surface, covering also the points in which additional components are bonded. Apply the second and next coats crosswise in a similar manner or by trowelling. Remember to apply the following coats after the previous one is set, i.e. after around 3 hours, at 20°C. The total thickness of the undertile insulation should be around 2 mm.

Application of cladding

Ceramic tiles can be bonded directly to a dried coat of ALPOL AH 751 waterproofing membrane (24 hours after application). Highly flexible liquefied ALPOL AK 516, or flexible liquefied medium-layer ALPOL AK 517 adhesives are recommended for floors. Tiles can be bonded with a “combined method” which consists in applying adhesive both, on the surface and on the tile bottom. This method allows the use of ALPOL AK 512 quick-setting flexible adhesive, ALPOL AK 513 flexible adhesive, ALPOL AK 514 white flexible adhesive for marble, ALPOL AK 515 flexible adhesive for porcelain tiles or ALPOL AK 511 flexible adhesive for porcelain tiles. Apply ALPOL adhesives with a trowel and float and spread uniformly with a notched trowel with square or rounded notches. Apply tiles and press them lightly against the surface.

Sealing expansion joint gaps and corners. Grouting

Expansion joint in the cladding can be made using a special metallic or plastic profile with compensating filling or by filling the gap with a permanently elastic material, e.g. silicone. Press waterproof expansion rope into the gap before filling it with silicone. All corners between the floor and wall and between walls should be sealed with waterproof expansion joint rope and silicone. For joint grouting, grouts of reduced water absorption are recommended, for narrow joint 2 to 6 mm ALPOL AS 210-295, and for wide joints from 7 to 12 mm ALPOL AS 200-287.