Sika® MB
Solvent Free, Epoxy Moisture Barrier
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Sika® MB is a 2-component, solvent free, low viscosity, epoxy for use under wood flooring products, self leveling underlayments, floating floors and other flooring systems that require protection from subfloor moisture.
- Solvent-free (100 % solids)
- Easy roller applied application, low viscosity
- Convenient, easy to mix packaging
- Shorter construction periods
- Excellent penetration and stabilization of the substrate
- Reduction of adhesive consumption
- Suitable for use on floors with radiant heating
- Compatible with SikaBond® and DriTac® flooring adhesives, SikaLevel® products
- Can be used below floating floors
- Class I vapor retarder at 0.06 perm (1 coat)
Usage
- Moisture barrier to help control moisture propagation in cementitious substrates with a moisture content not exceeding 6 % by Tramex Method, residual moisture up to 100 % R.H. or 25 lb/1,000 ft2/24 h (11.4 kg/92.9m2/24 h)
- For substrate consolidation on concrete, cement and gypsum screeds
- Adhesion promoter for old and new adhesive residues in conjunction with other Sika® products
- Suitable on concrete, cement, self-leveling and gypsum substrates, OSB, plywood, quarry and terrazzo tiles, water-soluble adhesive and cutbacks
Advantages
- Solvent-free (100 % solids)
- Easy roller applied application, low viscosity
- Convenient, easy to mix packaging
- Shorter construction periods
- Excellent penetration and stabilization of the substrate
- Reduction of adhesive consumption
- Suitable for use on floors with radiant heating
- Compatible with SikaBond® and DriTac® flooring adhesives, SikaLevel® products
- Can be used below floating floors
- Class I vapor retarder at 0.06 perm (1 coat)
Packaging
2.64 gal (10 L) pail
Color
Blue
Product Details
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
LEED V4.1 California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2: Private Office, School Classroom, and Residential
APPROVALS / STANDARDS
- Meets ASTM F3010
Chemical Base
Two component epoxy
Shelf Life
24 months from date of production if stored properly in undamaged sealed containers
Storage Conditions
Store dry at 50–77 °F (10–25 °C). Protect from moisture.
Density
69 lb/ft3 (1.1 kg/l)
Shore D Hardness
| 7 days | 83 (mixed A&B) |
Compressive Strength
| 7 days | 10,000 psi (69 MPa) |
Permeability to Water Vapor
| 0.06 g/m2-24hour-mmHG | (ASTM E-96) |
Service Temperature
-40–158 °F (-40–70 °C)
Application
Pot Life
| 50 °F (10 °C) | ~ 60 minutes |
| 68 °F (20 °C) | ~ 30 minutes |
| 86 °F (30 °C) | ~ 15 minutes |
Cure Time
| 50 °F (10 °C) | 18 hours |
| 73 °F (23 °C) | 8 hours |
| 86 °F (30 °C) | 6 hours |
* Minimum curing time, prior to walking on primer/or for applying SikaBond® or Sika® Level.
Coverage
| Coverage per pail | |
| Moisture barrier | 250–300 ft2 (23.2–27.9 m2) |
| Adhesion promoter or surface consolidator | 400–450 ft2 (37.2–41.8 m2) |
(Coverage figures do not include allowance for surface profile and porosity or material waste).
| Application | Recommended Coatings | Results in |
| Moisture barrier only | min. 1 | Mirror like finish |
| Substrate consolidation only | min. 1 | Good penetration |
| Adhesion promotion only | min. 1 | Mirror like finish |
| Moisture barrier + substrate consolidation | min. 2 | Mirror like finish |
| Moisture barrier + adhesion promotion | min. 2 | Mirror like finish |
MUST produce a monolithic, pinhole-free finish with a continuous film. The need for multiple coats is directly related to surface absorption.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
- Substrate must be clean, dry, sound and homogeneous, free from oils, grease, dust, and loose or friable particles. Paint, laitance, and other poorly adhering contents must be mechanically removed.
- Substrate must have an open textured surface to allow Sika® MB to penetrate. (i.e. Blast cleaning, grinding are considered acceptable means to achieve the desired surface profile. Acid and chemical etching are not acceptable).
- At least 50 % of the surface area must be cleared of residual adhesive and cutbacks. (i.e. by grinding or mechanical substrate preparation)
- Old cutback can contain asbestos which is dangerous for the health so do not grind, sand or blast. Refer to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s publication “recommended work practice for removal of resilient floor coverings” for instruction.
- Minimum substrate compressive strength > 1,160 psi. Tensile Bond strength > 116 psi at the time Sika® MB is applied.
- Repair with Sika® Level SkimCoat or SikaQuick® mortar before priming.
- The floor must be cleaned with an industrial vacuum prior to installation of the Sika® MB.
- On fiber reinforced concrete, fibers should be flamed off the surface prior to application of Sika® MB as a moisture barrier.
- Before overall installation begins, Sika® recommends the application of several small test patches to determine primer application requirements and acceptability of final product performance.
- All moving joints and moving cracks must be honored up through the floor preparation and floor covering installation, finishing with an appropriate Sika flexible sealing compound. Dormant hairline cracks can be covered with Sika MB. Dormant joints and dormant cracks greater than a hairline that will not be honored must be pre-filled in strict accordance with the installation instructions provided by the Sika Technical Service Department. Dormant hairline cracks can be covered with an appropriate Sika flexible sealing compound. Once the dormant cracks and dormant joints have been properly filled, broadcast sand to refusal, and allow these areas to cure thoroughly. Remove all excess sand before proceeding with the Sika MB installation.
MIXING
- Add one full can of component A to one full can of component B then mix with an electric drill and mixing (Jiffy Mixer type) paddle at a low speed to reduce air entrainment (300–400 rpm). Using a paint stick or similar is not sufficient to mix the primer.
- A minimum mixing time of 3 minutes shall be observed; mixing shall continue until a homogeneous mix has been achieved.
- Scrape sides of pail with paint stick or paddle to ensure all contents are thoroughly mixed together.
- Unmixed material applied to the floor will not cure properly.
CLEANING OF TOOLS
- Clean all tools and application equipment with cleaning solvent (Xylene, MEK are effective).
- Hardened/cured material can only be removed mechanically.
FAQ
Excess moisture can weaken adhesion, cause floor coverings to lift, and lead to mold growth. Before leveling, conduct a moisture test. If moisture levels exceed acceptable limits, apply Sika® MB as a moisture barrier to protect the installation.
Sika® offers high-quality products such as Sika® Level-325, a cementitious self-leveling underlayment, and Sika® Level SkimCoat, ideal for minor surface imperfections. For improved adhesion, Sika® Level-01 Primer Plus helps ensure a strong bond, while Sika® MB acts as a moisture barrier in high-humidity environments.