Composed of low VOC modified elastomeric copolymers, Sika crack isolation liquid, and solid membrane systems are uniquely engineered to crack-isolation and vapor-control solutions, addressing the demands of ani-fracture environments encountered in today’s ceramic tile and stone installations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What common surfaces will not accept a liquid-applied membrane?

Do not use liquid-applied membranes over hardwood flooring, particleboard, Masonite, plank flooring, treated plywood, vinyl, laminate flooring, floors containing asbestos, gypsum-based floor-patching compounds. Contact SikaTile® Technical Service at 201-933-8800 with any questions.

How long do I need to wait to tile over SikaTile®-200 Fracture Guard Rapid?

You may begin tiling as soon as SikaTile®-200 Fracture Guard is dry. 

I applied a crack-isolation membrane. Do I still need expansion joints/perimeter joints?

Yes.  Any existing expansion joint or soft joint (saw cut) must be honored throughout the entire assembly per TCNA EJ-171. Expansion joints and saw cuts are part of the construction of the building and need to be kept in place.

Perimeter joints still need to be honored per TCNA EJ-171. Just because a crack-isolation membrane is used does not mean that the tile will stop expanding and contracting.

Why do I need a crack-isolation membrane?

A crack-isolation membrane is a form of insurance. No matter how new or old your concrete substrate may be, it always moves through expansion, contraction and stress. When a crack appears or already exists and a hard product like tile or stone is applied over that substrate without protection, those cracks can transmit through the entire installation, creating unsightly fractures in the tile or grout.

How soon can you tile over the membrane?

Once the liquid-applied membrane has dried to the touch and does not transfer, you may begin installing a polymer-modified mortar.

What do liquid-applied membranes offer that peel-and-stick membranes don’t?

Liquid-applied membranes are monolithic when applied and have no seams. Peel-and-stick (PNS) products are typically 36” wide and need to overlap for wider applications, creating a seam that could potentially leak. Liquid-applied membranes are also great for areas that may not be square or have a radius. PNS products do not conform to applications that have a radius or out-of-square area and will more than likely need to be folded, causing an area for potential leaks.

How thick does a waterproof membrane need to be?

SikaTile® liquid-applied waterproofing and crack-isolation membranes should be applied at a wet-film mil gauge thickness of 30 mil for first coat. This includes embedded reinforcing fabric at change-of-plain areas. After the membrane has dried, a second application needs to be applied without fabric needs to be applied at 30-mil wet thickness for a total of 40-mil thickness after drying/curing.