A Step by Step Guide to Waterproofing your Exterior Above Grade Foundation
The elements will always find a way to attack your foundation, whether it is covered by soil or painted with a standard coating. Ames waterproofing membranes are the go to solution to protecting your foundation. Using our products in an exterior application process creates a long lasting barrier between the elements and your valuables. If you have a foundation that is below the water line or has heavy run off against the foundation we highly recommend using Ames products. With our three part application process you will have ease of application and peace of mind.
GENERAL APPLICATION TIPS
Application Suggestions
Ames Research Laboratories, Inc. recommends that these application suggestions be used as a guideline for applying Ames’ products. Please remember these are only suggestions. Product durability depends upon surface preparation and sufcient material usage for thickness. Read all instructions on the label before beginning. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs with your surface and that it works to your satisfaction before proceeding.
>Do not proceed unless the product adheres to your satisfaction and according to product guidelines.
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Weather & Drying Guidelines
For exterior application, our products are best applied between 50 to 90°F (10 to 32°C) on warm and dry surfaces. Be sure humidity is less than 50% and dew point and temperature have a good spread. The coating will begin to dry in 30 minutes to 2 hours depending upon the thickness of application and weather. For best results, allow a minimum of 24 hours between coats. Products can take up to two weeks to fully cure.
Tools
Ames® Blue Max Regular Grade and Block and Wall Liquid Rubber can be applied with a paint brush, a push broom, a low nap roller with a long handle, or a commercial airless sprayer. You will also need Ames® Peel & StickTM Seam Tape, as well as scissors or a utility knife. For larger commercial jobs, we recommend using a commercial grade airless sprayer. Graco, Bulldog, or Titan brands work well.
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Estimated Coverage
Standard product coverage on a smooth surface is 100 sq. ft. per gallon per coat. A minimum of two coats is recommended. (2 gallons per 100 sq. ft.) The application must be applied in a continuous, unbroken seal of a minimum dry thickness of no less than 30 mils (the thickness of a dime). More coats equal longer life. Rough or uneven surfaces will require additional product and drying time.
APPPLICATION GUIDELINES
General Guidelines
A guideline for all types of substrates being restored with Ames Monolithic Roof Coatings is that deteriorated materials need to be inspected for any possible need to repair or replace before proceeding with new applications. Structural integrity is important in the underlying material as it will become a base for the new Ames Research Labs Monolithic Roof System.
Re-fasten loose and overlapping seams in existing materials before proceeding with restoration coating systems. Loose existing seams can create air pockets under the new system that will expand into bubbles in the hot sun. This is easily avoidable by re-adhering loose edges in the previous roof.
Document roof conditions before, during and after completion of the roofing project to meet any required Warranty Conditions. (See roof warranty instructions)
We always recommend a spot adhesion test of materials delivered to site be conducted after surface preparation and cleaning has taken place. This is to verify dis-bonding issues do not exist and conditions are correct to proceed with installation.
It is important to use your mil comb during application to prevent over or under application rates. If material is under applied, then your roof system will have insufficient film build to perform properly. If material is over applied, then material will cure slowly and extend recoat times. Always remember that material performance is based on proper thickness of coatings and can be easily controlled during application using a mil comb.
Surface Preparation (Pre Application Guide)
Be sure surfaces are clean and dry before the coating application. Do not use any soaps, or detergents. Remove all loose paint, tar, dirt, oil, and grease leaving surface clean and completely dry. In certain situations, a shot-blaster may be needed to help clean and roughen the surface. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction before proceeding. All cracks, joints (less than 5/8”) and seams should be filled using Blue Max Caulk or Blue Max Trowel Grade filler. For larger cracks (5/8″ or larger) fill with a cementitious filler. Make sure surface is as smooth as possible. For best results and adhesion, it is ideal to apply coating over a bare surface void of paint or residue of any kind. Product comes ready to use, no mixing or stirring required. For newly poured concrete, you must allow at least 30 days for complete dry and cure time before applying product.
ABOVE GRADE FOUNDATION APPLICATION
Step 1:
Identify the Ames products needed before beginning any waterproofing project. After assessing the surface, your application process may require additional coatings or sealant products. For example; use Ames Blue Max Caulk on all cracks smaller than 1/8″ if cracks or gaps are larger than 1/8" use Ames Blue Max Trowel Grade or Peel and Seam Tape. This will reinforce the substructure and create a Better barrier against moisture and water leakage.
Step 2:
Surfaces with joints, cracks, or where two unlike surfaces come together, require Ames® Peel & Stick™ Seam Tape (PS250, PS450 or PS650) to provide some additional strength and reinforcement. It is important to seam tape all joints and cracks to avoid future cracking and leaking. Prime all surfaces with Ames® Super Primer™ or Ames® Block & Wall® Acrylic coating prior to setting the Seam Tape in place.
Step 3:
Apply a liberal topcoat of Ames® Block & Wall® Acrylic coatings over the Seam Tape and allow to completely dry. A minimum of two coats is recommended and allow at least 24 hours to dry between coats.
Estimated Coverage
Ames® Block & Wall® Acrylic application coverage rate is approximately one gallon per 100 sq. ft. per coat, depending on the roughness, texture, and porosity of surface being treated. Two coat minimum is recommended, three to four coats are superior. NOTE: If going over a cementitious area, the surface must be primed first with Ames® Super Primer™. See Ames® Super Primer™ for instructions.
Ames® Paint & Prime® application coverage rate is approximately one gallon per 300-500 sq. ft. per coat, depending on the roughness, texture, and porosity of surface being treated. NOTE: If going over a cementitious area, the surface must be primed first with Ames® Super Primer™.
Ames® Clear Seal™ application coverage rate is approximately one gallon per 200 sq. ft. per coat, depending on the roughness, texture, and porosity of surface being treated. No primer needed.
No need to shake or stir prior to use. The application must be applied in a continuous, unbroken seal of a minimum dry thickness of no less than 30 mils (the thickness of a dime). More coats equal longer life. Rough surfaces will require additional product and drying time.