Last spring we used the Aquafin 1K - 2K waterproofing solution on a replaster. This spring the whole pool delaminated and all the plaster came off in sheets. We contacted the manufacturer and sent samples to them asking for root cause analysis. The samples were inconclusive and we were requested to provide core samples. The Field Application Manager told us the reason for the failure of the bond was our application was not thick enough. It would seem that it is not very forgiving; have any other builders had similar problems with the product?
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Dear members I happen to be perhaps the most experienced applicator of Aquafin in Puerto Rico to this date. I have used 1k and IC in over 200,000 SF in water cisterns and 2KM in over 100,000 SF of surfaces in swimming pools and fountains and my experience is that 2KM doesn’t stands the test of time.
Within the first year of use it either disintegrates or delaminates and it shows efflorescence all over. The feedback from the pool maintenance guys… their worst nightmare.
Unfortunately after contacting the Distributor in Puerto Rico and the Manufacturer their response is the same “incorrect application” even though me being their Distributor’s source of advice in terms of application of this material in my area. They refuse to perform forensic testing of the material.
Sure enough we stop using their materials. I see the relationship between Manufacturers-Distributor-Contractors should be like a partnership with a win-win approach… we contractors help them introduce new products but they shall be committed to stand behind their materials and this is not the case with this Manufacturer. You don’t need your jobs to come back to haunt.
My experience with Thoroseal/ Acryl 60 is excellent.
Kirk:
Like you we have used a number of products with high expectations to eliminate water intrusion and subsequently efflorescence. I sat next to the Aquafin marketing rep in the builder's course at Vegas and was convinced by their presentation we had found our magic bullet. It is interesting to note your comment about flexible substrate layers because Aquafin did recommend that we grind off the entire shell and reapply two coats of their 1K before plastering. If you are familiar with 1K it sets up more like a bond coat. I guess they should have recommended that solution in the first place. There is always some risk in using unfamiliar products but if we are truly intent on improving the product we deliver to our customer, we must step outside our comfort zone. We religiously attend APSP classes to take the knowledge and experience of our industry’s experts back to our business and integrate those improvements. I believe we have all experienced the disappointment of seeing a beautiful design tarnished with the evidence of efflorescence after only one year. I can’t wait to attend the classes in New Orleans this coming year. By the way, we became certified applicators of the Aquron products and have been using it on our shells. Time will tell if it is as good at arresting efflorescence.
We to have had our challenges finding the solution to pre waterproofing structures as an underlayment to pool finishes. It seems that any material that has elastomeric qualities allow the plaster to shrink crack excessively as it dries which promotes the ability to pull away from its bond.
Also I believe that when you apply a complete watertight membrane prior to applying plaster it causes the plaster to dry from the outside in as opposed to the inside out breaking the vacuum bond which naturally occurs in normal circumstances.
Anytime you add substrates sandwiched in between other substrates your increasing your chances of something pulling away. It's imperative that the material you apply has the ability to chemically bond to the surface you apply and the end result leaves an ultra textured surface for the finish coat to mechanically adhere.
Thuro-seal is old school and it works but it won’t span micro fissure cracks in concrete which is what led us to trying elastomeric materials which opened up a whole other can of worms.
We are still in search for the ultimate solution????
Thank you Rex, I always appreciate your insightful input.
We applied Aquafin on three or four different projects and had the sam result on all. The manufacturer told us we applied it incorrectly, even though their representative trained our field guys. We don't use it any longer.