TEC® HydraFlex™ Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane 316

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TEC® HydraFlex™ Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane TA-316 is a versatile solution designed for both interior and exterior applications. This ready-to-use membrane is flexible, resistant to mold and mildew, and effectively waterproofs while providing crack isolation. It creates a seamless and watertight surface over walls, floors, and ceilings. The HydraFlex Membrane efficiently prevents in-plane cracks up to 1/8" (3 mm) or up to 1/4" (6 mm) wide from transmitting through to ceramic and stone tile, ensuring a smooth finish. Suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential to heavy commercial, this membrane guarantees enhanced protection and durability.

Product Type: Crack Isolation Membrane

Application Area: Ceilings, Floor, Wall

Application Method: Roller, Spray, Trowel

Features: Fast Drying, Fast Setting, Flexible, Good Smoothness, Low VOC, Mildew Resistant, Mold Resistance, Waterproofing

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Identification & Functionality

Features & Benefits

Ready-to-Use Product Features
Product Highlights
  • Exceeds ANSI A118.10 Specifications for Waterproof Membranes
  • Exceeds ANSI A118.12 Specifications for Crack Isolation Membranes
  • Use for Positive Hydrostatic Pressure Applications
  • Fast Drying – ready for tile installation in 1 to 3 hours
  • Easy roller, trowel or spray application
  • No mesh required (optional for waterproofing applications)
  • Apply over new (green) concrete as little as 3 days old
  • Isolates cracks up to 1/8" (3 mm) or up to 1⁄4" (6 mm) based on application
  • Membrane resistant to growth of mold and mildew
  • IAPMO approved
  • Approved over control joints – no need to locate tile or stone field movement joints directly over control joints
  • Contributes to LEED® project points
  • Low VOC

Applications & Uses

Markets
Applications
Application Area
Application Method
Compatible Substrates & Surfaces
Coverage
Application Required Coats Wet Film Thickness (mils) Approximate Coverage per Gallon
⅛" (3 mm) 1 25 mils [.025" (6 mm)) 100 sq. ft. (9.29 m²)
¼" (6 mm) 1 50 mils [.05" (1.27 mm)] 50 sq. ft. (4.65 m²)

Waterproofing

2

1st Coat - 25 mils (.025" (.6 mm)]

50 sq. ft. (4.65 m²)

2nd Coat - 25 mils [.025" (.6 mm)

Steam rooms

2

1st Coat - 30 mils [.03" (.76 mm))

40 sq. It. (3.72 m²)

2nd Coat - 30 mils [.03" (.76 mm)]
Suitable Substrates

When properly prepared, suitable substrates include:

  • Concrete (minimum 3 days old), cured mortar beds and masonry (interior or exterior)
  • Gypsum wallboard (interior), cementitious backer units (CBU or cement board. Interior or exterior)
  • APA Grade Trademarked Exposure 1 Plywood [CDX or better; two layers, 11⁄8" (28 mm) total minimum thickness, interior floors only]
  • Gypsum underlayment (minimum compressive strength 2000 psi)
  • Existing ceramic tile, VCT or non-cushioned sheetgoods provided they are single layer only and well bonded to a substrate approved for tile (interior)
  • Adhesive residue (except tacky or pressure-sensitive adhesive, interior only)
  • Cold rolled steel
Substrate Preparation
  • Application surfaces must be free from oil, grease, dust, paint, concrete sealers, floor finishes or curing compounds.
  • New concrete shall be finished with a steel trowel, have a fine broom finish, and must cure a minimum of 3 days.
  • For high moisture vapor emission concrete applications, the maximum acceptable moisture vapor emission rate is 12 pounds per 1000 square feet (5.4 kg per 92.9 m2 ) per 24 hours when evaluated by ASTM F1869 or 90% relative humidity per ASTM F2170.
  • Where required, existing concrete surfaces shall be prepared by mechanical method such as scarifying, grinding, sand blasting or shot blasting. Surface protrusions and tile glazes will be removed by sanding, scraping or scarifying.
  • After preparation, remove all dust by vacuuming. Clean concrete floor from dust with a wet sponge and let the floor dry completely before membrane application.
  • Note: Vinyl asbestos tile or any substrate containing asbestos must not be sanded, scored or scarified because of the potential health hazard of breathing dust. Any substrate containing asbestos must be handled in accordance with existing EPA regulations.
  • Contact your local EPA office. Patch and fill holes and voids with an appropriate TEC surface preparation product.
  • Treat existing building construction, contraction (control), expansion or isolation joints as required in the following installation instructions. Provide movement joints in the tile where specified.
Limitations Information
  • Not for use as a wear surface.
  • Do not apply over wet areas.
  • Do not use over dimensionally unstable substrates such as particle board, pressboard, lauan plywood, waferboard, tempered hardboard (e.g. Masonite) or fiberglass.
  • Do not use in areas subject to hydrostatic pressure from beneath the membrane.
  • For exterior wall applications, refer to local building codes for moisture vapor transmission requirements.
Recommended Applications
  • To achieve waterproofing properties, a continuous membrane (no voids) of at least 46-50 mils [3⁄64" (1.14-1.27 mm)] wet film thickness is required over the entire surface.
  • Pre-fill all concrete cracks and plywood gaps up to 1⁄8" (3 mm) wide with membrane prior to application. Treat cracks greater than 1⁄4" (6 mm) wide as expansion joints (see following section). Apply membrane to entire surface using a 1⁄4" to 1⁄2” ( 6-12 mm) nap roller, 3⁄16" (4.7 mm) v-notch trowel, or airless sprayer*.
  • For waterproofing installations, membrane must be applied in two coats. Apply first coat, measuring membrane periodically with a wet film thickness gage† to ensure a minimum thickness of 25 mils wet. Allow first coat to dry approximately 1 hour, until membrane changes to a semi-transparent color.
  • Then apply second coat at right angles to the first coat. An additional 25 mils wet film thickness shall be applied to achieve a combined total thickness of 50 mils wet, curing to a dry film thickness of 30 mils. * Graco® Electric Airless Sprayer Model 390 or equivalent.
  • Specifications: 0.020 Maximum Nozzle Orifice, Maximum Sprayer Pressure 3,300 psi, flow rate of 0.43 gallons per minute, Contractor FTX11 Gun, RACX 515 Tip & Guard. Graco is a trademark of Graco Inc.
  • † If a gage is not available, for 25 mils: Insert a dime into the wet Hydraflex with Roosevelt's head upside down and facing you.
  • HydraFlex should completely cover the outer groove on the edge of the dime. For 50 mils: Lay the dime flat and HydraFlex will be the thickness of the dime.
Recommended Applications
  • Flashing with TEC Waterproof Mesh for common problem areas like; inside corners, outside corners, anywhere vertical surfaces meet horizontal surfaces; or anywhere dissimilar materials meet is optional.
  • To accomplish flashing, first pre-coat the substrate intersections 4" (100 mm) on each side.
  • Then fully embed the 6" (150 mm) wide waterproofing mesh in both directions into the pre-coated areas with a 3" (76 mm) overlap on each side. Allow to dry (approximately 30 to 45 minutes) before full application of membrane.
Recommended Applications
  • Cracks or Control Joints [typically 1⁄4" (6 mm) or smaller]: Ensure crack or joint is clean and free of all debris.
  • Then fill the crack or joint with membrane. For optional mesh application, spread to 4" (100 mm) on either side, embedding the waterproofing mesh.
  • Install the membrane over the entire surface ensuring a continuous 50 mil wet film thickness.
  • Generic movement joints in the tile should be placed as shown in TCNA EJ171F Movement Joint Guidelines.
  • Place at a frequency of 20' to 25' in each direction for interior installations and 8' to 12' for exterior installations or interior installations with direct sunlight or moisture exposure. Perimeter joints should be placed as shown in EJ171.
  • When HydraFlex is applied over the entire substrate, it is not necessary to locate tile or stone field movement joints directly over control joints or cracks as shown in EJ171B.

Fig1: Treatment of Cracks or Control Joint with TEC HydraFlex Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane



  • Expansion, Isolation, and Construction Joints: Ensure joint is clean and free of all debris. Install compressible backer rod (open or closed cell backer rod) into the joint.
  • Next compress the specified sealant into the joint according to the sealant manufacturer’s printed installation instructions, leaving it flush with the surrounding surface.
  • After the sealant has cured, cover the joint with bond breaker tape. Apply membrane as directed.
  • After installing the membrane over the entire surface ensuring a continuous 50 mil wet film thickness and required cure time, place bond breaker tape over the joint and install tile without bridging the joint.
  • After the tile has been installed, caulk the joint with specified sealant.
Recommended Applications

HydraFlex must extend to the bottom of the drain flange, with sufficient coverage to channel all water flow to and down the drain. DO NOT cover weep holes with membrane. The following diagram depicts a typical drain configuration:


Fig: Drain Configuration


  • Note: This diagram is provided to show a typical drain detail and is not intended to make specific design recommendations.
  • Install a continuous membrane to cover the substrate and up to the drain opening, as shown in the diagram.
  • Once the membrane has dried thoroughly, the flange should then clamp down on the membrane, with the weep holes unobstructed. (See TCA Installation Methods for shower receptors).
Recommended Applications
  • To achieve waterproofing properties compliant with SR613 and SR614, a continuous membrane (no voids) of at least 36-39 mils [>1 ⁄32" (0.91-0.99 mm)] combined dry film thickness is required over the entire surface. Pre-treat all concrete cracks and plywood gaps up to 1 ⁄8" (3 mm) wide with membrane prior to application.
  • Treat cracks greater than 1/4" (6 mm) wide as expansion joints (see following section). Apply membrane to entire surface using a 1/4" to 1/2" (6-12 mm) nap roller, 1/4" (6.4 mm) v-notch trowel, or airless sprayer*. For waterproofing or steam shower installations, membrane must be applied in two coats.
  • Apply first coat, measuring membrane periodically with a wet film thickness gage† to ensure a minimum wet film thickness of 30 mils. Allow first coat to dry approximately 1 hour, until membrane changes to a semi-transparent color. Then apply second coat at right angles to the first coat.
  • The second coat should also have a wet film thickness of 30 mils to achieve a minimum combined total wet film thickness of 60 mils, curing to a dry film thickness of 36 mils.
  • * Graco® Electric Airless Sprayer Model 390 or equivalent. Specifications: 0.020 Maximum Nozzle Orifice, Maximum Sprayer Pressure 3,300 psi, flow rate of 0.43 gallons per minute, Contractor FTX11 Gun, RACX 515 Tip & Guard. Graco is a trademark of Graco Inc.
  • † If a gage is not available, for 30 mils: Lay a penny flat and HydraFlex will be the thickness of the penny.
Cleaning Instructions
  • Clean tools, hands and excess material immediately (while still fresh) with water.
  • Material that is cured is difficult or impossible to remove.
Curing
  • HydraFlex membrane is typically ready for tile application in 1-3 hours.
  • Cure times based on 70°F (21°C) and 50% RH.
  • Colder temperatures, higher humidity or green concrete (not fully cured) will extend cure times.
  • In all cases, care should always be taken to not gouge or otherwise disturb or damage the integrity of the cured membrane.
  • Cure for 1-3 hours. Cure times based on 70°F (21°C) and 50% RH.
  • Thicker films, cooler temperatures, higher humidity or green concrete (not fully cured) will extend cure times.
  • Install tile using a suitable TEC latex-modified mortar or TEC AccuColor EFX Epoxy Grout and Mortar.
Installation Instructions
  • Pre-fill all concrete cracks, control joints and plywood gaps up to 1 ⁄8" (3 mm) wide with membrane prior to application. For expansion, isolation and construction joints continue joints through the tile installation in accordance with Installation Method EJ171 in the Tile Council of America handbook.
  • Treat dynamic cracks (subject to movement) greater than 1 ⁄4" (6 mm) wide for 50 mil wet film thickness, or 1 ⁄8" (3 mm) wide for 25 mil wet film thickness as expansion joints. Generic movement joints in the tile should be placed as shown in TCNA EJ171F Movement Joint Guidelines.
  • Place at a frequency of 20' to 25' in each direction for interior installations and 8' to 12' for exterior installations or interior installations with direct sunlight or moisture exposure. Perimeter joints should be placed as shown in EJ171.
  • When HydraFlex is applied over the entire substrate, it is not necessary to locate tile or stone field movement joints directly over control joints or cracks as shown in EJ171B.
  • For treatment of cracks or control joints where HydraFlex Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane is not applied over the entire substrate, see Technical Bulletin "Treatment of INDIVIDUAL Concrete Cracks with TEC® Products" on tecspecialty.com.

1 /8" Crack Isolation Applications:

  • Apply membrane to entire surface using a 1⁄4" to 1⁄2" (6-12 mm) synthetic nap roller, 3 /16" (4.7 mm) V-notch trowel, or airless sprayer*. Membrane may be applied in one coat. Measure membrane periodically with a wet film thickness gage† to ensure a minimum thickness of 25 mils [.025" (.6 mm)] wet, curing to a dry film thickness of 15 mils [.015" (.4 mm)].

1 /4" Crack Isolation Applications:

  • Membrane may be applied in one coat to entire surface. Measure membrane periodically with a wet film thickness gage† to ensure a minimum thickness of 50 mils wet, curing to a dry film thickness of 30 mils. Note: When using a V-notch trowel for crack isolation applications, “key in” a thin coat of membrane using the flat side of the trowel. Immediately afterwards, apply additional material using the notched side of the trowel held at approximately a 45 degree angle to the substrate. Again using the flat side of the trowel, flatten the ridges to form a smooth, continuous membrane.
  • * Graco® Electric Airless Sprayer Model 390 or equivalent. Specifications: 0.020 Maximum Nozzle Orifice, Maximum Sprayer Pressure 3,300 psi, flow rate of 0.43 gallons per minute, Contractor FTX11 Gun, RACX 515 Tip & Guard. Graco is a trademark of Graco Inc.
  • † If a gage is not available, for 25 mils: Insert a dime into the wet Hydraflex with Roosevelt's head upside down and facing you. HydraFlex should completely cover the outer groove on the edge of the dime. For 50 mils: Lay the dime flat and HydraFlex will be the thickness of the dime.

Properties

Odor
Mild Ammonia (Uncured)
Appearance
Acrylic purple emulsion modified with a polyurethane dispersion
Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Service Temperature Rating-20 to 320 °F-
Shear Strength (for 100 Days, Water Immersion)125.0psi-
Shear Strength (for 12 Week)330.0psi-
Shear Strength (for 4 Week)310.0psi-
Shear Strength (for 7 Days, Water Immersion)150.0psi-
Shear Strength (for 7 Days)238.0psi-
Tensile Strength250.0psiASTM D751
VOC Content (Less Water)12.0g/L-
Water Vapor Permeance (36 mil DFT)max. 0.5permsASTM E96 Procedure A
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Breaking Strength250.0psi-
Crack Resistance TestHigh Performance--
Dimensional Stability (Length Change)max. 0.7%-
Elongation750.0%ASTM D751
Point LoadPass--
Seam Strength (Per Inch Width)min. 20 lb-
Shear DeflectionHigh Performance--

Regulatory & Compliance

Technical Details & Test Data

Technical Data
Fungus Resistance

Shall not support mold growth

Waterproofness

No visible water penetration after 48 hours (Tested in accordance with American Standards for Load Bearing, Bonded, Waterproof Membranes for Thin Set Ceramic Tile and Dimension Stone Installations—ANSI A118.10)

Accelerated Test for Fungal Defacement

Passed with no growth and 10 mm zone off inhibition. (ASTM D5590)

Tile Installation Time
[at 70°F (21°C)]

1-3 hours after membrane application.

Foot Traffic Rating (ASTM C627)

Residential to Extra Heavy Commercial
(depending on substrate)

Flood Testing
  • Inspect cured film to make sure there are no voids, bubbles or breaks in the membrane.
  • Apply additional membrane to fill all voids. HydraFlex is ready for flood testing when the 2nd coat turns dark purple, with no visible light purple.
  • Drying time after application of the second coat can range from 2 hours under ideal conditions to 12 hours, depending on temperature, relative humidity, substrate porosity and air flow. Corners will generally take longer to dry than flat surfaces.
  • Plug all drains and dam the floor area to be tested. Flood the area to a meaningful test level and place a mark at the initial water level. Check the area carefully, looking for any signs of leakage (air bubbles rising from the leak source).
  • After 24 hours, check water level against mark(s) made at initial height. If significant loss has occurred, further investigation will be necessary to identify leaks.
  • Install tile using a suitable TEC latex-modified mortar or TEC AccuColor EFX® Epoxy Grout and Mortar.

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type
Packaging Information
  • One U.S. gallon plastic pails (3.78 L)
  • 3.5 U.S. gallon plastic pails (13.24 L)
  • 5 U.S. gallon plastic pails (18.93 L)

TEC® Waterproofing Mesh available in:

  • 6 in. x 50 ft. rolls (150 mm x 15.24 m)

Storage & Handling

Shelf Life
1 year
Storage and Handling Conditions
  • Store in cool, dry location. Do not store open containers, nor leave containers exposed to sunlight. Product must be kept at temperatures of 40°-90°F (4°-32°C). Keep from freezing.
  • Freeze/thaw Stability of Liquid None. KEEP FROM FREEZING.
Storage and Shelf Life Conditions

Maximum of 1 year from date of manufacture in unopened package.