Use Gripset 38FC for: Fast-track waterproofing of bathrooms, balconies, and rooftops, enabling quick tiling and overlay finishes.
Gripset 38FC is a next-generation, water-based SBR latex membrane, reinforced with fibres for enhanced strength and workability. Designed for both internal and external waterproofing, it's perfect for areas requiring rapid completion. Its fast-cure technology allows tiling in just 4 hours and flood testing in 24, making it ideal for time-sensitive projects. Gripset 38FC provides a flexible, elastomeric, and durable seamless finish, ensuring excellent vapour barrier properties and low water vapour transmission.
Key Features of Gripset 38FC
- Fast Curing: Tile over in just 4 hours, significantly reducing project timelines and allowing for quicker completion of wet area installations.
- Fibre Reinforced: Enhances tensile strength and provides superior workability, ensuring a robust and reliable waterproof barrier on various substrates.
- Waterproof and Durable: Withstands continuously wet environments and ponding without re-emulsifying, ideal for bathrooms, balconies, and rooftops.
- Flexible and Elastomeric: Accommodates normal substrate movement, preventing cracks and maintaining a seamless waterproof layer over time.
- Vapour Barrier: Offers excellent vapour barrier properties and low water vapour transmission, protecting structures from moisture damage.
Technical Overview
Gripset 38FC is formulated to provide a high-performance waterproofing solution with rapid curing capabilities. Its fibre-reinforced composition ensures superior tensile strength and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The elastomeric properties allow it to flex with substrate movement, preventing cracking and maintaining a continuous waterproof barrier.
Chemical Properties: Water-based SBR latex with fibre reinforcement, providing a flexible and durable membrane.
Application Temperature Range: 5°C to 30°C (41°F to 86°F). Apply within this range to ensure proper curing and adhesion, avoiding extreme temperatures that may affect performance.
Application Information
- Required Tools: Brush, medium nap roller, spray unit, spatula, wet film gauge.
- Trade-Specific Tips: Ensure surfaces are properly primed with Gripset GP, OP, Xpress H2O Plus, or E60 primer depending on substrate type. Use a wet film gauge to accurately control the application thickness. Detail all critical areas with Elastoproof B50 Joint Band, BRW PF Tape, or RLA MAX SMP 25 sealant before applying the membrane.
- Common Issues and Solutions: If encountering slow curing, ensure ambient temperature is within the recommended range and humidity is not excessively high. For uneven coverage, use a wet film gauge to monitor thickness and apply additional coats as needed.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Storage Requirements: Store in original unopened packaging, avoid freezing conditions, and keep off cold floors. Best stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
- Shelf Life Information: 12 months from the date of production when stored correctly.
- Temperature Considerations: Avoid storing in temperatures below 5°C (41°F) or above 30°C (86°F) to maintain product integrity.
Certifications
- Compliant to AS 4858 (Wet Area Membranes)
- Compliant to AS 4654.1 (Waterproofing of Roofs and Associated Waterproofing)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gripset 38FC
Q: Can Gripset 38FC be applied to damp surfaces?
A: For damp surfaces with residual moisture, use Xpress Primer H2O Plus or Gripset E60, depending on the moisture level. These primers are designed to adhere to damp substrates, ensuring a strong bond for the Gripset 38FC membrane.
Q: How long does Gripset 38FC take to fully cure?
A: Gripset 38FC fully cures in 24 hours under standard conditions (23°C and 50% RH), allowing for flood testing. Drying times may vary with temperature and humidity.
Q: Is Gripset 38FC compatible with all tile adhesives?
A: Gripset 38FC is compatible with polymer-modified cement-based adhesives. For other adhesives, contact RLA Polymers technical department for compatibility details.
Q: What is the minimum dried film thickness required for Gripset 38FC?
A: The minimum dried film thickness is 1mm. Apply at least two coats to achieve this thickness, ensuring proper waterproofing protection.
Q: What safety precautions should be taken when applying Gripset 38FC?
A: Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed safety information. Ensure adequate ventilation, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and follow safe handling practices.
Q: Can Gripset 38FC be used on external roofs?
A: Yes, Gripset 38FC is suitable for external roofs and rooftop terraces, provided they are to be covered over with screeds and toppings. It must not be used as a trafficable surface or a finished membrane exposed to UV.
Q: What primers are compatible with Gripset 38FC?
A: Gripset 38FC is compatible with Gripset GP Primer for porous surfaces, Gripset OP Primer for non-porous surfaces, Xpress Primer H2O Plus for damp surfaces, and Gripset E60 for rising damp or high residual moisture.
Use Gripset 38FC for:
- Internal wet areas: Bathrooms, laundries, and tiled areas.
- External wet areas: Balconies, decks, podiums, and terrace floors.
- Roofs and rooftop terraces: To be covered with screeds and toppings.
- Sandwiching: Between existing and new concrete substrates.
- Liquid vapour barrier: Between toppings and slabs.
- General tiled areas: To prevent moisture ingress.
Why Use Gripset 38FC:
- Fast curing: Allows for tiling in 4 hours, speeding up project timelines.
- Fibre reinforced: Enhances strength and workability, ensuring a robust barrier.
- Waterproof and durable: Withstands wet conditions and ponding without re-emulsifying.
- Flexible and elastomeric: Accommodates substrate movement, preventing cracks.
- Excellent vapour barrier: Protects structures from moisture damage.
How to apply Gripset 38FC:
- Prepare the Surface: Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and free from contaminants. Repair any defects with appropriate repair mortars.
- Prime the Surface: Apply the appropriate Gripset primer (GP, OP, Xpress H2O Plus, or E60) according to the substrate.
- Detail Critical Areas: Apply Elastoproof B50 Joint Band, BRW PF Tape, or RLA MAX SMP 25 sealant to joints, junctions, penetrations, and cracks.
- Apply First Coat: Apply Gripset 38FC by brush or roller at a coverage of 750 microns wet film thickness.
- Apply Second Coat: After 1 hour, apply a second coat at 750 microns wet film thickness, ensuring total coverage of 1.5 litres/m².
- Allow to Cure: Allow 4 hours before tiling and 24 hours before flood testing.
Gripset 38FC limitations:
- Not to be used as a trafficable surface: Gripset 38FC is designed to be covered with toppings or tiles.
- Not to be used as a finished membrane exposed to UV: Must be covered to prevent degradation.
- Do not apply when rain is imminent: Ensure dry conditions for proper curing.
- Do not apply below 5°C or above 30°C: Temperature extremes affect curing and adhesion.
- Not for areas with rising damp or negative hydrostatic pressure: Use Gripset E60 for rising damp.
- All finish coatings must be water-based and solvent-free: Prevents damage to the membrane.
Safety precautions when using Gripset 38FC:
- Personal Protective Equipment: Wear gloves, eye protection, and appropriate clothing.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation during application.
- Handling: Follow safe handling practices as outlined in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Clean Up: Clean tools with water while the membrane is wet; dried product must be removed mechanically.
Gripset 38FC can be used on the following substrates:
- Concrete, render, and masonry: Ensure surfaces are clean and properly prepared.
- Compressed fibre cement sheeting and plasterboard: Prime correctly to ensure proper adhesion.
- Wet area timber sheeting and external grade plywood: Use appropriate primers for timber substrates.
- Aerated concrete panels and blocks: Prime to reduce porosity and ensure a good bond.
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