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Mapeband Easy: A Technical Overview
Mapeband Easy is a vapour-proof and waterproof elastic tape featuring a central rubber core between alkali-resistant non-woven polypropylene fabric layers. Its perforated edges ensure perfect bonding with waterproofing products like Mapelastic, Monolastic, and Mapegum WPS. With over 300% elongation, it maintains watertight integrity even with substrate movement, ensuring long-lasting waterproofing performance in demanding applications.
Core Features & Specifications
- Elongation at failure > 300% – absorbs substrate movement without compromising waterproofing integrity.
- Perforated edges for excellent wetting and strong adhesion with liquid-applied membranes.
- Compatible with Mapelastic range, Monolastic, Mapegum WPS, and Aquaflex Roof products for system integration.
- Supplied in 30 m and 10 m rolls, with pre-formed corners and pipe templates available.
- Thickness: 0.68 mm; Tensile strength: 45 N/15 mm for durable, reliable sealing.
- EMICODE EC1 Plus – very low VOC emission for safer indoor applications.
The Mapeband Easy Advantage
- Speeds up waterproofing projects with quick, straightforward application.
- Eliminates risk of leaks at critical junctions – fewer callbacks and rework.
- Provides a seamless, professional finish compatible with tile adhesives and membranes.
- Trusted Mapei quality – designed for Australian conditions and standards.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Poor Corner Sealing
Potential Outcome: Water ingress at wall/floor junctions leading to damage beneath tiles.
Adheseal Best Practice: Always use Mapeband Easy pre-formed 90° or 270° corner pieces to guarantee a continuous seal.
Scenario: Inadequate Overlap
Potential Outcome: Joint separation under movement, causing leaks.
Adheseal Best Practice: Overlap tape pieces by at least 5 cm and fully embed in waterproofing product for secure bonding.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Waterproofers (Specifier): Balcony Joint Sealing
The Professional's Challenge
Balconies are prone to cracking and water ingress at control joints. Specifiers require compliance with AS 4654 for external above-ground waterproofing.
The Adheseal Solution
Mapeband Easy provides a flexible, waterproof seal over control joints and integrates seamlessly with liquid-applied membranes, ensuring compliance and durability.
Best Practice Note
Leave the central dotted area free of membrane when tiling to maintain joint visibility and performance.
For Tilers (On-Site Installer): Wet Area Corners
The Professional's Challenge
Corners are common points of waterproofing failure, especially in showers and bathrooms.
The Adheseal Solution
Apply Mapeband Easy directly into fresh membrane coat with full edge saturation, ensuring no folds or trapped air for a perfect corner seal.
Best Practice Note
Embed tape while membrane is still wet and roll with pressure to guarantee adhesion through perforations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mapeband Easy be used with any liquid waterproofing membrane?
Mapeband Easy is compatible with the Mapelastic range, Monolastic, Mapegum WPS, and Aquaflex Roof products. Always check compatibility with third-party membranes before use. For best results, embed tape while the membrane is still wet to ensure full bonding through the perforated edges.
Do I need to use primer before applying Mapeband Easy?
Primer is recommended for highly absorbent or dusty substrates to improve adhesion of the membrane beneath the tape. On stable, clean concrete or over existing membranes, priming is usually not required.
How should overlaps be handled between sections of Mapeband Easy?
Always overlap tape by at least 50 mm and embed fully with the chosen waterproofing product. This ensures a continuous, watertight seal that accommodates movement without separation.
Can Mapeband Easy be tiled over?
Yes. Mapeband Easy can be completely coated with waterproofing product or left with the central dotted area exposed to mark control joints when tiling. Ensure there is a matching joint in the tile layout for movement accommodation.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-to-Floor Junctions | Creates a flexible, watertight seal at critical wet-area corners. | Waterproofers, Tilers |
| Balcony & Terrace Control Joints | Maintains waterproofing integrity even under substrate movement. | Waterproofers, Builders |
| Pipe & Drain Penetrations | Prevents leaks around penetrations using pre-formed templates. | Plumbers, Waterproofers |
| Wet Area Wall Corners | Eliminates failure points in showers and bathrooms with seamless coverage. | Tilers, Renovators |
| Expansion Joint Bridging | Absorbs movement with elongation > 300%, preventing cracking of membranes. | Specifiers, Remedial Contractors |
Applying Mapeband Easy: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
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1. Prepare the Surface
Clean all junctions, corners, and control joints. Ensure surface is sound, dry, and free of dust, grease, and laitance. Prime as required for porous surfaces.
Pro Tip: Use a moisture meter to verify substrate dryness and avoid membrane blistering. -
2. Apply First Coat of Membrane
Brush or roller apply a continuous coat of the selected liquid membrane (e.g., Mapelastic, Mapegum WPS) along corners, edges, and over joints to receive Mapeband Easy.
Timing: Embed tape while the membrane is still wet for full adhesion through perforations. -
3. Install Mapeband Easy
Press Mapeband Easy into the wet membrane, ensuring no folds or trapped air. Overlap joints by at least 50 mm and embed fully.
Corners
Use pre-formed 90° and 270° pieces for internal/external corners to ensure a watertight seal.
Pipes
Install Mapeband Easy pipe templates to seal around penetrations and prevent leaks.
Pro Tip: Use a roller to press tape firmly, forcing membrane through the perforations for a fully bonded edge. -
4. Apply Second Coat
Once tape is secured, apply additional membrane over the edges and across the surface to create a continuous waterproof barrier.
Pro Tip: Break reinforcement mesh at tape edges to allow independent movement of the joint without compromising membrane integrity.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Not suitable for direct exposure to UV for extended periods without a protective membrane or tile finish — must always be part of a complete waterproofing system.
Cannot be applied to damp or contaminated surfaces. Ensure substrate is fully dry and free from laitance, grease, and debris prior to installation.
Do not stretch excessively during installation — this may reduce elongation performance and compromise joint sealing.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Wear protective gloves and safety goggles during handling and installation to prevent irritation from contact with membranes and primers.
Ventilation Requirements
Work in well-ventilated areas when using with liquid membranes or primers. Ensure good airflow to avoid build-up of vapours indoors.
Fire & Handling Precautions
Keep away from open flames and ignition sources when using with solvent-based primers or membranes. Store rolls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Flush with clean running water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin:
Wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation develops, seek medical advice.
Inhaled:
Move affected person to fresh air. Seek medical advice if symptoms such as dizziness or headache persist.
Swallowed:
Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.
Seek medical attention immediately in all cases of serious exposure.
Mapeband Easy Application Guide
Concrete & Screeds
Surface Preparation
Ensure substrate is fully cured, clean, dry, and free of laitance, dust, and contaminants. Control joints must be well defined. Remove loose material and vacuum prior to membrane application.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for porous surfaces
Prime highly absorbent or dusty concrete with the manufacturer’s recommended primer for uniform adhesion.
Compatible with Mapei Primer productsMasonry & Renders
Surface Preparation
Repair cracks and voids. Substrate must be sound and smooth. Remove any loose render, dirt, or efflorescence.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended where surface porosity is high
Apply a penetrating primer to stabilise friable surfaces prior to applying the waterproofing membrane.
Existing Membranes
Surface Preparation
Ensure existing membrane is fully bonded and free from blisters or delamination. Clean and abrade glossy surfaces to promote adhesion.
Primer Requirements
No primer typically required
Apply membrane directly after surface cleaning and mechanical abrasion.
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