A car park deck or stadium that sees heavy vehicle traffic demands a waterproofing solution that won't fail. Selecting an inadequate membrane can lead to seven-figure remediation costs and significant operational disruption. SILCOR 580 provides robust, long-life protection precisely for these high-stress environments. It ensures concrete decks remain waterproof, even under constant load and movement, preventing costly failures before they start.
SILCOR 580 is a premium-grade, tough, two-part elastomeric polyurethane membrane engineered for demanding, long-life waterproofing. It forms a seamless, fully bonded barrier capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and light vehicle traffic when used as part of a complete system. This formulation accommodates typical structural movements and bridges non-structural concrete shrinkage cracks, ensuring long-term integrity in critical applications.
SILCOR 580 is a two-part system requiring precise mixing. The Polyol and Iso components must be weighed out and thoroughly mixed with a power drill and paddle for 3-5 minutes, then transferred to a second container for a final remix. This ensures a homogeneous blend. The mixed membrane has a pot life of 30 minutes at 23°C/60% RH, allowing time for application by notched trowel, squeegee, or roller. It is semi-self-levelling, ideal for horizontal surfaces set to falls, but will run on vertical or ramped applications. All substrates require priming with a suitable GCP primer such as SILCOR Primer BS for dry conditions or Epocote F100W for damp or green concrete.
SILCOR 580 serves as the primary membrane layer in high-performance waterproofing systems, particularly for car parks and high-traffic areas. The process typically begins with a suitable primer, such as SILCOR Primer BS for dry substrates or Epocote F100W for damp concrete, to ensure optimal adhesion. Once primed, SILCOR 580 is applied as the main waterproof barrier. For areas expecting heavy foot or light vehicle traffic, SILCOR 580 itself is often used as a wear coat, broadcast to refusal with F8 sand, followed by an appropriate trafficable top coat system. This layered approach ensures both waterproofing integrity and surface durability against constant use.
Unlike SILCOR 560 HB Low VOC, which is a one-part membrane typically suited for non-exposed, non-trafficable internal wet areas, SILCOR 580 is a premium, two-part system engineered for demanding, long-life waterproofing in high-traffic environments. SILCOR 580's chemical cure ensures rapid through-cure and delivers significantly higher physical properties, including >7 MPa tensile strength, >700% elongation, and 80 Shore A hardness. This makes SILCOR 580 the definitive choice for heavy foot and light vehicle traffic when part of a complete system, where SILCOR 560 HB Low VOC would be unsuitable.
Yes, SILCOR 580 must be protected by a compatible top coat. For heavy foot and light vehicle traffic areas, apply a SILCOR 580 wear coat with broadcast sand, then overcoat with SILCOR Top Coat 80. For foot traffic only, SILCOR Top Coat 75 is used.
SILCOR 580 requires dry substrates, meaning below 5.0% moisture content for standard primers like SILCOR Primer BS. For substrates with 5.0% to 6.9% moisture, only EPOCOTE F100W Clear can be used, or the substrate must be dried further.
SILCOR 580 is semi self-levelling and formulated for horizontal substrates set to falls. It will run on vertical or ramped surfaces, so it is not suitable for those applications.
No, SILCOR 580 is not recommended for internal lining of water tanks. Its self-levelling properties make it unsuitable for this specific application.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Car park decks, stadiums, heavy foot/vehicle traffic areas | Withstands heavy loads and abrasion (80 Shore A hardness, >7MPa tensile strength, >700% elongation) preventing membrane failure under sustained use when properly protected with a wear coat and top coat. | Waterproofers, Civil Contractors, Builders |
| Balconies, roof decks, podiums (exposed to foot traffic) | Provides certified external waterproofing (AS 4654.1-2012 Class III) that bridges non-structural cracks and accommodates structural movement, preventing water ingress and callbacks. Requires a UV stable top coat. | Waterproofers, Builders, Tilers |
| Internal wet areas (under or over screeds) | Achieves internal wet area compliance (AS/NZS 4858-2004 Class III) for floors, offering a fully bonded, seamless barrier against moisture migration in laundries, bathrooms, and plant rooms. | Waterproofers, Tilers, Plumbers |
| Green roofs and landscaped decks | Forms a resilient, seamless waterproof layer that resists root penetration (when combined with root barrier or SILCOR 780 HI-LP) and withstands continuous service temperatures from -40°C to +100°C. | Landscapers, Waterproofers, Builders |
| Plant room floors, laboratories, sports centres (impact resistant flooring) | Creates a tough, chemically resistant (Passes bleach/detergent immersion) and impact-resistant surface when overcoated, protecting concrete from spills and heavy equipment. | Waterproofers, Industrial Flooring Contractors |
Before applying the main membrane, treat all internal corners, penetrations, and joints.
Install a 15mm x 15mm bond breaker fillet using Silcor LM PU Sealant to all internal corners. Allow to cure min 12 hours.
Correct mixing is critical for cure. Do not mix by volume.
Mix the Polyol (grey) first. Then weigh out Polyol and Iso (clear) in a strict 1:1 ratio by weight. Mix combined components for 3-5 minutes with a low-speed mechanical mixer avoiding air entrapment.
Apply to primed surface within the primer recoat window.
Use a 5mm notched squeegee or pin rake to spread the mix. This typically yields a 1.5mm cured thickness. Allow to self-level.
Apply in two cross-directional coats using a 10-14mm nap non-shedding roller.
Danger: SILCOR 580 (Isocyanate component) is classified as hazardous. It is fatal if inhaled, causes skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. It may also cause an allergic skin reaction and respiratory irritation.
Wear approved respiratory protective equipment if exposure limits may be exceeded. Use protective gloves (rubber gloves recommended), safety glasses with side shield protection, and appropriate body protection. Do not allow contaminated work clothing out of the workplace.
Ensure adequate ventilation during use. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to minimise inhalation exposure.
Store in original, unopened packaging between 15-25°C, under cover and protected from heat, ignition, moisture, frost, and direct sunlight. Shelf life is 12 months. Store locked up in a well-ventilated place with containers tightly closed. Dispose of contents and containers according to local regulations; do not allow product to reach sewage systems.
Proper substrate preparation and priming are critical for the long-term performance of SILCOR 580, preventing common adhesion failures.
Surface prep: Remove all contaminants, laitance, curing compounds, and weak material by water blasting (4000 psi) or grinding. Repair defects with a low shrinkage PMC mortar. Ensure a minimum concrete age of 14-28 days and a pull-off strength of 1.0 MPa (foot traffic) or 1.5 MPa (vehicle traffic).
Primer: Required. Use SILCOR Primer BS or EPOCOTE F100W Clear for moisture content below 5.0%. For moisture between 5.0% and 6.9%, use EPOCOTE F100W Clear only. Prime when substrate temperature is stable or falling to minimise outgassing and pin-holing.
Surface prep: Ensure sheets are installed according to manufacturer directions, clean, dry, and free from surface sealers, coatings, or acrylic primers.
Primer: Required. For CCS, SILCOR Primer BS is recommended for maximum penetration and adhesion. For CFC, SILCOR Primer BS or EPOCOTE F100W Clear is suitable.
Surface prep: Remove all corrosion, oxides, dirt, and grease. Roughen the surface by abrasion or garnet blasting to SA 2.5. Solvent wipe with xylene or MEK and prime within 30 minutes.
Primer: Required. Use EPOCOTE F100W Clear or SILCOR Primer BS. For difficult metals like stainless steel or copper, a DOWSIL 1200 OS Primer may be required before direct membrane application.
Surface prep: Install and finish according to manufacturer directions. Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and free of sealers or primers.
Primer: Required. Use SILCOR Primer BS or EPOCOTE F100W Clear.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Membrane Chemistry | High solids, 2-part reaction curing polyurethane |
| Appearance | Grey flowing liquid |
| Mix Ratio By Weight | 100 : 100 w/w |
| Specific Gravity (Mixed Membrane) | 1.23 g/ml |
| Brookfield Viscosity (Mixed Membrane) | 6,500 mPa.s |
| Solids Content | 97 %w/w |
| VOC | <35 g/L |
| Working Time (23°C / 60% RH) | 25 minutes |
| Pot Life (23°C / 60% RH) | 30 minutes |
| Tack Free Time (23°C / 60% RH) | 4 hours |
| Gel Time (23°C / 60% RH) | 3 hours |
| Min Recoat Time (23°C / 60% RH) | 15 hours |
| Max Recoat Time (23°C / 60% RH) | 36 hours |
| Min Through Cure Time (23°C / 60% RH) | 15 hours |
| Rain Resistant Min Cure Time (23°C / 60% RH) | 15 hours |
| Ready For Flood Testing / Topping / Backfilling (23°C / 60% RH) | 15 hours |
| Shore A Hardness | 80 °A |
| Tensile Strength | >7.0 MPa (AS 4858) / >8.0 MPa (AS 4654.1) |
| Elongation | >500 % (AS 4858) / >700 % (AS 4654.1) |
| Classification | Class III High Extensibility – AS 4858-2004 / AS 4654.1-2012 |
| Resistance To Cyclic Movement | Pass – No fatigue cracking exhibited |
| Bond Strength To Primed Concrete | >7.7 N (AS 4654.1) |
| Water Vapour Transmission Rate | 7.99 g/m²/24h |
| Resistance To Water Immersion | Pass |
| Resistance To Bleach Immersion | Pass |
| Resistance To Detergent Immersion | Pass |
| Resistance To Heat Ageing | Pass |
| Service Temperature (Continuous) | -40°C to +100°C |
| Substrate Temperature Range | +5°C to +35°C |
| Ambient Temperature Range | +5°C to +35°C |
| Relative Humidity Range | 35% to 85% |
| Dew Point | Minimum 3°C below substrate temperature |
| Minimum DFT (Non-Traffic / Foot Traffic) | 1.5 mm |
| Minimum DFT (Heavy Foot Traffic / Light Vehicle Traffic) | 3.0 mm |
Here are some common examples on where Silcor 580 Membrane used by our customers.
