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Use Silcor 580 for: Ultimate waterproof protection on trafficable areas like car parks, balconies, podiums, plant rooms, and internal wet areas where performance and compliance are critical.
For prestigious projects where waterproofing failure is not an option, Silcor 580 delivers a new level of assurance. This is not just a membrane; it's a technologically advanced, two-part polyurethane system engineered for extreme durability and long-life protection. With incredible flexibility (>700% elongation) to handle structural movement and formidable tensile strength (>7 MPa) to withstand heavy traffic, Silcor 580 creates a seamless, monolithic barrier. Its reliable chemical cure and dual Class III certifications to Australian Standards make it the definitive choice for professionals who demand warranted performance and guaranteed compliance.
Product Details:
Primer Information: A successful waterproofing system starts with the right foundation. For dry, porous substrates like concrete, CFC sheet, and masonry with a moisture content below 5.0%, use Silcor Primer BS for deep penetration or Epocote™ F100W. For green or damp concrete (5.0% - 6.9% moisture), you must use Epocote™ F100W to ensure a tenacious bond. Adhesion to correctly prepared metals and plastics is also achieved with these primers.
Cure Time: Silcor 580 features a predictable chemical cure that is not reliant on atmospheric moisture, offering greater project certainty. At 23°C, it becomes tack-free in 4 hours and is rain-resistant in just 3 hours. It's ready for flood testing or over-coating within 15 hours, allowing for rapid project progression. These times will be faster at higher temperatures and slower in colder conditions.
Coverage Rate: Achieving the specified Dry Film Thickness (DFT) is critical for warranty and compliance. A 36kg kit of Silcor 580 will cover approximately 18.9m² to achieve a 1.5mm DFT, the minimum for foot traffic areas. For heavy traffic areas requiring a 3.0mm DFT, coverage is approximately 9.4m². Always test the Wet Film Thickness (WFT) during application to ensure accuracy.
Chemical Properties: Silcor 580 is a high-solids (97%), two-part reactive polyurethane. This advanced chemistry provides a fast, consistent, and thorough cure, resulting in a tough, inert membrane that is free from tar or bitumen and will not bleed or stain finishes. Its very low VOC content (<35 g/L) significantly improves on-site air quality.
Achieving Trafficability: Silcor 580's versatility allows for different levels of traffic resistance. For foot traffic (balconies, plant rooms), it must be overcoated with Silcor Top Coat 75 or Silcor Top Coat 80. For heavy foot traffic or light vehicle areas (car parks, stadiums), a full system is mandatory: a base coat of Silcor 580, a sand-blinded wear coat of Silcor 580, and two coats of Silcor Top Coat 80 for UV and abrasion resistance.
Key Features of Silcor 580 & What They Mean For You
- Dual Class III Australian Standards Certification: Install with complete confidence. Certified to AS 4654.1 (External) and AS/NZS 4858 (Internal), guaranteeing your work meets the highest compliance benchmarks for any project.
- Extreme Elongation and Strength (>700% / >7MPa): Provides a virtually impenetrable barrier. It stretches to accommodate building movement without breaking and resists tearing and punctures under heavy traffic, drastically reducing call-backs.
- Reliable Chemical Cure: Get predictable project timelines. The two-part system cures consistently in a wide range of Australian climates, from humid coastlines to dry inland regions, unlike unreliable moisture-cured alternatives.
- Very Low VOC Content (<35g/L): A smarter choice for health and safety. The low-odour formula is ideal for use in and around occupied buildings, minimising disruption and creating a better working environment.
- Fully Bonded Monolithic System: Creates a seamless membrane with no vulnerable laps or joints. This eliminates water tracking between the membrane and the substrate, which is a common failure point for sheet membranes.
Why Choose Silcor 580:
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Problem: "Need a compliant waterproofing system for both a podium deck and the wet areas inside."
Solution with Silcor 580: Its dual Class III certifications for both external (AS 4654.1) and internal (AS/NZS 4858) applications make it the single, compliant solution you can specify and install across the entire project with confidence. -
Problem: "Worried about membranes failing under heavy foot traffic or vehicle loads."
Solution with Silcor 580: When installed as a complete system with the specified wear and top coats, its exceptional tensile strength and abrasion resistance are engineered to provide a durable, trafficable surface for everything from plant rooms to car parks. -
Problem: "Losing time on site due to slow or unpredictable membrane cure times."
Solution with Silcor 580: The two-part chemical cure is fast and reliable. It's ready for flood testing in as little as 15 hours, allowing follow-on trades to get to work sooner and keeping your project on schedule.
When to Choose Silcor 580 Over Other Options:
- Choose Silcor 580 over "bitumen torch-on membranes" when: you need a seamless, fully-bonded liquid system with superior flexibility and no risk of vulnerable laps or seams. It is also cold-applied, eliminating all fire hazards associated with torch-on application.
- Choose Silcor 580 over "single-part moisture-cured polyurethanes" when: you need guaranteed curing performance and a faster return to service. Silcor 580's chemical cure is predictable and reliable, even in low humidity, and develops its physical properties much faster.
- Silcor 580 is particularly effective for: High-stakes projects like stadiums, podiums, and car parks where long-term performance under traffic is critical, and for any internal or external area requiring guaranteed compliance with Australian Standards.
- Consider other Adheseal solutions when: waterproofing a negative pressure area (e.g., the inside of a basement wall). Silcor 580 is not suitable for negative pressure applications.
Trade-Specific Applications & Pro Tips for Silcor 580:
For Professional Waterproofers:
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Application Focus: Exposed Balcony or Podium Deck (Foot Traffic)
- Micro-Guide: 1. Prepare and prime the substrate correctly (e.g., with Epocote F100W). 2. Detail all corners and penetrations with Silcor LM PU Sealant. 3. Apply Silcor 580 in one coat to a minimum 1.5mm DFT. 4. Allow to cure (min. 15 hours). 5. Apply two cross-directional coats of Silcor Top Coat 80 for UV stability and slip resistance.
- Performance Benefits: Delivers a fully compliant, seamless, UV-stable, and trafficable system that accommodates structural movement and prevents leaks for the long term.
- Pro Tip: Always check the substrate temperature. Priming and applying the membrane while the concrete temperature is stable or falling will minimise the risk of pin-holing caused by concrete outgassing.
- Common Pitfall to Avoid: Applying the top coat before the membrane has sufficiently cured or after the maximum recoat window has passed. This can lead to solvent entrapment or poor adhesion of the top coat.
For Remedial Builders and Flooring Applicators:
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Application Focus: Plant Room Floor (Heavy Foot Traffic & Chemical Resistance)
- Micro-Guide: 1. Mechanically prepare the concrete and prime. 2. Apply Silcor 580 base coat to min 1.5mm DFT and let it cure. 3. Apply a Silcor 580 wear coat (1.0mm WFT) and broadcast to refusal with 0.5-1.0mm quartz sand. 4. Allow to cure (min 24 hours), then vacuum excess sand. 5. Apply two coats of Silcor Top Coat 80.
- Performance Benefits: This multi-layer system creates an incredibly robust, impact-resistant, non-slip, and chemically resistant floor that protects the structure from water and chemical spills.
- Pro Tip: When mixing the two components, pour the mixed material into a second, clean pail and re-mix for a minute. This "double-potting" ensures there are no unmixed streaks of resin, guaranteeing a uniform cure.
- Common Pitfall to Avoid: Not achieving "refusal" when broadcasting the aggregate. The wear coat must not be visible through the sand. An incomplete sand broadcast will compromise the mechanical key for the topcoat and overall system durability.
How to use Silcor 580
- Essential Tools & Setup: You will need a high-torque, low-speed mechanical stirrer with a "Jiffy" type paddle, multiple clean mixing pails, accurate weight scales (do not measure by volume), quality rollers, and a wet film thickness (WFT) gauge.
- Surface Preparation – The Key to Success: The substrate must be structurally sound, clean, dry, smooth, and free of all contaminants. All concrete must be mechanically prepared by grinding or shot-blasting to achieve the required surface profile and pull-off strength.
- Trade-Specific Pro Tips for Optimal Results: For the smoothest finish on horizontal surfaces, apply with a notched squeegee or pin rake and then lightly back-roll. This helps to level the membrane and release any trapped air.
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Troubleshooting Common On-Site Issues:
- Issue: "Pinholes are forming in the cured membrane." Solution: This is typically caused by substrate outgassing. Plan your application for when the slab temperature is falling (e.g., afternoon). For highly porous substrates, a second coat of primer may be required to fully seal the surface.
- Issue: "The membrane isn't curing properly." Solution: This almost always points to an incorrect mix ratio or insufficient mixing. Use scales to ensure the 1:1 ratio by weight is exact, and mix thoroughly, scraping the sides and base of the pail.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Handling
- Optimal Storage Conditions: Store between 15°C and 25°C in a dry, covered area away from direct sunlight, moisture, and ignition sources. This ensures the product remains in optimal condition.
- Shelf Life and Batch Information: Silcor 580 has a 12-month shelf life from the date of manufacture when stored correctly in unopened containers.
- Handling & Disposal: This is a professional-use chemical product. Follow all precautions on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Ensure adequate ventilation and use appropriate PPE, including gloves, safety glasses, and respiratory protection.
Certifications and Compliance
- AS 4654.1-2012 (Class III): Certified as a Class III membrane for use in external, above-ground applications, ensuring it meets the Australian Standard for durability, strength, and flexibility in exposed conditions.
- AS/NZS 4858-2004 (Class III): Certified as a Class III membrane for internal wet areas, confirming its suitability and performance for bathrooms, laundries, and plant rooms as per the Australian Standard.
- AS 3740-2021 Compliant Installation: The product is a key component of a waterproofing system that complies with the "Waterproofing of domestic wet areas" standard, a critical requirement for residential and commercial builders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silcor 580
Q: Can I make Silcor 580 trafficable for cars?
A: Yes, but only as part of a specific multi-coat system. For light vehicle traffic, you must apply a Silcor 580 base coat, followed by a sand-blinded wear coat of Silcor 580, and then finish with two coats of Silcor Top Coat 80. This system is designed to provide the necessary abrasion and wear resistance for car park decks.
Q: My concrete slab is only 2 weeks old. Which primer do I use?
A: For new ('green') or damp concrete with a moisture content between 5.0% and 6.9%, you must use EPOCOTE™ F100W. It is specifically designed to handle higher moisture content and ensure a reliable bond. Do not use SILCOR Primer BS on damp or green concrete.
Q: What happens if it rains shortly after I apply the membrane?
A: Silcor 580 becomes resistant to rain damage approximately 3 hours after application at 23°C. However, you should always avoid applying the membrane if rain is imminent. If unexpected rain occurs after 3 hours, the membrane should be fine, but the surface must be completely clean and dry before applying any subsequent coats.
Q: Can I tile directly onto Silcor 580?
A: Yes, but you must install a tie coat first to provide a mechanical key for the tile adhesive. After the main membrane has cured, apply a fresh coat of Silcor 580 and broadcast it to refusal with clean, kiln-dried quartz sand. Once this is cured and the excess sand is vacuumed off, you can tile using a high-quality polymer-modified cementitious adhesive.
Q: It's a cold day in Melbourne (10°C). How will this affect the cure time?
A: The cure time will be significantly extended. At 10°C, the tack-free time increases to 15 hours, and it will take 20 hours before it can be recoated. You must wait at least 24 hours before considering any flood testing. Always plan for longer cure times in colder weather.
Applications Where Silcor 580 Excels:
- Podiums, Balconies & Terraces: Its extreme flexibility and UV stability (when top-coated) make it the perfect seamless solution for high-value external areas exposed to the elements and foot traffic.
- Car Park Decks: The complete Silcor 580 system provides a durable, waterproof, and abrasion-resistant surface that protects the concrete structure from water ingress and de-icing salts.
- Plant Rooms & Switch Rooms: Creates a tough, monolithic, and chemically resistant floor, protecting critical infrastructure below from water leaks and spills.
- Internal Wet Areas (AS 3740): Its Class III certification guarantees compliance for waterproofing under tiles in commercial kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.
Top Benefits of Using Silcor 580 on Your Projects:
- Guaranteed Compliance: Dual certification to key Australian Standards for internal and external use removes specification risk and ensures your work is approved.
- Ultimate Durability: The combination of high tensile strength and massive elongation provides a tough-yet-flexible barrier that resists damage and accommodates movement for long-term performance.
- Faster Project Turnaround: The reliable, fast chemical cure allows for flood testing and access for follow-on trades sooner, helping to keep demanding construction schedules on track.
- A Complete, Warranted System: From primers to top coats, every component is designed and tested to work together, delivering a high-integrity waterproofing system backed by a manufacturer's warranty.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for Silcor 580:
- Preparation is Paramount: Ensure the substrate is structurally sound, clean, dry, and has been mechanically prepared (e.g., grinding). All falls to drains must be correct. Chase all non-moving joints and cracks.
- Detailing: Install bond breaker fillets of SILCOR LM PU Sealant to all internal corners and around penetrations as per AS 3740 / AS 4654.2. Allow the sealant to cure for a minimum of 12 hours.
- Priming: Select and apply the appropriate primer for the substrate and its moisture content (EPOCOTE F100W or SILCOR Primer BS). Apply evenly and ensure a pinhole-free finish. Observe the primer's recoat window.
- Mixing: Pre-mix the Polyol (Part A) component until uniform. Using scales, measure the Polyol and Iso components at a strict 1:1 ratio by weight. Mix with a high-torque, low-speed stirrer for 3-5 minutes. "Double-pot" by pouring into a clean pail and mixing for another minute.
- Application Technique: Apply the mixed Silcor 580 to the primed surface using a notched squeegee or pin rake to achieve the specified Wet Film Thickness (WFT). Lightly back-roll with a nap roller to achieve a uniform finish.
- Thickness Check: Regularly check the applied WFT with a gauge to ensure the final Dry Film Thickness (DFT) will meet the project specification and warranty requirements.
- Curing and Top Coating: Allow the membrane to cure (min. 15 hours at 23°C). If applying a trafficable system, proceed with the sand-blinded wear coat and/or the required SILCOR Top Coat within the recoat window.
Important Limitations & Safety When Using Silcor 580:
Product Limitations:
- Not for Negative Pressure: Must not be used on the negative side of a hydrostatic pressure source, such as the inside of a basement retaining wall.
- Humidity Limit: Do not apply when the relative ambient humidity is above 85%, as this can affect the surface finish.
- Substrate Condition: The substrate must be dry (unless using the specified damp-proof primer) and free of contaminants. Performance is entirely dependent on proper preparation.
- Not for Water Tanks: Its semi-self-levelling nature makes it unsuitable for the internal lining of water tanks or structures requiring vertical application.
Safety First – Protecting Yourself and Your Workspace:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): It is mandatory to wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses with side shields, and appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., a supplied-air respirator or a cartridge respirator for organic vapours).
- Ventilation: Use only in well-ventilated areas. For internal applications like plant rooms or wet areas, mechanical ventilation and extraction are essential to keep fumes below exposure limits.
- Safe Handling Practices: Avoid all contact with skin and eyes. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the application area. Keep ignition sources away from the worksite.
- First Aid Essentials: Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full information. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. For eye contact, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
Silcor 580 Adhesion Profile – Compatible Substrates:
- Concrete & Cementitious Screeds: Substrate must have a minimum compressive strength of 20 MPa and be mechanically prepared (ground or shot-blasted) to a clean, open surface. Prime with EPOCOTE F100W for damp/green concrete, or SILCOR Primer BS for dry concrete (<5% moisture).
- Compressed Fibre Cement (CFC) & Cement Composite Sheet (CCS): Sheets must be installed to manufacturer's directions, clean, and dry. For best penetration and adhesion on CCS sheets, priming with SILCOR Primer BS is recommended.
- Metals (Steel, Aluminium, etc.): Must be free of corrosion and contaminants. Abrade or blast to a bright, near-white metal finish and solvent wipe. Prime within 30 minutes using EPOCOTE F100W Clear to prevent flash rusting or oxidation.
- PVC & ABS Plastics: Ensure surfaces are clean and contaminant-free. Solvent wipe with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and prime with EPOCOTE F100W Clear or SILCOR Primer BS for a tenacious bond.
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