TecTopics: SureMB MC Adhesive Application Instructions

Carlisle’s SureMB MC Adhesive was developed to address curing times and potential moisture in newly poured concrete and lightweight concrete decks that can delay projects. Using our moisture-cured SureMB MC Adhesive with our SureMB 90 Base Ply, we can adhere the base sheet shortly after the concrete is poured without concerns of moisture impacting adhesion performance.

SureMB MC Adhesive ribbon application uses the moisture-curing adhesive to adhere base plies over:

• Lightweight insulating concrete
• Gypsum
• Concrete
• Other approved substrates

SureMB MC Adhesive can be applied in ribbons 6" or 12" o.c., allowing for the moisture to dissipate vapor pressure through the spacing between the ribbons. One-way and two-way vents are recommended when there is no opportunity for the vapor to vent into the building.

1. Equipment Preparation

• There are two options for super spreaders: a 40" spreader and a 14" spreader. The 40" spreader can be used in most applications and the 14" spreader may be used on projects with excessive penetrations.
• To prepare the cart for bead applications, cut off the roller mounts to provide better control of the cart.
• Drill ¾" – 7⁄8" holes spaced either 6" O.C. or 12" O.C based on the needed spacing for the project. Ensure you drill the holes from the inside the hopper to avoid spares from interfering with the adhesive flow. Ensure you keep the drill holes away from the path of the wheels.
• For narrow areas such as areas between penetrations clustered together, using a locally sourced watering can that can apply adhesive is acceptable. Ensure the spout has a minimum ¾" opening and maintain 6" spacing.

2. Surface Preparation

• The substrate must be clean, smooth, dry, and free of sharp edges and loose materials, oils, and grease. If excessive dirt or debris buildup occurs, pressure wash the substrate to ensure dirt is removed.
• At the time of application, the ambient temperature should be at 40°F (4.4°C) and rising. The adhesive and membrane should be 60°F (15.5°C) or more at the point of application. During cold weather, 5-gallon pails should be stored in heated areas.
• A peel test should be completed before installation to ensure proper performance.

3. Application

• Prior to the application of any adhesive, the SBS rolls should be unrolled on the roof and allowed to relax. Starting at the low point of the roof, lay out the membrane to ensure the plies are installed perpendicular to the roof slope. Cut the rolls to working lengths and lay out to always work to a selvage edge.
• Once the rolls have relaxed, they should be loosely re-rolled and set into place to be rolled into the SureMB MC Adhesive once it is applied, maintaining the specified side and end laps.

4. SureMB MC Adhesive Installation Instructions

• Prior to application of the adhesive, cut 6" scrap membrane pieces. These can be placed on the deck and removed once the adhesive has been applied, creating a gap with no adhesive.
• After 30 to 45 minutes of application (may be less based on heat and humidity), any adhesive left in the tank will begin to skin over. Once this happens, this tank cannot be refilled and must be swapped out for a new tank. Multiple tanks should be kept on site at all times.

5. Applying SureMB MC with a Spreader Cart

• When using the spreader cart to apply SureMB MC in ribbons, 3⁄4" to 7⁄8" holes should be predrilled for the required spacing (12" o.c., 6" o.c., etc.) With the cart laying down, up to 4 pails of SureMB MC Adhesive can be loaded into the tank at one time (20 gallons). With an application rate of 1 gallon per square, 1 full tank will cover between 15 and 20 squares.
• To apply, simply turn the cart over and begin walking in the direction the membrane will be rolled out. Be sure to maintain the proper bead size of 1⁄2" to 3⁄4". Every 35 to 45 feet, a 6" horizontal break must be provided to allow for cross venting between channels.

6. Constrained Areas

• Once the adhesive is applied in ribbons, the membrane must be immediately installed. After rolling out the membrane into the adhesive, a weighted roller should be used over the entire surface of the membrane. The weighted roller is critical to ensuring proper bead width of 2 1⁄2" to 3" beneath the membrane.
• Side laps and end laps may be addressed by using beads of SureMB MC dispensed from cartridges or may be heat welded. If using SureMB MC in the laps, ensure enough adhesive is applied for a 1⁄8" to 1⁄4" bleed-out from the lap.
• For lightweight insulating concrete, install one-way spun aluminum roof vents evenly spaced to cover 1,000 sq. ft. per vent when specified. Some specifications may call for the perimeter details to be partially adhered to allow for vapor pressure to vent. Partially adhered flashings are limited to vertical application such as walls and curbs. Flashing at drains and horizontal details should be fully adhered with SureMB MC or heat welding.

7. Storage and Handling

• Store pails and boxes on end and maintain in an upright position to prevent damage. Store in a clean, dry location and cover as necessary to protect from environmental damage such as extreme cold, heat, or moisture. Monitor varying environmental conditions during storage, handling, and application of SureMB MC Adhesive.
• Special care should be taken when using SureMB MC in ribbon application to ensure that the material temperature at the time of application is 70°F (21°C) or more. Lower temperatures will cause the adhesive flow characteristics to change and reduce the efficiency of this application.

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For more information, check out these resources:

SureMB MC Adhesive Product Data Sheet
SureMB 90 Base Ply Product Data Sheet Product Data Sheet
SureMB MC Adhesive Installation Instructions
Air and Vapor Barrier Web Page