PRECON Cold Weather Application

Print Version

W. R. MEADOWS has developed a low-temperature version of PRECON for applications below 40° F (5° C). The minimum ambient and substrate temperature for PRECON LOW TEMP is 25° F (-4° C).

PRECON LOW TEMP and any accessory products must be stored in their original, unopened packaging at temperatures above 40° F (5° C). For optimal performance, store materials at temperatures at or near room temperatures until just prior to application.

Installation of PRECON LOW TEMP should not occur in the presence of rain, snow or ice, or if there is any ponded water as a result of melting. The presence of water on the membrane during its installation will prevent the proper adhesion of the joints. Certain environmental conditions may cause the formation of dew on the plasmatic core, which could impede the bond at the selvage edge. This may occur at temperatures above or below 40° F (5° C) and will necessitate the use of MEL-PRIME (solvent-based versions) on the selvage edge to insure a good bond at the seams.

Concrete placement should be completed within 60 days of the installation of the PRECON LOW TEMP and it is recommended it be done as soon as possible to prevent damage to the membrane. After installation, the membrane should be protected from damage.

During installation of PRECON LOW TEMP at lower temperatures and under certain environmental conditions, additional steps in the installation need to be followed to ensure that proper adhesion of the joints and overlaps is obtained.

1. MEL-PRIME (solvent-based versions) is required to be used at all factory edge joints. MEL-PRIME is to be applied at a width of 6” (152.4 mm) and allowed to dry prior to overlap of the adjoining sheet of PRECON. Following this, all areas of this overlap need to be pressure rolled for proper adhesion.

2. For optimum performance, HYDRALASTIC 836 or MEL-ROL_® LIQUID MEMBRANE (two-component) are to be used for all end lap details and terminations. The procedure is as follows:
   a. Apply HYDRALASTIC 836 or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE (two-component) in the area to be lapped at a width of 3” (7.6 cm) and roll press the overlapping PRECON while still wet.
   b. Apply HYDRALASTIC 836 or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE (two-component) at the termination of this overlapping sheet 12” (30 cm) wide centered over the termination.
   c. While the HYDRALASTIC 836 or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE (two-component) is still wet, embed 12” (30 cm) wide strip of PRECON and roll press into place. Then place DETAIL FABRIC from W. R. MEADOWS centered over the termination with 6″ (152.44 mm) on each side of lap edge.
   d. Apply additional HYDRALASTIC 836 or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE (two-component) on all terminations of the DETAIL FABRIC.

Please note that HYDRALASTIC 836 can only be applied in temperatures above 30° F (-1° C). MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE (two-component) may be used on end laps, penetrations and terminations down to 25° F (-4° C).

3. Prior to placement of the concrete, ensure that the substrate is clean, dry and frost-free. The temperature of the membrane at time of concrete placement needs to be above 40° F (5° C).

It is important to review each application as there may be situations that would require either of these procedures to be modified based on the project requirements. If there are any concerns during the installation, contact technical support for assistance.

2020-07