EPRO’s waterproofing and vapor intrusion mitigation systems are comprised of different components and materials, each serving its own specific purpose. Here, we take a closer look at primers and why they are an important part of many EPRO systems.
Starting with the basics…what’s a primer?
Primers create the right type of substrate conditions to ensure proper adhesion of the overlay material.
Primers are designed to promote adhesion and serve as the interface between a substrate and a waterproofing system. Simply put, they ensure whatever material going over the top of said primer will stick.
Now…what does a primer *do*?
Primers are pretty functional:
- They enhance adhesion by acting like a glue
- They seal– i.e. primers seal the pores in concrete or other substrates
- They bind dust and loose particles preventing a potential bond break
- They can mitigate moisture, especially water vapor transmission through a slab
What different types of primers are there?
There are essentially three types of primers, and some share some physical characteristics:
Concrete penetrating primers: These primers work into the concrete and essentially soak in and seal pores becoming an impermeable coating. They are also moisture mitigating and designed to limit water transmission from slab to surface.
One example is an epoxy-based primer that seals and penetrates into the concrete substrate – these types of primers also tend to be the most costly type of primer.
Adhesion promoting primers: These primers act more like a glue on the substrate itself. They are typically acrylic-based and are designed to seal pores and bind dust. Such primers are more commonly used prior to installing self-adhered sheet waterproofing membranes.
Surface Conditioners: These primers are not epoxy based nor are they adhesive. They seal pores, bind dust, and are typical for use with fluid-applied membranes like hot rubberized asphalt. Surface conditioners act as a skin or tack coat, and are designed for the hot rubber to melt in and become one with the tack coat.
EPRO Primers
Naturally, EPRO systems frequently require a primer. Below is a chart of our primers, their type, and how they are sold. Got questions about our primers or any other components of our systems? We’re here to give you answers – and we look forward to hearing from you!
