Question 1

Since I am installing the Home Stretch Membrane sheet waterproofing system on my foundation wall, can the Home Stretch Membrane sheet waterproofing system be continued vertically up the wall as an above-grade membrane to the roofline?

Accepted Answer

Home Stretch Membrane is designed and recommended for typical below-grade waterproofing over a variety of approved substrates, but the sheet membrane waterproofing system can be continued on above-grade walls on a very limited basis. The approval criteria for continuing the Home Stretch Membrane sheet waterproofing system from below grade to top of above-grade wall(s) include the following: The approved above-grade wall substrate shall be only Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), not concrete or traditional framing with sheathing.The 30-day UV exposure limit on Home Stretch Membrane must be strictly followed. For an extended UV exposure limit up to 24 months, the UV2-40 (Formerly Aluma Flash Plus) sheet air barrier system is available for your review and consideration.

Question 2

What is the maximum allowable moisture content in a concrete foundation wall / footer?

Accepted Answer

The Polyguard below-grade waterproofing systems require a vertical concrete substrate (i.e. foundation wall) to have a maximum moisture content of 10%, and a horizontal concrete substrate (i.e. footer) to have a maximum moisture content of 5%. This requirement is to ensure proper adhesion/bond, while also preventing the Polyguard Stretch Flex (fluid-applied) membrane from developing surface blisters due to sunlight heating the substrate wall and/or footer and cause latent moisture to move within the concrete.

Question 3

What is the installed coverage rate for Polyguard Quick Grip™ Adhesive?

Accepted Answer

Although the actual installed coverage rate varies by user application, the theoretical installed coverage rate is 1200 - 1400 sq. ft./canister.

Question 4

What is the recommended number and spacing of the Tee / End Outlets?

Accepted Answer

Polyguard recommends the typical spacing for the Totalflow Drainboard Accessory Tee / End Outlet to be every (20) feet. However, accurate location and spacing shall be properly determined by an engineering evaluation of the site conditions, and by the amount of water determined by the groundwater table and the amount of annual rainfall.

Question 5

Can you paint over the Blue Barrier Liquid Wrap air barrier system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the use of a primer to improve adhesion, an application of a paint finish over the Blue Barrier system is permissible.  However, Blue Barrier products are designed to be covered by a cladding material.  Even though it is possible to cover the Blue Barrier system with a “weatherable” finish like paint, the Blue Barrier system installation will not be a warrantable condition because the erosion of the paint finish over time will also degrade the Blue Barrier system due to its limited UV-exposure limit

Question 6

We are very interested in using "Blue Barrier" liquid applied flashing on multiple concrete homes, can you confirm that a three step masonry stucco system will adhere to your product?

Accepted Answer

We have two application options approved for stucco veneers: Use conventional wire lath (reinforcing mesh) with the stucco veneer. Mechanically fasten the lath through the cured Polyguard Blue Barrier fluid-applied air barrier membrane, whether the 2300 Liquid Wrap or the 2400 Flash “N Wrap, and the substrate sheathing beneath. This will allow the reinforcing mesh to be self-supported. Maintain the air- and water-tight seal, thereby the air barrier performance, by applying and tooling a minimum 30 mils of Blue Barrier Gap Filler over each mesh fastener head penetrating through the cured Blue Barrier fluid-applied air barrier membrane. With the lath installed and self-supported, the stucco basecoat (and finish coat) must be completed within (12) months of the Blue Barrier fluid-applied air barrier membrane application. Broadcast silica sand into the wet Blue Barrier fluid-applied air barrier membrane, whether the 2300 Liquid Wrap or the 2400 Flash ‘N Wrap membrane, to the point of refusal to accept anymore silica sand. Once the Blue Barrier fluid-applied membrane is cured, apply Lambert Corporation’s 932 Link, a water-based bonding agent, onto the Blue Barrier membrane. Also, add the 932 Link into the stucco basecoat using a 1:3 mixing ratio. Allow the stucco basecoat to cure a minimum two (2) days before applying the stucco finish coat.

Question 7

I have an underground structure of ICF walls setting on concrete foundation with a concrete roof. How do you recommend I waterproof it with your products? Would I need to prime all surfaces? Would peel and stick work on horizontal surfaces?

Accepted Answer

How do you recommend I waterproof it with your products? ICF wall construction will need to be waterproofed using the Poly Wall ‘Home Stretch Membrane for ICF’ sheet waterproofing system. Do not use the ‘Home Stretch Liquid’ waterproofing system because it will attack / eat the ICF wall substrate! Would I need to prime all surfaces? Yes, the Poly Wall ‘Home Stretch WB Liquid Adhesive’ is the primer accessory product safe for the ‘Home Stretch Membrane for ICF’ sheet waterproofing system. Prime all surfaces and membrane laps to ensure a proper adhesive bond to the ICF substrate surface. Do not use the ‘Polybond Clear Liquid Adhesive’ primer accessory product, which is reserved only for concrete substrate wall surfaces. A level of caution here, as the Polybond Clear Liquid Adhesive primer will attack/eat the ICF wall substrate!! Would peel and stick work on horizontal surfaces? No, do not apply Poly Wall sheet or fluid-applied waterproofing systems onto horizontal (floor) surfaces. They are designed for vertical (wall) applications only, and are not recommended for horizontal (floor) surfaces.

Question 8

I’m using your WindowSeal® on a few Multi-family projects, they're kicking us back on submittals using a NP1 caulking. Apparently it’s too corrosive for this product. Do you have any recommendations on sealant and caulking that will be safe on

Accepted Answer

Polyguard has the following suggestions for selecting sealants and caulks compatible with Polyguard’s asphalt-based flashing and tape products:

Polyurethane Sealant and Caulking: Two-part polyurethanes are acceptable to be used under the WindowSeal® asphalt flashing tape, as long as they are fully cured according to manufacturer’s recommendations and specification. Single-component urethanes are generally moisture cure; and, when covered by an asphalt flashing tape, will not cure. Both single- and two-part polyurethanes can be used on top of the WindowSeal® tape without affecting the integrity of the flashing tape.

Polysulfide Sealant and Caulking: They are not compatible with WindowSeal®; even the residue can cause severe damage to the integrity of the WindowSeal® asphalt component.

Butyl Sealants: Are acceptable as long as they are fully cured according to the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations. All solvent must be evaporated completely.  Butyl sealants can be used on top of the membrane.

Silicone Sealants and Caulking: Silicone can be used on top of the WindowSeal® flashing without affecting the integrity of the tape; however, a pull test is suggested to ensure adhesion to the WindowSeal® polyethylene film. Silicone under the flashing tape may only allow moderate adhesion for WindowSeal®. A test patch is recommended prior to the WindowSeal® installation over silicone.

Question 9

How fast can your Blue Barrier Liquid Wrap be spray applied?

Accepted Answer

You should budget an application rate of 375-750 S/F per hour and lean toward the upper end of that range if you have an experienced and skilled applicator at the end of the line.

Question 10

Will the Rot Shield Joist Tape product adhere to older frame lumbar? I'm re-doing my deck, and re-using the joints already in place?

Accepted Answer

The Rot Shield Joist Tape is manufactured to be installed on new deck framing construction, exclusively.  Rot Shield Joist Tape is not recommended for applications over older (i.e. weathered) framing lumber being re-used in a remodel project.

Question 11

Can a coating material (i.e. paint) be used as a finish material over the Polyguard Stretch Flex system extended 12”-18” above grade? If so, what type of coating material does Polyguard recommend?

Accepted Answer

The Polyguard Stretch Flex system can be extended 12”-18” above grade onto clean, dry, bare substrate; as a tie-in material for an above-grade air barrier membrane or coating material; but the Polyguard waterproofing system then requires complete coverage above grade for proper performance.

Polyguard does not wish to respond to the compatibility or adhesion of another manufacturer’s material/coating over Polyguard products on the basis the customer shall always take the recommendation directly from the material manufacturer because of the warranty.  This speaks to an industry standard that any overlay material is the responsibility of the overlay material manufacturer to assume the liability / risk under the warranty terms.  Therefore, Polyguard does not wish to provide a response to another manufacturer’s material compatibility, adhesion, installation, and/or performance over a Polyguard system.

Question 12

Can the Polyguard caulk and sprayed on product act as a water proof liner?

Accepted Answer

If the intention is to reuse the collected water to drink or for irrigating crops/plants, then the answer would have to be no.  Under these uses, you would need to find a fluid-applied waterproofing product that is safe for 'potable water.'  The chemicals in our solvent-based waterproofing membrane, called Home Stretch Liquid, negate the use for storing/saving water.

Question 13

What substrates are acceptable for the application of 650 WB Liquid Adhesive?

Accepted Answer

Acceptable substrates for the application of 650 WB Liquid Adhesive are:Cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, CMU, and masonry that are clean, dry, and sound.Exterior gypsum sheathing that is clean, dry, and sound.Plywood and OSB sheathing that is clean, dry, and sound.Existing Polyguard rubberized asphalt membranes and accessories cleaned and re-primed as required.Rigid Insulation Board (polyisocyanurate, XPS, EPS/ICF) when clean, dry, and sound. Field adhesion test required on the actual facer.Not for use over mineral wool insulation boards.

Question 14

What is the best method for cutting the Polyflow 10 drainboard?

Accepted Answer

Best method would be to use a box cutting knife or utility scissors.

Question 15

Can I use Polyflow 10 drainboard without using the Totalflow drainboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Polyflow 10 Drainboard may be used independently, without the Totalfow drainboard.

Question 16

Would I need a two-coat application of Poly Wall Blue Barrier Liquid Wrap air barrier membrane?

Accepted Answer

The Blue Barrier Liquid Wrap air barrier membrane is a designed and recommended as a single-coat application for proper performance.

Question 17

Can Polyguard Residential Polyflow 10 Drainboard be cut to smaller sizes to address sloping grade lines on a foundation wall? If so, what is the preferred method to re-shape the drainboard material to size?

Accepted Answer

The Polyguard Residential Polyflow 10 Drainboard material is made of polystyrene plastic core with a non-woven polypropylene filter mesh, which can be cut to size using a utility scissor, or the material can be lined (scored) with a standard box-cutting knife and then snapped to size.  It is important to note that 3” of the non-woven polypropylene filter mesh will need to remain when cutting the polystyrene plastic core in order for the mesh to properly cover the exposed top of the core and be secured to the back side of the core prior to backfill.  An alternative is to cut the drainboard to size, then use 6” wide non-woven polypropylene filter mesh pieces to cover the top of the core at grade level and fold down the mesh onto both sides of the drainboard material to protect the core during backfill.

Question 18

Do your TERM (Termite) Products work with pier-and-beam construction builds?

Accepted Answer

First, we need to know if your piers are concrete, wood, or CMU? If using Concrete piers:We offer TERM Particle Barrier that can be placed around the base of each pier in a 4” x 4” trench that blocks subterranean termites from mud-tubing up the sides of the piers, excluding them from attacking the exposed wood frame. TERM Particle Barrier is a precisely sized quartz/granite particle that has 100% efficacy to keep termites excluded. The particles are too heavy for the termite to lift or move aside, too hard to crush with their mandible, and too sharp to crawl between. If using Wood piers: We currently do not have an answer for protecting wood piers that are placed directly into the soil, unless each pier can be pre-wrapped with TERM Waterproofing + Termite Barrier, our 68-mil termite sheet waterproofing, coupled with TERM Particle Barrier around each pier to exclude them from attacking the wood. If using CMU piers:We offer TERM SILL Membrane, our 68 mil Termite Barrier that can be applied to the top of the CMU pier/stem wall to cap off the interior of the CMU (even if filled with concrete) to prevent the tunneling of termites, coupled with TERM Particle Barrier around each pier to exclude them from attacking the wood.

Question 19

I have already poured my foundation slab-on-grade. What can I do to prevent subterranean termites that will not add too much cost to the project?

Accepted Answer

That is a common question! We offer what we call a “PERIMETER PACKAGE” for termite exclusion. This package includes 3 products:

TERM SEALANT – single component sealant available in quarts and gallons that is waterproofing plus termite barrier to be placed around top of slab penetrations to stop termites and all insects from entering the structure from underground.
                TERM SILL – 68 mil thick peel and stick membrane designed in a variety of widths (6”-12”) to be placed under wood and metal sills serving as a thermal break while providing protection against subterranean termites entering the structure. Most wall cavity designs allow for additional material to be rolled down into cavity allowing TERM Flashing to overlap, creating a stronger and more robust exclusion.
                TERM FLASHING – 40 mil thick peel and stick membrane designed for base of wall perimeter flashing. This membrane covers and protects the joint between bottom edge of sheathing to the top of the concrete slab.

Using these three products together provides a great slab-on-grade termite exclusion protection that should last the life of the structure.

Question 20

What are the differences between all the Blue Barrier Products?

Accepted Answer

All Blue Barrier Products utilize our Silyl Terminated Polyether Technology (STPE). These are hybrid sealants that combine the benefits of silicone and polyurethane technologies. By combining these chemistries, we achieve the best features of both, resulting in highly effective sealants. These sealants are low in VOCs, moisture-cured, and have a UV exposure rating of up to 9 months. The main differences in the product lines are their viscosity and intended applications: Blue Barrier Gap Filler (BB GF): This product has the highest viscosity and is the thickest. BB GF contains fillers that make it a durable and tough adhesive, suitable for filling substrate voids, bonding dissimilar material joints, and serving as a membrane lap and termination sealant.Blue Barrier Liquid Flash (BB LF): This product has medium viscosity and thickness, making BB LF trowelable in a gun and spread application. BB LF is commonly used for sealing window and door openings.Blue Barrier Liquid Wrap (BB LW): This product has the lowest viscosity and is the thinnest. BB LW can be applied with an airless sprayer or power roller, making it ideal for large-scale field applications and a superior alternative to traditional house wraps.

Question 21

I am constructing a building using ICF. Can I use your 650 LT primer to attach 650 membrane?

Accepted Answer

650 LT primer will not work with ICF.  However, you can use the 650 WB prime as it is water, not solvent based, for the application.  It will have a greater coverage rate and not damage the foam

Question 22

Is drain mat required when waterproofing a foundation?

Accepted Answer

A drain mat is not required. However, Polyflow is recommended as part of the waterproofing system; it not only increases drainage away from the waterproofing membrane and the structure but also protects the waterproofing during the construction process and backfilling.

Question 23

What's the difference between the blue liquid flash and the blue gap filler. Is the gap filler just thicker?

Accepted Answer

The Blue Barrier Liquid Flash is mostly used to seal Windows and doors. The Blue Barrier Gap Filler is much thicker and more durable, and it can be used to seal voids and as a sealant for terminating.

Question 24

How quickly are e-store orders shipped?

Accepted Answer

We do our best to ship your e-store order the same day it is placed! More than half of our orders or 62% of our e-commerce orders are shipped in less than 24 hours.

Question 25

What is Polyguard Wax Wrap?

Accepted Answer

Polyguard Wax Wrap is a petroleum-based compound impregnated into a non-woven synthetic carrier designed to provide long-lasting external corrosion protection for metal substrates.

Question 26

What surfaces can Wax Wrap be applied to?

Accepted Answer

The system is designed for steel pipelines, valves, fittings, flanges, bolts, and irregular shapes like street tees.

Question 27

Can it be applied to wet surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is formulated to easily conform to wet or dry surfaces and is superior in wet/humid environments.

Question 28

Is Wax Wrap environmentally safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all formulations are VOC-free, non-toxic, and non-hazardous.

Question 29

How much surface preparation is required?

Accepted Answer

Only minimal surface preparation is needed, specifically to SSPC-SP 2 (Hand Tool) or SSPC-SP 1 (Solvent Cleaner) specifications.

Question 30

Is there a cure time before I can backfill?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no cure time required; projects can be backfilled or brought back to service immediately after application.

Question 31

Can the wrap be painted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can be painted immediately after application with no wait time.

Question 32

What is the purpose of Profile Putty?

Accepted Answer

Profile Putty is an anti-corrosive filling compound used to mold and smooth the contours of irregular shapes and fill voids for an even wrap application.

Question 33

What are the temperature limits for the Wax Wrap HT?

Accepted Answer

Wax Wrap HT is designed for high-operating temperatures reaching up to 250°F (121°C).

Question 34

Does the system comply with industry standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the systems meet and comply with AWWA C217 and NACE SP0375-2024 standards.

Question 35

What colors do the different wraps come in?

Accepted Answer

Wax Wrap 60A (Above-Ground): Grey.Wax Wrap 60U (Below-Ground): Brown.Wax Wrap HT (High-Temp): Red.

Question 36

Where is this product manufactured?

Accepted Answer

All Polyguard Wax Wrap products are manufactured in the USA.

Question 37

Can this kit be used multiple times or is this a one use kit?

Accepted Answer

After initial assembly, leave the hose and gun attached to the canister with the valve open; do NOT close valve until empty.  The product remains usable as long as the canister valve remains open and kit is assembled, since product remains as a closed system under pressure.  Once canister is fully empty, remove the hose from old canister and attach to new full canister immediately, open new canister valve and continue.

Question 38

Or is there a certain amount of time that the spray gun has to hold the adhesive in it?

Accepted Answer

Shelf Life on the material is 1 year from manufacture date.

Question 39

Is it possible to clean the Quick Grip Kit?

Accepted Answer

Clean hose, gun, tip in solvent to remove Quick Grip Adhesive residue(s).

Question 40

What is the coverage rate I can expect from 650 WB?

Accepted Answer

Typical coverage of the 650 WB is 350-400 SF per gallon on concrete.

Question 41

What is the coverage rate for a BB GF 20oz sausage?

Accepted Answer

Gap Filler coverage isn't expressed in square feet the way a field-applied membrane is — it's a detail sealant applied by the linear foot into joints and cracks. We communicate coverage linear feet per ounce based on joint dimensions. For example, a 1/4" × 1/4" joint yields approximately 4.81 linear feet per ounce, while a 3/8" × 1/2" joint yields approximately 1.59 linear feet per ounce. Since each tube is 20 oz., you can multiply the lineal feet per ounce by 20 to estimate how far one tube will go for a given joint size. Actual yield will vary depending on how it's used — gap filling, void packing, termination sealing, or fastener cover — so consumption is highly job-specific.

Question 42

How much coverage area can I get from a roll of UV2-40?

Accepted Answer

The coverage in SF for Polyguard's UV2-40 material depends on which size roll you purchase. We have four options: 6" x 75' = 37.5 SF/roll9" x 75' = 56.25 SF/roll12" x 75' =  75 SF/roll36" x 33.3' = 100 SF/roll

Frequently Asked Questions