Red Guard Waterproofing Techniques

RedGuard is a popular waterproofing membrane used by contractors and DIYers for a variety of residential and commercial projects. It can protect against water damage and mold growth on surfaces like concrete, wood, and drywall.

RedGuard is a ready-to-use, elastomeric waterproofing compound that can be easily rolled or brushed onto surfaces. It creates a flexible barrier that prevents water intrusion while allowing moisture vapor to escape. RedGuard bonds directly to substrates and works on both interior and exterior surfaces. It can even bridge non-structural cracks up to 1/8" wide.

Key Benefits of Choosing RedGuard

There are several key reasons RedGuard has become a top choice for waterproofing applications:

• Creates seamless, flexible membrane that won't tear or delaminate
• Allows transmission of moisture vapor to prevent moisture buildup
• Protects surfaces from water damage, leaks and flooding
• Guards against mold, mildew and bacterial growth
• Applies easily with brush, roller or sprayer
• Bonds to almost any substrate, including concrete, wood and drywall
• Meets stringent industry standards for elastomeric membranes

Whether as part of a whole-house waterproofing solution or to protect shower enclosures, RedGuard delivers the robust protection needed against wet conditions.

Suitable Projects for RedGuard Waterproofing

RedGuard works for both interior and exterior applications, including:

• Under-tile liner in bathrooms, showers, kitchens
• Water feature ponds, fountains and pools
• Basement foundations, cinder blocks, poured walls
• Planters, retaining walls, landscape structures
• Terraces, patios, balconies above living spaces
• Roof decks, covered exterior walkways

It bonds well to substrates like concrete, plywood, OSB, gypsum and cement backerboards. Not suitable for permanent immersion or high velocity water flow.

Prepare Surfaces for Red Guard Application

Before applying RedGuard, the substrate surface must be prepared properly. Here are the key steps:

• Clean away any loose debris, dust, dirt or previous coatings from the surface using water, solvents or other suitable cleaning methods
• Fill any divots, holes or large cracks with patch mix or caulk
• Prime highly porous substrates like concrete with suitable primer

This will provide a smooth, uniform surface for the RedGuard waterproofing membrane to bond to. Make sure previously painted surfaces have the paint removed or properly sanded.

Important Preparation Notes

Proper substrate prep is crucial for proper adhesion and performance. Ensure surfaces are:

• Structurally sound, stable and well fastened
• Free from grease, wax, oil, dust and loose particles
• Suitably flat within tolerance for product thickness

Preparing shower backerboard, concrete floors or cinderblock walls accordingly will prevent future leaks or failures.

Proper Red Guard Application Techniques

RedGuard can be applied with a brush, roller or airless sprayer. When rolling, use a 1/2" nap roller. Here are some application tips:

• Apply RedGuard in two separate uniform coats for full coverage
• Allow the first coat to fully dry for 1-2 hours before second coat
• Apply the second coat perpendicular to the first coat

Avoid applying RedGuard too thick in a single coat as it may not properly cure. Carefully follow all coverage rate instructions based on the substrate.

Achieving Proper Coating Thickness

Maintaining the correct wet film thickness is vital:

• Use a wet film gauge to test thickness every 50-100 sq.ft.
• Account for 10-15% reduction in thickness as product dries
• Adhere to all coverage guidelines for intended waterproofing application

Applying too little RedGuard can compromise water protection; too much delays drying and curing.

Achieve Full Waterproofing Protection

Once the RedGuard waterproof membrane is applied, additional steps should be taken to utilize its waterproofing capabilities:

• Apply seam tape and corner sealant at all joints, seams and changes in plane
• Install protection board, drainage mat or other protective layer over RedGuard before adding backfill or topping materials
• Slope above-grade surfaces to encourage water runoff

This completes the waterproofing envelope, preventing moisture ingress from above or below the RedGuard application.

Integrating Other Waterproofing Layers

For heavy moisture exposure, RedGuard is often combined with:

• Self-adhering sheet membranes around penetrations, corners
• Drainage matting, protection board preventing mechanical damage
• Removable tile backing films allowing for future RedGuard reapplication

This enhances water protection while making any future repairs or upgrades easier.

Advanced Red Guard Waterproofing Methods

While the basics work for many situations, RedGuard can also be used in more complex waterproofing applications:

• On vertical foundation walls, apply in a zig-zag pattern from top to bottom and leave exact thickness specified
• When transitioning between substrates, overlap RedGuard at least 2-4 inches and prime both surfaces first
• Wrap RedGuard into corners, making sure to fill the entire seam with primer and embed reinforcing fabric

Contact the manufacturer for project-specific application instructions. An experienced waterproofing contractor can also prove helpful for difficult jobs.

Waterproofing Tricky Areas

Special attention should be paid to:

• Joints - Prestripe with primer before applying RedGuard and embed reinforcing mesh
• Corners - Prime and wrap RedGuard at least 2 inches onto adjoining surfaces
• Cracks - Bridge actively leaking cracks up to 1/8" with 30 mil thickness

Consider flexible polyurethane caulks, expanding bandages and injection resins for stubborn water leaks.

Troubleshooting Red Guard Waterproofing

While RedGuard excels at preventing water intrusion when correctly installed, problems can occasionally arise:

• Check for pinhole leaks or failed seals and patch with additional RedGuard layers
• Cut away loose, delaminated areas and reapply RedGuard after proper substrate preparation
• Flood test for 72 hours after application to verify complete waterproofing protection

Mediate moisture levels in covered wall cavities to prevent secondary water damage behind RedGuard applications.

Inspecting for Leaks

Watch for potential leaks at:

• All seams, corners, joints and transitions
• Areas around penetrations or fixtures
• Low points, flashing terminations and drainage exits
• Cracked or damaged areas in membrane surface

Repair compromised areas immediately before water migrates behind membrane.

Alternative Waterproofing Options

While versatile, RedGuard may not suit all waterproofing needs:

• Liquid-applied membranes like Elastoseal offer more sheer bonding power on tricky substrates
• Bentonite clay mats provide active water stopping through swelling action
• For heavy hydrostatic pressure, traditional concrete/shotcrete tanking may be required

Consider combining RedGuard with drainage matting and protection boards that enhance system longevity.

Comparing Waterproofing Materials

Factors like cost, application method, versatility and performance capabilities differentiate waterproofing products:

• Cementitious coatings - Inexpensive, moisture resistant enough for low water exposure
• Asphalt emulsions - Budget-friendly for below-grade foundation walls
• Polyurethane resins - Expensive but extremely effective and durable water barrier
• Bentonite mats - Self-sealing ability; requires confining space to swell and stop water

Determine water exposure levels and project goals before selecting waterproofing materials.

Maintaining Red Guard Waterproofing

To keep RedGuard waterproofing working optimally:

• Inspect for cracks, movement or leaks annually
• Reapply RedGuard over any problem areas larger than 1-2 inches
• Use suitable caulks or sealants to patch small cracks/punctures

Establish weep holes, overflow drains or interior drying systems to protect RedGuard longevity.

Preventing Early Deterioration

Proactively protect the applied membrane from:

• Freezing temperatures for first 7 days when curing
• Ponding water allowing dirt/debris to accumulate
• Physical abrasions from equipment/materials placed on surface

Inspect and repair RedGuard regularly, especially in vulnerable areas.

Case Studies and Examples

Successful Basement Waterproofing

A homeowner applied RedGuard to their interior basement walls that were leaking moderate groundwater seepage...

They used a basement dehumidifier and interior drainage system to manage any moisture not stopped by the RedGuard exterior membrane. Annual reviews show the product is still performing strongly at preventing further leaks after 5 years.

Waterproofing a Tile Shower

RedGuard was used as a waterproofing membrane beneath ceramic tile in a custom walk-in shower...

The floor-to-ceiling design required careful surface prep and seam reinforcement at all planes. An anti-fracture fabric was embedded to protect the RedGuard from substrate movement. After 2 years the shower remains leak-free.

Protecting a Pond from Leakage

A landscape designer utilized RedGuard on their mosaic tile backyard pond that was showing leaks between tiles...

After cleaning gap joints and tapering them wider, a fresh coat of RedGuard sealed all cracks and tile edges. Catch basins protect overflow surges. Ongoing annual touch-ups preserve waterproofing integrity despite freeze/thaw shifts.

RedGuard delivers reliable, long-term waterproofing protection across many common applications. By following the proper application methods outlined here for surface prep, installation, and ancillary products, both DIYers and professionals can take full advantage of RedGuard's capabilities.

From interior basement walls to under-tile membranes to concrete planters, RedGuard outperforms with its elastomeric properties, mold resistance and vapor permeability. Don't let moisture damage or mold growth threaten your next project. Employ RedGuard waterproof membrane for proven, worry-free waterproofing.