Dilation Band

DryFiX TPE-Based Dilatation Tape: High Movement Capacity Expansion Joint Sealing

DryFiX TPE-Based Dilatation Tape is a highly flexible and durable sealing tape based on thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It is specially manufactured to absorb thermal or structural movements (expansion, contraction, settlement, etc.) that may occur between different parts of structures, providing definitive waterproofing in these expansion joints.

Applied at the most critical points of buildings exposed to water, such as foundations, retaining walls, roofs, and terraces, it exhibits superior resistance against structural movements. By preventing water and moisture from penetrating the structure, it significantly extends the building's lifespan.

Superior Advantages of the System

• Broad Thermal Resistance: It is highly resistant to extreme temperature fluctuations; it flawlessly maintains its flexibility and structural form even in harsh temperatures ranging between -40°C and +90°C.
• High Mechanical Resistance: With a 600% elongation at break capacity and high tear resistance (> 600 N/cm), it does not snap or detach during building movements.
• Adaptation to Harsh Conditions: It boasts an exceptional UV resistance of > 7500 hours. Thanks to its resistance to plant roots, it can be safely used in underground applications (foundations and retaining walls).
• Extensive Chemical Resistance: Shows excellent resistance to dilute acids, alkaline solutions, bitumen, sulfuric acid, alcohol, and industrial detergents.
• Fully Compatible System: It is used in conjunction with DryFiX DFR 2000 TIX epoxy repair and mounting mortar to create a seamless waterproofing barrier, ensuring maximum adhesion performance.

Main Application Areas

• Structural expansion joints in foundations and retaining concrete walls.
• Tunnels, subways, and similar underground engineering structures.
• Building extensions, structural cracks, and ridge joint connections.
• Terraces, balconies, and wide-span concrete slabs.
• Wet areas and parapet walls.
• Swimming pools and wastewater treatment units.
• Multi-story car parks and parking areas exposed to heavy vehicle traffic.

Application Instructions and Surface Preparation

Surface Preparation and Substrate Conditions

The performance of the dilatation tape depends directly on the surface quality. The application surface must be clean, dry, smooth, and sound. Dust, paint, oil, mud, and any weak layers that prevent adhesion must be completely removed.

Critical Detail: The dilatation tape must absolutely be applied to the structural concrete (base slab). If there is screed, ceramic, or any other coating over the expansion joint, these layers must be cut and broken until the structural concrete is reached, and the application must be made directly onto the main concrete.

Application Steps

1. Inner Joint Preparation (For Horizontal Applications): In areas with high horizontal movement, before applying the tape, a polyethylene backing rod (1 cm wider than the joint width) should be compressed into the expansion gap, and it should be filled with a suitable polyurethane mastic. (In vertical areas, epoxy application can be started directly without using a polyethylene backing rod and mastic.)
2. Applying the Epoxy Mortar: Once surface preparation is complete, DryFiX DFR 2000 TIX epoxy repair mortar is thoroughly applied to the right and left edges (concrete surface) where the dilatation tape will adhere.
3. Placing the Tape (Omega Form): The dilatation tape is placed over the applied epoxy mortar. To accommodate structural movements, the middle section of the tape over the joint gap must never be left taut; it must be laid leaving an inward or outward Omega (Ω) shape allowance.
4. Fixing with the Sandwich Method: The tape is pressed onto the surface to ensure the epoxy mortar underneath squeezes out through the holes (perforations) on the edges of the tape. Then, a second coat of epoxy mortar is applied over the perforated sections of the tape, sandwiching the tape between the two adhesive layers.
5. Thickness and Overlap Margin: The epoxy application should be 1.0 - 1.5 mm thick and finished by extending at least 20 mm outward from the perforated edges of the tape. Afterwards, other waterproofing layers are applied by overlapping the insulation boundaries of the tape to complete the system.

Important Warnings and Limitations

• During application, the DryFiX Dilatation Tape must be embedded into the epoxy mortar while it is still wet (before curing).
• Application must never be done on surfaces that have been exposed to rain, frost, or are wet within 24 hours. Applications should be avoided in rainy weather.
• Care must be taken in environments exposed to direct intense sunlight, extreme high temperatures, or strong winds, as the working time (pot life) of the epoxy mortar will change.
• It should be taken into consideration that the setting (curing) time of DryFiX DFR 2000 TIX epoxy mortar will be extended in cold weather.
• Occupational Safety: Appropriate protective equipment such as gloves and goggles should be used during application, and the epoxy mortar must be kept away from fire and children.

Packaging, Consumption, and Storage

Technical Specifications and Performance Values