Waterproof Any Surface with Red Guard—The Ultimate Guide

Installing tile or stone can transform the look and feel of any space. However, moisture issues can quickly ruin beautiful floors and walls, causing damage, mold, and mildew. Ensuring proper waterproofing is crucial before installing tile or stone finishes.

Red Guard waterproofing and crack isolation membrane offers a convenient and highly effective solution. This innovative product creates a seamless barrier to protect against water damage on virtually any surface.

What is Red Guard Waterproofing Membrane?

Red Guard is a ready-to-use, thin liquid membrane that seals out water. It bonds directly to surfaces to form a continuous waterproofing barrier. Red Guard contains no VOCs and dries quickly to a red finish. It can be applied through rolling, troweling, or spray applications.

Red Guard works by chemically fusing to surfaces, leaving no seams or gaps for moisture to penetrate. It also exhibits outstanding adhesion and reduces crack transmission through tile and stone floors.

Key Features and Benefits

• Creates a seamless, elastomeric waterproofing membrane
• Bonds directly to metal drains, PVC, and other plumbing fixtures
• Isolates existing cracks up to 1/8" to prevent crack transmission
• Suitable for residential and commercial applications
• Ready-to-use formula requires no additives
• Quick 30-60 minute drying time
• Approved for use as a shower pan liner
• Meets ANSI A118.10 standards

When Should You Use Red Guard?

Red Guard excels in wet areas that require durable waterproofing beneath tile or stone. It can be used for the following applications:

• Showers, tub surrounds, and steam rooms
• Swimming pools, fountains, and water features
• Bathrooms and laundries
• Kitchen backsplashes
• Balconies, terraces, and rooftop patios
• Exterior walking surfaces
• Underground foundation walls and slabs

Red Guard is also ideal for waterproofing and crack isolation in floor installations. It can be applied to concrete slabs before installing tile or stone flooring.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

A key benefit of Red Guard is its suitability for both interior and exterior applications. For outdoor use, it stands up to freezing temperatures, rain, snow and other environmental exposures.

Red Guard's elastomeric properties allow it to bridge cracks and move with the substrate. This prevents the membrane from damage due to minor substrate movement.

What Surfaces Can Red Guard Be Applied To?

Red Guard bonds tenaciously to a wide variety of common substrates:

• Concrete
• Lightweight concrete
• Cement mortar beds
• Cement backerboard
• Masonry surfaces
• Cementitious screeds and patching compounds
• Exterior grade plywood
• Cement terrazzo floors

It can also be applied over crack isolation and waterproofing sheets to enhance performance. Some surfaces may require priming before application.

Bonding to Drains, Pipes and Plumbing

A key advantage of Red Guard is its ability to bond firmly and seamlessly to metal drains, PVC, stainless steel, and ABS drain assemblies. This prevents moisture from penetrating around drains.

Red Guard also adheres to most common plumbing pipe materials. Apply Red Guard to a minimum of 6 inches around drains, protrusions, and penetrations.

Advantages of Using Red Guard

There are several key benefits that make Red Guard an ideal solution for waterproofing beneath tile and stone:

Seamless Protection

When applied properly, Red Guard forms a continuous membrane without vulnerable seams or joints. This prevents water from penetrating through cracks.

Thin Application

Red Guard can be applied as a thin coating, unlike sheet membranes that build up thickness. Thinner applications allow for quicker drying and tile installations.

Exceeds Industry Standards

Red Guard meets ANSI A118.10 waterproofing standards and IAPMO requirements as a shower pan liner. This makes it suitable for even heavy-duty commercial projects.

Fast Drying

With drying times as little as 30-60 minutes, Red Guard allows tile installation to proceed quickly after application. This makes projects faster and more efficient.

Crack Isolation

Red Guard isolates existing substrate cracks up to 1/8", preventing them from transmitting through the tile or stone finish. This helps prevent cracking long-term.

How to Apply Red Guard Waterproofing

Proper application technique is vital to achieve an effective, continuous membrane with Red Guard:

Surface Preparation

Surfaces must be structurally sound, clean, and free of dirt, oils, loose materials and other contaminants. New concrete and mortar beds should cure for at least 28 days.

Mixing

Red Guard requires no pre-mixing and can be used directly from the container. Simply stir occasionally during application to maintain an even consistency.

Application Technique

Red Guard can be applied with a paint roller, trowel, or airless sprayer. Ensure complete coverage without gaps, pinholes or thin spots. Apply an even coat between 20-30 mils thick.

Coverage Rates

Coverage varies based on substrate. For smooth surfaces, Red Guard covers 200 sq ft per gallon. More porous or textured surfaces may require more product.

Dry Time

Red Guard dries quickly, often within 30-60 minutes. Drying time depends on thickness, temperature and humidity. Ensure membrane is fully cured before applying tile or stone.

Avoiding Issues

Carefully check for pinholes, thin areas, and gaps where moisture could penetrate. Apply additional Red Guard as needed to ensure full continuity.

Red Guard vs. Competing Waterproofing Products

How does Red Guard compare against sheet membranes and other liquid waterproofing products?

Sheet Membranes

Sheet membranes involve seams that can leak over time. Red Guard bonds continuously without vulnerable seams. However, some projects combine both sheet and liquid membranes.

Acrylics and Rubber Liquids

Acrylics lack durability while rubbers are difficult to apply smoothly. Red Guard offers a unique advanced formulation with strength, seamlessness and ease of application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Red Guard Require Any Special Tools?

Red Guard can be applied with basic tools - roller, brush, trowel or airless sprayer. No special equipment is necessary.

Can Red Guard Be Used in Steam Showers?

Yes, Red Guard meets requirements for use in steam shower environments as a waterproofing membrane.

Is Red Guard Effective on Cracks Greater than 1/8"?

For cracks above 1/8", use a crack isolation membrane along with Red Guard for optimum waterproofing and crack resistance.

Can Red Guard Be Used Outside?

Red Guard is suitable for a wide range of exterior waterproofing applications, including patios, balconies, walkways, fountains, pools, and more.

How Soon Can Tile Be Installed After Applying?

Tile can often be installed after 30-60 minutes, once Red Guard has fully dried and cured. This provides a major time savings.

With its strong adhesion, seamless protection, crack resistance and suitability for nearly any surface, Red Guard offers the complete package when it comes to waterproofing tile and stone installations. Correct application is vital to effectively utilize this advanced membrane.

For reliable moisture protection beneath beautiful finishes, Red Guard is the clear choice to keep projects dry and damage-free for the long run.