DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.—In response to installer requests, Mapei has introduced Mapelastic CI, a premixed liquid-rubber crack-isolation membrane for installation under ceramic tile or stone. This quick-drying product can be used in interior and exterior environments on residential or commercial projects.
Mapelastic CI provides a solution for resolving potential in-plane cracking in concrete substrates up to 1/8 inch (3 mm). “While Mapei feels that the ultimate form of crack isolation is typified by sheet membranes such as our Mapeguard 2, we have recognized the market interest in roll-applied membranes and have formulated Mapelastic CI to meet those needs,” said Brian Pistulka, business manager for Mapei’s Tile & Stone Installation Systems.
Mapelastic CI was developed to give some added benefits to this new entry into the roller-applied crack-isolation membrane market. It is relatively quick-drying, allowing tile or stone installations after 30 to 50 minutes. The membrane changes color when it is cured, making it easy for workers to see at a glance when they can proceed to the next phase of the installation. They also profit from the labor-saving steps of easily applying Mapelastic CI with a roller or brush. And, most importantly, use of this membrane meets ANSI A118.12 requirements, preventing in-plane floor cracks up to 1/8 inch (3 mm) from transmitting through the tile or stone.
“We expect Mapelastic CI to meet the needs of many contractors working to short deadlines who want to make sure they have proper surface preparation,” Pistulka said. “By responding to our customers’ needs with innovative ideas, we feel we are demonstrating in a very ‘flexible’ way that Mapei is technology you can build on.”
For more information, go to Mapei.com.