ARDEX S 1-K - One-Component Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Membrane - Technical Data

Nov 1, 2026

ARDEX S 1-K is an easy-to-use, single-component, load-bearing waterproofing and crack isolation membrane designed for interior floors and walls on common substrates requiring protection from topside water exposure. It forms a flexible, positive-side waterproof coating and provides an excellent bonding layer for tile and stone setting materials, supporting crack isolation up to 1/8" (3 mm). The document details strict substrate preparation, primer considerations, two-coat roller/brush application without water or additives, minimum dry film thickness, and curing/flood-test guidance, plus crack isolation specifications with ARDEX SK MESH reinforcement.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Description

Substrate Preparation

Note on Curing Compounds

Recommended Tools

Application

Crack Isolation

TM One-Component Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Membrane Flexible, topside waterproofing for interior floors and walls Very easy-to-apply, 2-coat system; paint roller or brush Easy to install with a paint roller or brush Use for bathrooms, showers and other wet areas prior to the installation of tile Highly workable consistency; minimal drips and splatters Crack isolation up to 1/8”(3 mm) Bonds to a wide range of substrates ARDEX Americas 400 Ardex Park Drive Aliquippa, PA 15001 USA 724-203-5000 888-512-7339 [www.ardexamericas.com](www.ardexamericas.com) ARDEX S 1-KTM One-Component Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Membrane Description ARDEX S 1-K™ One-Component Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Membrane is an easy-to-use, single-component, load-bearing waterproofing compound that produces a flexible, positive-side waterproof coating for all common interior building substrates requiring protection from topside water exposure that could damage tile installations. It also provides an excellent bonding layer for ARDEX tile and stone setting materials. ARDEX S 1-K can also be used for crack isolation up to 1/8”(3 mm)* . ARDEX S 1-K is for use over concrete, masonry finishes, existing tile, drywall, plaster, cementitious backerboards and plywood on interior floors and walls. Substrate Preparation All substrates must be structurally sound, solid, dry, thoroughly clean and free of oil, wax, grease, asphalt, latex and gypsum compounds, curing compounds, sealers and any contaminant that might act as a bond breaker. Plywood substrates must be APArated, Type 1 exterior-grade plywood. Refer to ANSI A108 AN-2 “General Requirements for Subsurfaces,” the Tile Council of North America’s “Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation” and TTMAC for detailed information on surface preparation and guidelines for substrate construction. The plane of wall surfaces must be plumband true. Floor surfaces must have minimal variation in the plane or slope, and sloped areas must have proper slope towards the drain(s) . Existing tile must be mechanically etched to produce a textured profile. Should interior pre-leveling or substrate repair be required, use: | Product | Vertical | Horizontal | | --- | --- | --- | | ARDEX AM 100™ Rapid Set Pre-Tile Smoothing and Ramping Mortar (only on cementitious substrates) | X | X | | ARDEX Liquid BackerBoard® Self-Leveling Underlayment (for wood and concrete subfloors) | | X | | ARDEX TL 1000™ Self-Leveling Underlayment | | X | | ARDEX SKMTM Skimcoat Patch & Finishing Underlayment | X | X | Expansion joints must be provided over existing moving joints and cracks, and where substrate materials change composition or direction, per ANSI A108 AN-3 .7 and TTMAC guidelines. ARDEX S 1-K may be installed over highly absorbent substrates, including plaster, that are properly primed. ** Note on Curing Compounds Test areas of ARDEX S 1-K can be installed and evaluated over concrete slabs that have been treated with either silicate or acrylic resin curing compounds. These compounds must be installed in strict accordance with the compound manufacturer’s written recommendations. If a silicate type has been used, all residual salts must be removed. Please be advised, however, that there are a number of curing compounds sold today that are wax- or petroleum-based emulsions. These are permanent bond breakers that must be removed completely prior to patching or leveling. Dissipating compounds must also be removed completely by mechanical means prior to installing any ARDEX material. It is imperative to be able to determine the type of curing compound that was used before proceeding. Any curing compound that cannot be identified should be completely, mechanically removed. Recommended Tools Paint stirrer, putty knife, 3/8” nap paint roller and paintbrush Application DO NOT ADD WATER OR ADDITIVES! Using a putty knife and/or paintbrush, apply a thick, even layer around floor or wall pen

FAQs

What surfaces can ARDEX S 1-K be applied to on interior floors and walls?

ARDEX S 1-K can be used over concrete, masonry finishes, existing tile, drywall, plaster, cementitious backerboards, and plywood on interior floors and walls, provided substrates are properly prepared.

How should ARDEX S 1-K be applied, and can water or additives be used?

Do not add water or additives. Apply a thick, even layer at penetrations, corners, and joints, then apply two full coats by paint roller, allowing thorough drying between coats.

What are the requirements for crack isolation and when is ARDEX SK MESH used?

ARDEX S 1-K isolates minor, in-plane substrate cracking up to 1/16" (1.5 mm) without mesh and up to 1/8" (3 mm) when used with mesh, with specific layering and embedding instructions.

Nov 1, 2026

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