GE Elemax 2600 silicone air and water-resistive barrier (AWB) is a solvent free, fluid-applied, 100% silicone coating for AWB applications to coat and seal above-grade wall assemblies. Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating provides long-term air and water protection from a variety of elements: temperature extremes, sunlight / UV radiation, rain and snow.
The following GE components comprise the 100% silicone airand water barrier system:
Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating is an excellent product to consider as a long term barrier against the passage of air and water. This product is compatible with silicone materials used to seal and glaze windows, doors, joints and other façade features. In addition, most silicone sealants will bond to cured Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating, alleviating adhesion concerns at transitions from exterior wall elements to the air and water resistive barrier.
Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating is currently available in the following configurations:
Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating is currently available as a stock color in black. Grey and white may be available upon request. Please contact your MPM sales representative for more details.
Typical physical property values of Elemax 2600 silicone air and water-resistive silicone barrier coating as supplied and cured are set forth in the tables below.
| Property | Value(1) | Test Method |
| Polymer | 100% silicone | |
| Consistency | Pourable Liquid | |
| Color | Black VOC | <24 g/lEPA Method 24 |
| Viscosity | ~25,000 centipoise | ASTM D2196, Method A |
| Solids Content, 90% by volume | 90% | Modified ASTM D2697 |
(1) Typical properties are average data and are not to be used as or to develop specifications.
| Property | Value(1) | Test Method |
| Air Permeance – tested at 1.57 psf (75 Pa) | 0.00004 cfm/ft2 (0.0002 L/s·m2) | ASTM E2178 |
| Air Permeance – tested at 1.57 psf (75 Pa) | 0.00008 cfm/ft2 (0.0004 L/s·m2) | CAN/ULC-741 |
| Assembly Air Leakage - tested at 1.57 psf (75 Pa) | 0.0002 cfm/ft2 (0.0009 L/s·m2) | ASTM E2357 |
| Assembly Air Leakage - tested at 1.57 psf (75 Pa) | 0.0004 cfm/ft2 (0.0019 L/s·m2) Class A1) | CAN/ULC-742 |
| Water Vapor Permeance | 10.5 perms @ 17 mils (430 μ) DFT | ASTM E96 Procedure BW (Inverted Water Method) |
| Water Vapor Permeance | 10.2 perms @ 17 mils (430 μ) DFT | ASTM E96 Procedure B (Water Method) |
| Water Vapor Permeance | 7.9 perms @ 17 mils (430 μ) DFT | ASTM E96 Procedure A (Desiccant Method) |
| Water Penetration | No water penetration observed after 15 minutes @ 62.5 psf (2993 Pa) | ASTM E331 |
| Resistance to Wind Driven Rain | Pass: No visual leaks or moisture weight gain observed after 24 hrs @ 26 psf (1245 Pa) | ASTM D6904 |
| UV & Weathering Resistance | No degradation after 5000 hours | ASTM G154 |
| Self Sealability around Nails | Pass | ASTM D1970 |
| Crack Bridging Ability (1/16” or 1.5 mm) | Pass | ASTM C1305 |
| Mildew Resistance | 0 - No growth | ASTM D5590 |
| Application Temperature Range | 0°F to 150°F (-18°C to 66°C) | |
| Service Temperature Range | -40°F to +300°F (-40°C to 149°C) | |
| Pull of Strength (concrete) | 126 psi (0.87 MPa) | ASTM D4541 |
| Pull of Strength (fiberglass mat faced gypsum sheathing) | 44 psi (0.30 MPa)(2) | ASTM D4541 |
| Tensile Strength | 204 psi (1.41 MPa) | ASTM D412(3) |
| Elongation | 542% | ASTM D412(3) |
| Cure Time, complete | 1-2 days | Varies with Temp & RH |
| Recoat Time | <2 hours | Varies with Temp & RH |
| Multi-Story Wall Assembly Burn Test | Passed in assembly tested and acceptable for use in various wall assemblies per engineering analysis | NFPA 285 |
| Surface Burning Characteristics | Flame Spread: 10; Smoke Developed: 185; NFPA Class A, UBC Class 1 | ASTM E84 |
| Oxygen Consumption (Cone) Calorimeter | Effective Heat of Combustion: 4.6 MJ/kg; Peak Heat Release Rate 52.7 kW/m2; Total Heat Release: 7.55 MJ/m2 | ASTM E1354 |
| ||| | Sequential Testing - Structural, Racking, Restrained Environmental Conditioning and Water Penetration |
| 1. Structural | No cracking within the field of the panel, substrate joints and at interface of flashing | ASTM E1233 Procedure A |
| 2. Racking | No cracking within the field of the panel, substrate joints and at interface of flashing | ASTM E72 |
| 3. Restrained Environmental Conditioning | No cracking within the field of the panel, substrate joints and at interface of flashing | ICC-ES AC212 |
| 4. Water Penetration | No visible water penetration after Structural, Racking, Retrained Environmental Conditioning: Tested for 15 min. at 2.86 psf (137 Pa) | ASTM E331 |
| ||| | Sequential Testing - Weathering |
| 1. UV Light Exposure | | ICC-ES AC212 |
| 2. Accelerated Aging | | ICC-ES AC212 |
| 3. Hydrostatic Pressure Test | No water penetration after UV exposure and accelerated aging: Tested for 5 hours with 21.7 in (55 cm) of hydrostatic head | AATCC 127 |
| Freeze-Thaw | No cracking, checking, crazing, erosion, delamination or other deleterious effects | ICC-AC212; ASTM E2485 Method B |
| Water Resistance | No deleterious effects after 14 day exposure. | ASTM D2247 |
| Tensile Bond | > 15 psi (105 kPa) | ASTM C297 |
(1) Typical properties are average data and are not to be used as or to develop specifications.
(2) Full strength of silicone not realized due to failure of fiberglass mat / sheathing substrate prior to coating failure.
(3) Samples were prepared per ASTM D2370 and tested in accordance to ASTM D412.
Installation Temperatures
The Elemax Air & Water Barrier system can be applied under most seasonal conditions including during colder months. It is important to note that these silicone products will not bond to moist or wet substrates and caution should be used when applying in early morning hours when dew may be present, under colder conditions when frost may be present, or after rainfall when substrates may still contain residual moisture. Substrates must be clean, dry and frost free. Application may proceed under colder conditions as low as 0°F (-18°C) as long as the material is applied to a dry substrate. Do not apply Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating onto substrates surfaces with temperature at or above 150°F (66°C).
Curing and Recoat Time
The curing rate of Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating is temperature and humidity dependent. Cooler and lower humidity conditions slow the cure rate, whereas warmer and moist conditions increase the cure rate. Under standard conditions of 72°F (22°C) and 50% relative humidity (RH), this material typically attains a tack-free surface in 1-2 hours and achieves full cure within 24 hours. Recoating or touch-up can proceed as soon as the coating has achieved a firm surface, which in most climatic conditions is less than 2 hours, however in cold temperatures may be 24-48 hours.
Surface Preparation
Fill small voids and cracks up to 1/2" (12 mm) in masonry surfaces with Elemax 5000 Liquid Flashing. Use a joint knife or suitable trowel to press and spread sealant to a nominal.
1" (25 mm) width centered on the crack, maintaining minimum sealant thickness of 20 mils (508µ). Repair larger cracks or voids with non-shrinking grout or other appropriate patching material. When spraying to CMU, back rolling will be required to avoid pin holes in the membrane.
Holes or Damage
Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating will cover normal surface irregularities or minor scrapes in sheathing when applied at the proper film thickness. Smaller holes (for example, vacated screw holes, punctures, etc.) up to around 3/8" (10 mm) in diameter should be treated with a troweled application of Elemax 5000 Liquid Flashing. Larger holes or damage to the sheathing (large spalls, damaged corners, etc.) that the coating or sealant cannot obviously accommodate will need to be repaired according to sheathing manufacturer.
Cut Edge of Sheathing (Exposed Gypsum)
Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating can be rolled or brushed to consolidate exposed gypsum, if necessary.
Screw Heads
Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating will cover properly-driven screw heads when uniformly applied at the system film thickness. Screw heads that are under or over-driven must be treated using a trowel application of Elemax 5000 Liquid Flashing or additional coat of Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating either prior to, or after application of the coating. When treating screw heads after coating application, sufficient cure time will be required for the coating to firm up enough to allow trowel application of sealant. This cure time will vary from minutes (summer’s heat and humidity) to overnight in some cases (winter’s cold and lower RH).
Sheathing Joints
All sheathing joints must be treated utilizing one of the two methods below (based on joint width). The sheathing joints can be treated prior to or after the application of Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating. When treating joints after coating application, sufficient cure time will be required for the coating to firm up enough to allow trowel application of sealant. This cure time will vary from minutes (high heat and humidity) to overnight in some cases (cold temperatures). Reference also MPM sheathing joint detail.
Static Joints > 1/2" (13mm), Expansion Joints and Drift Joints
Static joints can be treated by utilizing Elemax 5000 Liquid Flashing or Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating as an adhesive reinforced with a strip of UltraSpan UST2200 silicone transition sheet, centered on joint and extended a minimum 1" (25mm) onto wall.
The AWB system shall be made continuous at or beyond terminations, transitions, openings, changes in plane and perimeters. This can be accomplished using Elemax 5000 Liquid Flashing, RF100 reinforcing fabric properly embedded in Elemax 2600 silicone AWB, Elemax SS Flashing or a combination of UltraSpan transition strips or a combination of UltraSpan strips adhered with Elemax 5000 Liquid Flashing. Refer to GE AWB system details for installation recommendations at transitions ,seams, penetrations and other features.
Through Wall Flashing
Install Elemax SS Flashing at through wall conditions in accordance with our current specifications, installation guidelines and details.
Film Thickness
Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating may be applied as a single coat application by spray, however roller application may require two separate coats to achieve the full wet film thickness (WFT) requirement. The applied thickness of Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating should be measured (while still wet) using a wet film thickness gauge to verify that the right amount of material is being applied to the wall. The wet and dry film thickness requirements of the system are shown in the table below:
| Wet Film Thickness (WFT Requirement)| Final Dry Film Thickness (DFT) |
| 19 mils (480 µ) | 17 mils (430 µ) |
Coverage Rates—Elemax 2600 Silicone AWB Coating
The actual coverage rate of Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating can vary based on substrate, application equipment, project conditions and waste. To identify coverage rates based on the actual project substrates, conditions and equipment that is planned on being used a test mockup is recommended.
Theoretical maximum coverage rate at 17 mils (430 µ) DFT is 85 ft2/gal (7.9 m2/gal). The following approximate coverage rates have shown to be attainable:
| Substrate | ft2 per gallon | m2 per gallon |
| Smooth surfaces(similar to fiberglassfaced sheathing) | 70 - 80 | 6.5 - 7.4 |
| Masonry surfaces(similar to CMU) | 60 - 70 | 5.6 - 6.5 |
Usage Rate—Elemax 5000 Liquid Flashing
When used for sheathing joint treatment, apply minimum thickness of 20- mils (508 µ) thick troweled to nominal 11/2" (38mm) width centered on joint. The following calculated estimates do not take into consideration factors such as: joint gap width, substrate texture, material waste, or other factors. Values are based on maximum yield at 20 mil (508 µ) thickness:
When used for rough opening treatment or general detailing, apply minimum thickness of 20 mils (508 µ) thick x 6" (152 mm) width trowel application. The following calculated estimates do not take into consideration factors such as: Construction geometry, substrate texture, material waste, or other factors. Values based on maximum yield at 20 mil (508 µ) thickness:
Repairs
The most effective air barrier system is a complete system without gaps, holes, or damage therefore inspect the AWB system before covering and repair any punctures or damaged areas. Ensure that the area to be repaired is clean and dry before proceeding with repairs. Touch up and repairs to the Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating can be accomplished using brush, spray or roller and should take place after the coating has sufficiently cured such that the coating is firm to the touch and tack free. Repairs can be accomplished using the following methods:
Application Equipment
Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating can be applied by brush and roller; including power rollers. Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating can also be dispensed directly from pails and drums using air, electric or engine-powered application equipment. Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating cures in the presence of atmospheric moisture thus spray equipment used to process Elemax 2600 AWB coating:
ABAA—Tested to performance requirements of the Air Barrier Association of America
Clean Air GOLD—Certification states conformance to ANSI / BIFMA e3 standard credits 7.6.1, 7.6.2 and/or credit 7.6.3, which includes California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2 01350 (2017), as well as conformance to low-emitting materials for WELL and LEED.
GE Elemax 2600 met or exceeded the test performance requirements of Section 3.1.2 of the acceptance criteria AC212: Acceptance Criteria for Water-Resistive Coatings Used as Water-Resistive Barriers over Exterior Sheathing for the methods as described herein.
Lab test report is available upon request.
For additional technical resources, please contact your local customer service center. (See Customer Service Centers section herein for contact information.) Any technical advice furnished by MPM or any representative of MPM concerning any use or application of any MPM product is believed to be reliable, but MPM makes no warranty, expressed or implied, of suitability for use in any application for which such advic eis furnished.
Customers must evaluate MPM products and make their own determination as to the fitness of use in their particular applications.
Elemax 2600 silicone AWB coating should not be considered for:
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to imply the nonexistence of any relevant patents or to constitute the permission, inducement or recommendation to practice any invention covered by any patent, without authority from the owner of the patent.
Customers considering the use of this product should review the latest Safety Data Sheet and label for product safety information, handling instructions, personal protective equipment if necessary, and any special storage conditions required. Safety Data Sheets are available at www.gesilicones.com or, upon request, from any MPM representative. Use of other materials in conjunction with MPM sealants products (for example, primers) may require additional precautions. Please review and follow the safety information provided by the manufacturer of such other materials.