Composeal Gold Crack Isolation Waterproofing Membrane Installation Guide
Flexible Crack Isolation and Waterproofing Membrane for Tile, Stone, Floors, Walls, Roof Decks, and Radiant Heated Floor Systems
Composeal Gold is a three-ply heat-fused crack isolation and waterproofing membrane designed for ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone, terrazzo, brick, and other thin-set flooring installations. It combines waterproofing protection with crack isolation performance, helping protect finished surfaces from substrate movement and moisture intrusion.
Used in both residential and commercial applications, Composeal Gold can be installed over concrete, mortar beds, cement backer boards, and other approved substrates. The membrane is commonly specified for bathrooms, kitchens, showers, steam rooms, radiant heated floors, roof decks, terraces, and high-traffic commercial flooring projects.
Unlike traditional underlayments, Composeal Gold adds minimal height to the finished installation while providing long-term waterproofing and crack isolation protection beneath tile and stone surfaces.
Installation Products
Composeal Gold Membrane
The industry standard for crack isolation and waterproofing beneath tile and stone installations. Composeal Gold is available in 5-foot-wide rolls covering approximately 450 square feet.
Pre-Formed Gold Corners
For installations requiring complete waterproofing protection, pre-formed inside and outside corners are available to simplify detailing and improve installation efficiency.
Composeal Flexible PVC Cement
Designed to create a strong waterproof chemical weld between sheets of Composeal Gold. Used for seaming membrane sections and installing pre-formed corners.
Compotite Elasti-Seal
A high-tack, fast-curing sealant used to create waterproof seals around drains, pipes, fixtures, conduits, flashings, penetrations, and other critical transition points.
Required Installation Tools
Measuring, Marking and Cutting Tools
A tape measure, chalk line, and utility knife are recommended for layout and membrane cutting.
Notched Trowel
When using latex-modified thin-set mortar as the bonding material, a 3/16-inch V-notch trowel is typically recommended.
100 lb. Roller
A heavy-duty roller is used to fully embed Composeal Gold into the bonding material and eliminate trapped air beneath the membrane.
Hand Rollers
Hand rollers are recommended for seams, corners, vertical surfaces, and hard-to-reach areas where a larger roller cannot be used.
Caulking Gun
A professional-grade caulking gun is required when applying Compotite Elasti-Seal around penetrations and transition areas.
General Information
Composeal Gold is the first three-ply heat-fused crack isolation waterproofing membrane designed specifically for thin-set tile and stone installations. The membrane bonds directly to approved substrates while allowing tile and stone finishes to be bonded directly to the membrane surface.
Composeal Gold is intended to help prevent substrate cracks from transferring through to the finished tile installation while also providing waterproofing protection when installed according to manufacturer recommendations.
The membrane can be used in interior and exterior applications but is not intended to serve as a primary roofing membrane over occupied spaces. Expansion joints should be honored and carried through the tile assembly according to industry standards.
Before You Begin
Before starting the installation, verify that the substrate is structurally sound, clean, dry, and free of contaminants that may interfere with bonding. Carefully plan the layout, determine whether waterproofing is required, and ensure all tools and materials are available before beginning work.
How to Install Composeal Gold
Step 1: Plan the Installation Layout
Carefully lay out the installation to minimize cuts and seams.
Begin by preparing a rough sketch of the installation area showing membrane direction, seam locations, walls, corners, penetrations, drains, and expansion joints. Proper planning helps reduce waste, minimize seams, and improve installation efficiency.
Allow for a minimum 2-inch overlap at all seam locations and 4 to 6 inches of membrane upturn at walls when waterproofing is required. Use a chalk line to mark sheet locations directly on the substrate before installation begins.
Whenever possible, pre-cut membrane sections before spreading bonding material.
Step 2: Pre-Cut Membrane and Flashing Pieces
Pre-cut Composeal Gold to fit the planned layout.
For waterproof installations, prepare flashing pieces, corners, and wall transitions before installation begins. Membrane sheets may be cut oversized to allow for vertical upturns at walls and transitions.
When flashing walls, turn the membrane up to the anticipated flood level or at least to the height of the finished base tile. Pre-formed corners and flashing components should always be lapped in the direction of water flow toward the drain.
Pre-cutting materials before installation helps reduce installation time and simplifies work in confined spaces.
Step 3: Prepare and Apply the Bonding Material
Mix the bonding material according to the manufacturer's instructions.
When using latex-modified Portland cement thin-set mortar, follow the mortar manufacturer's recommendations for mixing ratios, working time, and installation procedures.
Using a 3/16-inch V-notch trowel, spread the bonding material evenly over the substrate. Place the membrane into the fresh bonding material while it is still wet and workable. Do not allow the mortar to skin over before installing the membrane.
Periodically lift a corner of the membrane to verify complete coverage. If necessary, increase trowel size to achieve full contact between the membrane and substrate.
When cement-based thin-set mortar is used as the bonding material, avoid foot traffic until the mortar has adequately cured. Depending on jobsite conditions and mortar type, curing times may range from 4 to 48 hours.
Step 4: Place Composeal Gold into the Bonding Material
Position the membrane into the bonding material while maintaining proper overlaps.
Carefully place Composeal Gold into the fresh bonding material, ensuring that all sheets align with the layout lines established during preparation. Maintain a minimum 2-inch overlap at all seam locations.
Whenever possible, avoid walking on previously installed membrane sections. Work systematically across the installation area to ensure proper alignment and complete coverage.
Step 5: Fully Embed the Membrane and Remove Air Pockets
Use a roller to fully embed the membrane into the bonding material.
Immediately after placement, roll the membrane using a 100-pound roller or hand roller. Begin at the center of the sheet and work toward the edges to remove trapped air and achieve complete contact with the bonding material.
Continue rolling in multiple directions to ensure full bedding of the membrane. Hand rollers should be used on seams, corners, vertical surfaces, and other hard-to-reach areas.
If excessive thin-set squeezes out along seams, reduce the amount of bonding material being applied.
Step 6: Weld All Seams and Corners
Create waterproof seams using Composeal Flexible PVC Cement.
All membrane seams must be welded using approved Composeal Flexible PVC Cement. Apply the cement generously to both surfaces of the overlap, working it thoroughly into the scrim fabric.
Allow the cement to become tacky, typically 1 to 2 minutes, before joining the surfaces together. Once joined, use a hand roller to firmly bond the seam and remove trapped air.
Pre-formed corners should be installed using the same welding procedure. For waterproof installations, all seams and corners must be properly welded before flood testing.
Flood testing may typically be performed approximately four hours after seam welding is completed.
Step 7: Seal Drains, Flashings, and Penetrations
Use Compotite Elasti-Seal at all critical waterproofing transitions.
All drains, pipes, conduits, fixtures, flashings, and penetrations must be sealed using Compotite Elasti-Seal to maintain waterproof integrity throughout the installation.
Apply a generous amount of sealant to both the penetrating object and the membrane surface to ensure complete contact and a watertight seal.
For shower installations, plumbing codes require a two-piece clamping ring drain with weep holes. The membrane should be installed over the lower flange, sealed appropriately, and secured before flood testing is performed.
Installing Tile or Stone Over Composeal Gold
After the membrane installation is complete, tile or stone may be installed using latex-modified or acrylic-fortified thin-set mortar. Full mortar coverage is recommended to achieve maximum performance.
Allow the bonding material beneath the membrane to cure sufficiently before exposing the installation to heavy traffic. Rapid-setting mortars may reduce overall project time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Composeal Gold used for?
Composeal Gold is a crack isolation and waterproofing membrane designed for ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone, terrazzo, and brick installations. It helps protect finished surfaces from substrate movement while providing waterproof protection where required.
Can Composeal Gold be used in showers and wet areas?
Yes. When properly installed with welded seams, corners, and sealed penetrations, Composeal Gold can provide a waterproof assembly suitable for many wet-area applications.
Can Composeal Gold be used over radiant floor heating systems?
Yes. Composeal Gold is commonly used with radiant heated flooring systems because it helps isolate substrate movement caused by heating and cooling cycles while maintaining waterproofing protection.
Can Composeal Gold be used outdoors?
Yes. Composeal Gold may be used in exterior applications including balconies, terraces, roof decks, and other approved tile installations when installed according to manufacturer guidelines.
Does Composeal Gold require maintenance?
No. Once installed beneath the finished tile assembly, Composeal Gold requires no routine maintenance and is designed to provide long-term performance throughout the life of the installation.
Codes, Certifications and Compliance
Composeal waterproofing products comply with major plumbing code requirements including UPC-IAPMO, SBCCI, and BOCA standards. Composeal membranes have also received municipal approvals where required and comply with recognized industry standards for concealed waterproofing membranes used beneath tile installations.
Composeal products meet applicable ASTM performance requirements and comply with recognized Ceramic Tile Institute waterproofing standards for tile and stone installations.
Warranty Information
Composeal membranes are warranted against material defects and failure of the membrane itself. Warranty coverage applies to the product and does not extend to installation methods or consequential damages. Under normal service conditions, Composeal membranes are designed to provide long-term performance throughout the life of the building.
Made in the USA using American labor and materials.
Helpful Resources
- Composeal Gold Installation Guide
- Composeal Blue Vinyl Shower Pan Membrane Installation Guide
- Composeal Gold Radiant Floor Heating Installation Guide
- Composeal Waterproofing Videos and Product Overview
- Solution for Types of Concrete Cracks
Shop Related Waterproofing Products
- Waterproofing Membranes
- Composeal Blue Vinyl 5 ft 40 mil Shower Pan Membrane
- Composeal Gold PE Crack Isolation Waterproof Membrane
- Composeal Gray Gold Sound Control Waterproof Anti-Fracture Membrane
- Composeal Gold 30 Mil Crack Isolation Waterproof Membrane
Final Thoughts
Composeal Gold combines crack isolation and waterproofing performance in a single membrane system designed for tile and stone installations. Its ability to help prevent substrate cracks from transferring to finished surfaces while providing dependable waterproof protection makes it a trusted solution for both residential and commercial projects.
Whether used in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, radiant heated floors, terraces, or commercial flooring installations, Composeal Gold provides long-term performance and protection beneath the finished tile assembly.