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When Sealants Meet Waterproofing: A Sticky Situation

February 11, 2026

When Sealants Meet Waterproofing: A Sticky Situation

Adhesion, Compatibility, and Discoloration of Silicone Sealant in Contact with Bituminous Waterproofing Materials

By Kelly Cronin, RWC, PE; Emmett Horton, PE; Matthew Schofield, PE; and Sang Kim, PhD

A COMMON CONVERSATION in design
team meetings and on project sites during
construction involves compatibility of materials.
In a world where product formulations are ever
changing, supply chains are disrupted, and
product manufacturers merge, it can be hard to
keep track of what materials will adhere to one
another. Many design professionals are told
that “silicone sticks to everything, but nothing
sticks to silicone.” While this rule of thumb may
hold true for construction materials in many
applications, it cannot be applied to all project
conditions. To identify instances where the
rule of thumb does not hold true, specifiers
will often require adhesion testing to evaluate
project-specific conditions, and many product
manufacturers will complete this testing for
their products in-house. Without question, this
testing can be very valuable, but oftentimes it
is completed within a few weeks of materials
being installed and does not paint the full
picture of what happens when materials are
in contact with one another in the long term.
What happens when those materials have been
installed for months or years? Can the adhesion
or aesthetics of those materials change based
on their interaction over time?
For an example of when this rule of thumb
may not hold true, consider a building with large
fenestration assemblies that look out onto an
outdoor terrace that is landscaped with planters
and contains other tenant amenities—common
features trending in current building design
and construction. On such a terrace, there are
many opportunities for the fenestration and
its associated perimeter sealant (which is often
silicone) to interface with waterproofing materials
(which are often bitumen based). There are
discrepancies in the industry as to whether silicone
sealant should be installed in direct contact
with bitumen-based products. Typically, these
conditions are addressed on a project-by-project

and product-by-product basis where the specific
sealant and waterproofing manufacturers are
contacted regarding compatibility. It is not
uncommon for silicone sealants to stain or
discolor when in contact with the bitumen-based
materials (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). The phenomenon
is often believed to be an aesthetic concern only
and some sealant manufacturers claim that the
discoloration of the sealant does not impact
sealant performance. At least one manufacturer
has published that a dark-colored silicone sealant
should be used, or the sealant should be put
in a non-visible location if installed in contact
with bitumen-based materials to minimize
the aesthetic impacts of the potential staining.
There are other manufacturers that recommend
avoiding use of silicone sealants in contact with
materials that may have the tendency to bleed oils,
plasticizers, or materials that are uncured.
ASTM C1193, Standard Guide for Use of Joint
Sealants,1 states that sealants in general (not just
silicone) should not be put in contact or proximity
to materials with which the sealant is not
compatible. ASTM C1193 further recommends
compatibility testing in accordance with ASTM
C1087, Standard Test Method for Determining
Compatibility of Liquid-Applied Sealants with
Accessories Used in Structural Glazing Systems.2
These standards suggest that color change is
sufficient evidence to warrant additional testing
for other adverse effects, that color change is
evidence of a potentially detrimental chemical
reaction, and that although adhesion may not be

initially lost, the color change could be predictive
of a future loss of adhesion. Other than changes
in aesthetic qualities, sealant characteristics
that could also be affected by material
incompatibilities include the ability of a sealant
to cure fully and develop its ultimate strength.
There is very little published information
regarding the impacts of adhesion, compatibility,
and discoloration of exterior silicone sealant
in contact with bitumen-based waterproofing
materials. The following independent study was
undertaken to more broadly understand:
• How long the discoloration takes to occur,
• How discoloration impacts both immediate
and long-term performance characteristics of
the sealant, and
• If different formulations and/or colors
of silicone sealants have an impact on
discoloration or performance.
TEST SPECIMEN PREPARATION
With the assistance of a contractor familiar
with sealant and waterproofing installation,
multiple test specimens were fabricated for the
study. Silicone sealants from three different
manufacturers commonly used in commercial
construction were selected for test specimen
construction and were generally identified
as follows:
• Manufacturer A
• Manufacturer B
• Manufacturer C
A minimum of two different formulations of
silicone sealant from each manufacturer, one
product formulated to minimize potential staining
and one product formulated with a plasticizer that
is likely to migrate into a porous substrate, were
selected for the study and identified as follows:
• Sealant Type A1 – one part,
Class 50, neutral curing, non-staining
• Sealant Type A2 – one part,
Class 50, neutral curing
• Sealant Type A3 – one part,
Class 25, neutral curing
• Sealant Type B1 – one part,
Class 50, neutral curing
• Sealant Type B2 – one part,
Class 50, neutral curing, non-staining
• Sealant Type C1 – one part,
Class 50, neutral curing, non-staining
• Sealant Type C2 – one part,
Class 50/100, neutral curing, non-staining
Three colors of each silicone type were
selected, if available. The three colors were
typically white, black, and limestone. For one
sealant type (Type B2), gray was used in lieu of
limestone based on material availability at the
time of specimen construction. Sealant Type A3
was only available in white color.
Specimen construction consisted of a
dimensional wood frame with intermediate
24 in. (610 mm) long anodized aluminum angles
secured to and spaced evenly across the frame.
Sealant was installed in the joint between
back-to-back aluminum angles. The substrate at
one side (A side) of each test specimen consisted
of the primed anodized aluminum. The substrate
on the other side (B side) of each test specimen
consisted of either anodized aluminum (Control),
bitumen-based self-adhering membrane with
plastic facer (Condition W+F), or the same
bitumen-based membrane but with the plastic
facer removed (Condition W-F) to simulate a
fluid-applied bitumen-based membrane. In
addition, smaller (approximately 2 in. [50 mm] long) reference samples of each material were
constructed and set aside in the laboratory
to be used to establish the baseline chemical
properties of the sealants and waterproofing.
Sealant was installed over a bicellular backer
rod in a ½ in. (13 mm) wide joint and tooled to a
concave profile with a 2:1 width-to-depth ratio.
Two samples of each sealant and waterproofing
combination were installed on each test frame
(specimen) for a total of six samples on each
frame (two with control condition on the B side,
two with Condition W+F on the B side, and two
with Condition W-F on the B side). In total, 19 test
frames, each with a unique sealant formulation
and color, were constructed (Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).
After fabrication, the sealant was allowed
to cure inside a conditioned warehouse for
1 month. In July 2023, the specimens were
transported to an outdoor open-air enclosure
located in the Washington, DC, metro area,
which is in IECC Climate Zone 4A: Mixed Humid.
The enclosure was partially shaded to prevent
ultraviolet deterioration of the waterproofing
over the course of testing/monitoring (Fig. 5).
The test specimens were documented when they
were moved outside once a week for 1 year. The
following items were reviewed and documented:
• The time from initial construction to
initial discoloration of the sealant, noting
pigmentation of the discoloration where
present
• The severity/intensity of discoloration over
time
• The impact the original color and/or type
of silicone sealant has on the discoloration
(rate of discoloration, severity/intensity of
discoloration, etc.)
• The immediate and long-term impacts of
discoloration on performance characteristics
of the sealant

Nondestructive adhesion testing per ASTM
C1521, Standard Practice for Evaluating Adhesion
of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant Joints,3 (both
Spot Method and Continuous Method)
MONITORING
No discoloration was noted throughout testing
at the control or Condition W+F samples. The
following general visual observations and
nondestructive adhesion testing observations
were made of the Condition W-F specimens
during the first year (Fig. 6):
• At Week 6, a slight discoloration at the edge of
the sealant in direct contact with the exposed
bitumen material (Condition W-F) was observed
at nine specimens. A subtle yellow haze at the
edge of the sealant in direct contact with the
exposed bitumen material was noted at an
additional three specimens (Sealant Types A1
and B1). Discoloration of some degree was noted
at all white- and limestone-colored specimens.
In general, discoloration was noted along the full
length of the edge of the joint in direct contact
with the bitumen-based material (Fig. 7[a]).
• By Week 9, a subtle haze was observed at the
edge of two black-colored sealants (Types C1
and C2).
• By Week 11, three of the specimens developed
a bright orange discoloration at the edge of
the sealant in direct contact with the exposed
bitumen material; the discoloration lightened
across the width of the joint (Fig. 7[b]).
• At Week 28, localized adhesion failure was
noted at the edge of Sealant Type C1 at both
black-colored samples (Fig. 7[c]).
• At Week 52, only two samples (Sealant
Types A2 and B1, both black colored) did not
have visible discoloration to some degree.
• No discoloration or adhesion loss was recorded
for the specimens installed in direct contact
with the self-adhered membrane facer
(Condition W+F), except at the ends of the
specimens where the sealant interfaced with
the cut ends of the self-adhered membrane.
• No discoloration or adhesion loss was recorded
for the specimens installed in direct contact
with the aluminuAfter 1 year, the specimens were
brought indoors for destructive testing
(Fig. 8). Destructive adhesion testing per
ASTM C15213 was completed, and a 12 in.
(305 mm) long sample of each specimen
was removed and sent to the lab. The 12 in.
(305 mm) long sample includes the section
that was destructively tested (Fig. 9 and
Fig. 10). The remaining samples were left
on the test frame and returned outdoors. Of
the 19 specimens, 8 were found to be fully
unadhered at the edge of the sealant in direct
contact with the exposed bitumen material
(Condition W-F). Interestingly, many of
these specimens were believed to have been
adhered based on visual observation and
nondestructive adhesion testing; however,
upon destructive testing and sample
extraction, the sealant cleanly debonded
from the waterproofing.
Among the 11 specimens where
the sealant remained adhered to the
waterproofing, 2 specimens (Sealant Types A2
and C2) contained waterproofing that had
visually debonded from the aluminum substrate,
1 specimen (Sealant Type C2) contained
waterproofing that was notably tackier than
the other specimens, and 1 specimen (Sealant
Type A3) contained sealant that was perceived
to be very stiff (low elasticity). Note: The control
sample of Sealant Type A3 was also found to be
stiffer than the other sealant types. In general,
the observed discoloration was present only
on the air-exposed surface, not at the bond
surface with the waterproofing or through the
depth of the joint. At least one of the unadhered
specimens (Sealant Type B1) did not have
any noticeable discoloration. At least three
specimens with bright orange discoloration
remained well adhered after 1 year.
The specimens remaining on the test frames
were returned outside to the open-air enclosure.
After 2 years, only 8 of the 19 specimens were
found to be adhered to the waterproofing. The
discoloration observed on the samples after
2 years did not differ significantly from the
discoloration observed after 1 year.
LABORATORY TESTING
Qualitative Examination
Sealant discoloration for each specimen
was first compared across the three sealant
colors (black versus limestone versus white).
Although initial field observations indicated
that discoloration varied by sealant color,
laboratory analysis revealed that the overall
extent of discoloration was consistent across
all sealant colors, as shown in Fig. 11. Hues
of orange were the predominant form of
discoloration. While less apparent in black
sealants, the orange hue was still present.
Under controlled lighting conditions in the
laboratory, discoloration in black sealants
became more discernible and was comparable
in extent to the discoloration noted in
lighter colors.

The relative severity of discoloration for
each product, evaluated based on the width
of visible discoloration from the membrane
edge (across all three sealant colors), was
ranked based on severity:
• (most severe staining) A2 > B1 > B2
> C2 > C1 > A1 > A3 (least severe
staining)
The nature of discoloration was then
investigated in depth through microscopic
examination and chemical identification by
micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-ATR FTIR).
Potential impacts of the discoloration were also
assessed via mechanical testing such as Shore A
hardness, tensile testing, and dynamic mechanical

analysis (DMA), comparing discolored and
corresponding control sealant samples.
Laboratory-prepared reference samples, for
each sealant type in the color black, were
also included for baseline comparison. The
color black was used because information for
this sealant color was already stored in our
laboratory’s internal database.

DISCOLORATION
IDENTIFICATION
Microscopic Examination by
Scanning Electron Microscopy
and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray
Spectroscopy
Figure 12 illustrates differences in color noted
at various surface regions of the sealant samples.
The top surface showed a discoloration gradient,
which was most pronounced near the edge
previously adhered to the exposed bitumen
(Condition W-F) and gradually fading across the
width of the joint. In contrast, the bond surface
(in contact with the exposed bitumen) displayed
a glossy texture with no visible discoloration
after extraction. A cross-sectional cut revealed a
dull, intact interior surface. These distinct surface
regions were further analyzed using scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive
X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), with corresponding
secondary electron images included in Fig. 12.
EDS analysis results are summarized in
Fig. 13. The intact cross section served as the
internal sealant reference. The bitumen-based
portion of the waterproofing membrane was
also analyzed for reference. Elemental results
indicated the following:
• Silicon (Si), oxygen (O), and calcium (Ca) were
primarily associated with the sealant.
• Carbon (C) and sulfur (S) were mainly
associated with the membrane.
Based on this comparison, membrane-related
materials (rich in carbon) were strongly present in
areas of intense discoloration, less pronounced
in areas with lighter discoloration, and nearly
absent at the glossy interface.
For better visualization, the top (discolored)
surface of the sealant was further subjected
to elemental mapping. The elemental
mapping images shown in Fig. 14 displayed
color-coded maps of carbon (Fig. 14[b]), silicon

(Fig. 14 [c]), and oxygen (Fig. 14 [d]), alongside
a corresponding secondary electron image
(Fig. 14 [a]). The intensely discolored region
revealed a “mud crack” pattern near the bond
surface previously in contact with exposed
bitumen that gradually transitioned into a
smoother surface across the width of the joint.
The surface of the sealant covered with a solid-like
contaminant, referred to as “mud,” which likely
originated from oxidized membrane oils based on
the high carbon and oxygen content. When this
oxidized layer “cracked,” the subsurface became
visible in the crevices, where the sealant, having
the high silicone content, is exposed.
This comparative image analysis indicates
that both the top and side surfaces of the
sealant were coated with varying amounts of
carbon-rich materials, likely originating from
the bitumen-based membrane. Compared to
smoother surfaces, the mud crack pattern with
elevated oxygen content reflects degradation
of this carbon-rich layer. As shown in Fig. 13,
the relative ratios of oxygen and carbon on the
discolored surfaces are notably higher than on
the cross-sectioned intact sealant surface. Over
time, the material forming the carbon-rich layer
degraded and cracked, exposing the underlying
sealant surface. Carbon-rich materials degrade
more readily than silicone-based ones, leading
to increased oxygen content through oxidation,
which corresponds to the heavier discoloration
and cracking near the edge in contact with the
exposed bitumen.
These observations support that the
discoloration and associated mud crack
morphology are consequences of chemical
and physical degradation of the carbon-rich
bitumen-based layer that migrated onto the
silicone and then oxidized, rather than from
intrinsic sealant failure alone.
Note that the waterproofing membrane
is a complex mixture, containing not only

aliphatic hydrocarbon oils but also naphthenes,
asphaltenes, and other complex aromatic
compounds. These aromatics can also absorb
light in the visible spectrum, which may further
contribute to the observed discoloration.
Chemical Identification by
Micro-ATR FTIR
To trace the invasion of the carbon-rich material and
its progression of degradation, chemical imaging
techniques using micro-ATR FTIR were employed.
These techniques chemically characterized
discoloration and evaluated correlations
between the extent of discoloration and chemical
degradation across various surface regions.
The bitumen membrane exhibited characteristic
peaks at the wavenumbers 3,387, 1,711, and
1,605 cm-1 (representing vibrations of chemical
bonds), which were absent in the sealant.
After these peaks were eliminated by hexane
extraction, the resulting spectrum matched
well with petroleum hydrocarbon oil. However,
these bitumen-specific peaks, which were likely
associated with low-molecular-weight compounds,
were consistently observed on discolored sealant
surfaces. In particular, the peaks at 1,711 cm-1
and 1,605 cm-1 merged into a broad band
between 1,810 cm-1 and 1,500 cm-1, which
varied systematically in line with the severity of
discoloration. These changes likely reflect oxidative
degradation of hydrocarbon-based membrane
material. Note that a chloroform-soluble,
hexane-insoluble extraction of the reference
membrane sample was not completed.
Using this membrane-specific spectral
signature, chemical imaging was conducted to
identify the spread of discoloration distribution
across the sealant surface. As shown in Fig. 15,
measurements were performed on predetermined
positions under an optical microscope, with three
to five measurements per position. The resulting
peak intensities were quantified and averaged at
each position. Although proper attenuated total
reflectance crystal contact was limited near the edge

due to the concave surface profile and softness
of the sealant, the integrated peak area between
1,810 cm-1 and 1,500 cm-1 generally showed a
decreasing trend with distance from the membrane
edge. Position 1 (nearest the edge) showed lower
intensity despite severe discoloration, likely due
to the curved surface profile causing poor contact
upon crystal engagement.
These results confirm the presence of a
bitumen-derived surface layer originating from
migrating low-molecular weight materials from
the membrane formulation. These chemical
findings are in strong agreement with the
microscopic observations and indicate that
the discoloration is not intrinsic to the sealant
itself but rather results from the bleed and
accumulation of these residues.
DISCOLORATION IMPACT
To evaluate the potential impact of discoloration
on sealant physical characteristics, Shore
A hardness, tensile testing, and DMA were
conducted. Again, laboratory reference samples
were included for baseline comparison.
Shore A Hardness Testing
Shore A hardness testing, a widely used
method for characterizing the cured properties
of sealants or elastomers, was conducted in
accordance with as defined in ASTM D2240,
Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—
Durometer Hardness.4 Discolored sealant
samples exhibited comparable hardness to
control samples. While the results were generally
consistent, measurement variability due to an
arched profile and lack of flat surfaces reduced
sensitivity for distinguishing subtle differences.
Tensile Testing
The extracted sealant samples could not be
machined into standard shapes and were instead

tested in their original strip form, following ASTM
D412, Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized
Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers—Tension,5
with modifications to accommodate the
nonstandard geometry and gripping method.
Tensile testing of these samples, comparing
discolored and control samples, showed no
conclusive difference in strength. Both groups
underperformed relative to manufacturer
specifications, but these deviations were
attributed to the nonstandard sample geometry
and gripping issues, not the discoloration itself.
DMA
To overcome the limitations of direct mechanical
testing, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was
employed to capture surface-level changes by
combining thermal and mechanical characterization.
DMA is a highly sensitive technique for evaluating
the mechanical behavior of materials under
oscillatory loading as a function of temperature and
frequency. Testing was conducted in accordance
with ASTM D4065, Standard Practice for Plastics:
Dynamic Mechanical Properties: Determination and
Report of Procedures.6 Rectangular strip specimens,
approximately 5 mm × 9 mm × 4 mm (0.20 in. ×
0.35 in. × 0.16 in.), were excised from beneath
discolored surfaces near the contact edge. Testing
was performed in tension mode, from −85°C
to 160°C (−121°F to 320°F), at a frequency of
1.0 Hz and a displacement amplitude of 10 μm
(0.0004 in.), with a heating rate of 5°C (41°F)
per minute.
A sharp drop in storage modulus near −40°C
(−40°F) marked the glass transition temperature
(Tg), the point where the sealant transitions from a
rigid, glassy state to a soft, rubbery state. Beyond
this transition temperature, the storage modulus
continued to decline with increasing temperature,
reflecting typical softening behavior. In this context,
storage modulus represents the energy stored and
recovered per deformation cycle under oscillatory
loading and is analogous to the material’s stiffness
or modulus of elasticity under dynamic conditions.
In comparison to the lab reference sample (the black
line in Fig. 16), both discolored and control samples
(white colored) showed a lower storage modulus.
Notably, the discolored sample exhibited a slightly
lower storage modulus than the control sample,
particularly within the service temperature range,
as shown in Fig. 16(a). All other samples exhibited
similar behavior.
In Fig. 16(b), a collective comparison of
storage modulus values (MPa) across all tested
sealant samples demonstrated this trend:
discolored samples that had been in contact with
bitumen-based waterproofing exhibited lower
storage modulus (lower stiffness) than both
control and lab reference samples.
Summary of Findings
• There was not a definitive correlation
between sealant discoloration, non-staining
formulations of silicone sealant, and sealant
adhesion properties. Nearly all samples
in contact with bitumen-based material
(Condition W-F) exhibited some discoloration,
but only 42% and 58% of specimens in direct
contact with bitumen-based material failed
adhesively within the first and second year,
respectively. None of the control samples
or samples installed in contact with the
self-adhered membrane facer (Condition W+F)
experienced discoloration or adhesive failure.
• Discoloration of the silicone sealants in direct
contact with the bitumen-based material was
first noted after 6 weeks.
• There were no significant differences in
adhesion between sealant colors, although
sealant discoloration was most notable in the
field, to the naked eye, with lighter-colored
sealants. Laboratory analysis confirmed
consistent discoloration across all sealant
colors in direct contact with the bitumen-based
material, including black sealants.
• Laboratory analysis determined the sealant
itself does not change colors, but rather
the discoloration occurs when bituminous
deposits (containing carbon) migrate into
the bond surface between the sealant and
waterproofing. These deposits then migrate
onto the sealant surface, and some degree of
chemical change, including possible oxidation,
may contribute to the visible discoloration.
• Nondestructive adhesion methods outlined in
ASTM C15213 do not always identify adhesive
failure.
• Adhesive failure was partially impacted by
sealant manufacturer selection. Of note, five
of the eight specimens that failed adhesively
in the first year of testing were from a single
manufacturer (Manufacturer B). In total, five
of the six sealant formulations supplied by
Manufacturer B failed adhesively.
• There was no conclusive difference in
measured Shore A hardness and tensile
strength between discolored samples that
had been in contact with bitumen-based
waterproofing (Condition W-F) and control
samples.
• Discolored samples that had been in
contact with bitumen-based waterproofing
(Condition W-F) exhibited lower storage
modulus (lower stiffness) than both control
and lab reference samples.
CONCLUSIONS
When specifying and selecting joint sealants, it is
critical to consider sealant material properties and
compatibility with adjacent building materials to
ensure long-term performance and durability.
Based on the study findings, the authors
recommend against installing silicone sealant
in direct contact with bitumen-based materials.
If these materials must interface, the authors
recommend a separation layer, such as a
membrane with polyethene facer or sheet
metal flashing bed in an appropriate sealant
or mastic, be provided to avoid direct contact
between the components. Consideration should
be given to the treatment of any joints or seams
in the separation layer to provide a continuous
substrate for sealant installation and limit contact
with the bitumen-based material. While many
bitumen-based membranes include a polyethene
facer bonded to the surface of the membrane
that can function as separation layer across the
majority of the sheet, exposed waterproofing

often exists at membrane seams and
terminations that create localized areas where the
bitumen-based material may come into contact
with silicone sealants. This localized exposure
of sealant to bitumen-based materials is not a
condition that was intentionally replicated in the
study. The study found that the polyethene facer
itself may be sufficient to act as a separation layer.
Considering the observed failure mechanism
involves bleeding, migration, and accumulation
of bitumen-based compounds, utilization of
a physical barrier helps mitigate long-term
risks by preventing compound migration and
avoiding direct contact between potentially
incompatible materials.
The authors further recommend destructive
adhesion testing be performed as a quality
assurance/quality control procedure for
installation of silicone joint sealants. Adhesion
testing is often required in some regard by
sealant manufacturers, although this testing does
not always reflect all unique project interfaces.
Tests should be conducted for each unique
sealant type and for each unique substrate
condition. Discretion is needed when evaluating
adhesion test results, as adhesion loss may not
occur immediately, or even within the first several
weeks, following installation. If contact with
bitumen-based materials cannot be avoided,
consideration should be given to evaluating
sealant adhesion via destructive testing upon
initial cure following installation and after several
weeks of in-service performance, if possible.
Where testing after several weeks of in-service
performance may not be possible or practical,
any testing should be sequenced as early as
possible to limit long-term effects on construction
activities. Discoloration should be anticipated but
is not a predictor of adhesive performance.
The findings suggest that discoloration
resulted from migration and degradation
of bitumen-based compounds from the
waterproofing membrane substrate. The
degradation appeared to be limited to the surface
of the sealant and only marginally affected the
sealant’s physical properties, aligning with
visual and chemical observations. Given the
observations, the primary mechanism for the
discoloration appears to be the bleeding and
accumulation of bitumen-based compounds,
rather than deep penetration into the sealant.
The discoloration becomes more discernible
through the degradation of these surface
deposits. However, the main reservoir of these
materials resides at the bond interface and can
negatively impact sealant adhesion. Although not
structurally compromising under current service
conditions, the long-term implications of sealant
surface degradation warrant further study.
Test samples provided in this study only
included silicone sealants and did not reflect
other building materials such as silicone-based
air barriers, coatings, or preformed silicone
extrusions. Additional study should be performed
for adhesion of other silicone products in contact
with bitumen-based materials. The study also
only included a single type of bitumen-based
waterproofing as a proxy for all bitumen-based
waterproofing and different membranes may
have different material formulations that may
alter results. Additional study is warranted of
the effects on waterproofing performance of the
migration of bitumen-based compounds out of
the waterproofing membrane.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors offer special thanks to East Coast
Building Services, who assembled the test
samples at their shop in Lanham, Maryland.
They also offer special thanks to the following for
hosting the samples: HITT Contracting at their
CoLab space in Fairfax, Virginia, and Moore Hebert
Dressage at Alsikkan Farms in Germantown,
Maryland. Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates
provided the funding for this research study.
REFERENCES
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Please address reader comments to
chamaker@iibec.org, including
“Letter to Editor” in the subject line, or
IIBEC, IIBEC Interface Journal,
434 Fayetteville St., Suite 2400,
Raleigh, NC 27601
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for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties:
Determination and Report of Procedures.
ASTM D4065-20. West Conshohocken, PA:
ASTM International.

Kelly Cronin is an
associate principal
at Wiss Janney,
Elstner Associates in
Washington, DC.
Emmett Horton is
a senior associate
at Wiss, Janney,
Elstner Associates in
Washington, DC.
Matthew Schofield
is a senior associate at
Wiss, Janney, Elstner
Associates in Boston,
Massachusetts.
Sang Kim is a
senior associate
at Wiss, Janney,
Elstner Associates in
Northbrook, Illinois.