PRODUCT DATA SHEET

SikaMembran®-540
Self-Adhesive Air / Vapor Barrier

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS / ADVANTAGES

SikaMembran®-540 is a self-adhering sheet membrane ▪ Fully bonded
consisting of an engineered block-copolymer adhesive ▪ Waterproof and airtight
on a durable, conformable polypropylene film. The ▪ Excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates
membrane is designed to be adhered to a variety of ▪ Compatible with Sikagard liquid air barriers
substrates and is available in rolls of various widths ▪ Tough film that resists punctures and tears
which may be used for full wall applications or as a ▪ Conforms to irregular surfaces
penetration/flashing membrane used with other Sika air ▪ Passes E 2178
barrier systems.

USES
SikaMembran®-540 is designed to be used in above-
grade wall assemblies including concrete, concrete
masonry units (CMU), plywood, OSB and exterior
gypsum sheathing. Other applications include transition
tape application for door, window and other openings
and to connect the air barrier to the door, window or
other penetration.

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Packaging 36” width by 75 ft. roll, 1 roll per box
18” width by 75 ft. roll, 2 rolls per box
12” width by 75 ft. roll, 3 rolls per box
6” width by 75 ft. roll, 6 rolls per box
4” width by 75 ft. roll, 9 rolls per box
Shelf Life 1 year in original packaging at recommended storage conditions
Storage Conditions Store pallets under cover at temperatures between 40 °F and 100 °F
Thickness 8 mils

Product Data Sheet

SikaMembran®-540
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Tensile Strength 2,000 psi (ASTM D-882)
20 lbf/in. (break factor)

Elongation at Break 400 % (ASTM D-882)

Adhesion in Peel Adhesion in Peel

Concrete = 5.5 lbf/in. (ASTM D-903)
Fiberglass Sheathing = 6.0 lbf/in.

Lap Adhesion
Concrete = 2.0 lbf/in. (ASTM D-3330)
Fiberglass Sheathing = 2.5 lbf/in.

7.0 lb/in. (ASTM D-1876)

Tear Propagation Resistance 20 lbf (ASTM D-4073)

Tensile Adhesion Strength Fiberglass Sheathing = 16 lbf/in. (ASTM D-4541)

Crack Bridging Ability pass (ASTM 1305)

Resistance to Environmental Stress pass (ASTM D-1970)

Cracking
Resistance to Static Puncture > 40 lbf (ASTM E-154)

UV Exposure Cover within 60 days

Permeability to Air pass (<0.001 cfm) (ASTM E-2178)

Water Vapor Transmission Method A (desiccant) = 0.09 perms (ASTM E-96)

Method B (water) = 0.13 perms
Resistance to Water Penetration pass (AATCC 127)

Self Sealability pass (ASTM D-1970)

Service Temperature min. -20 °F max. 150 °F

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Ambient Air Temperature min. 40 °F and rising
Substrate Temperature min. 40 °F and rising

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS foreign matter that may adversely affect the adhesion of
the membrane. Surfaces should be free of voids, gaps,
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION breaks and spalls. New concrete should cure a minimum
of 7 days, masonry mortar joints should be full and flush,
Acceptable substrates include concrete, concrete holes or cracks greater than ¼” should be filled in with
masonry units, primed steel, aluminum, mill finish, an appropriate mortar if static or with a suitable sealant
anodized aluminum, galvanized metal, exterior gypsum or filler if required to move. Gypsum, plywood and OSB
board and wood. Primer may be required for CMU or if sheathing boards shall be properly fastened, flush at the
adhesion is inadequate on substrates due to surface joints with gaps according to building codes and
conditions beyond the control of the installer. Sika® sheathing board manufacturer.
Latex R may be used for priming if required. Moisture content should be checked using a Tramex®
Surfaces must be sound, clean, dry and free of frost, dirt, moisture meter with a 4 % maximum allowable
dust, loose concrete, grease, oil, contaminants or other measurement.

Product Data Sheet

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APPLICATION METHOD / TOOLS BASIS OF PRODUCT DATA
Horizontal applications should start at the bottom and
proceed upward, offset vertical seams 12”. Vertical Results may differ based upon statistical variations
applications should start at the top and unroll the depending upon mixing methods and equipment,
membrane down the wall, offset horizontal seams 12”. temperature, application methods, test methods, actual
Lap at all seams should be 2”. Sequence the installation, site conditions and curing conditions.
including detailing at wall openings such as windows and
doors, to provide a continuous install with shingled laps.

Cut membrane to a manageable length and position for

alignment. Remove protective film and press firmly into
place avoiding wrinkles and air pockets. Go over recently
installed sheet with a hand roller in order to ensure
continuous and intimate contact with the substrate.

For masonry ties and anchors use the 18” wide sheet.
Run the upper edge of the membrane along the
underside of the tie or anchor. Working up the wall,
install the next sheet in a similar manner. The 18”
membrane will overlap the membrane below by 2” and
will require a slot or cut at each tie or anchor at the
bottom of the sheet in order to be fully laid in place. Seal
the penetration using Sikaflex® 11fc.

Seal leading edges susceptible to moisture ingress such

as non water leading edges and edges resulting from
partially completed walls at the end of a day, with
Sikaflex® 11fc.

Coordinate installation with the roofing trade to ensure

continuity between the roof and air barrier systems.

Protect membrane from damage and do not cover until

inspected according to the project requirements. Make
repairs to the membrane using SikaMembran®-540.
Extend beyond the damage by at least 3”. Seal the edges
of the patch with Sikaflex® 11fc.
Adhesion tests should be carried out before the project
install commences and should be checked periodically at
least once per day on each substrate type throughout
the project installation to verify proper adhesion and
application.

LIMITATIONS
▪ SikaMembran®-540 is a vapor barrier. Design
professional shall determine appropriate use in project
wall assemblies.
▪ Maximum permitted exposure is 60 days.
▪ Do not install on roofs.

Product Data Sheet

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OTHER RESTRICTIONS LEGAL DISCLAIMER
See Legal Disclaimer. • KEEP CONTAINER TIGHTLY CLOSED
• KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY • NOT FOR INTERNAL CONSUMPTION
• FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY
For further information and advice regarding • FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY
transportation, handling, storage and disposal of
chemical products, user should refer to the actual Safety Prior to each use of any product of Sika Corporation, its
Data Sheets containing physical, environmental, subsidiaries or affiliates (“SIKA”), the user must always
toxicological and other safety related data. User must read and follow the warnings and instructions on the
read the current actual Safety Data Sheets before using product’s most current product label, Product Data
any products. In case of an emergency, call CHEMTREC Sheet and Safety Data Sheet which are available at
at 1-800-424-9300, International 703-527-3887. usa.sika.com or by calling SIKA’s Technical Service
Department at 1-800-933-7452. Nothing contained in
any SIKA literature or materials relieves the user of the
obligation to read and follow the warnings and
instructions for each SIKA product as set forth in the
current product label, Product Data Sheet and Safety
Data Sheet prior to use of the SIKA product.

SIKA warrants this product for one year from date of

installation to be free from manufacturing defects and
to meet the technical properties on the current Product
Data Sheet if used as directed within the product’s shelf
life. User determines suitability of product for intended
use and assumes all risks. User’s and/or buyer’s sole
remedy shall be limited to the purchase price or
replacement of this product exclusive of any labor costs.
NO OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED SHALL
APPLY INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. SIKA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY LEGAL
THEORY FOR SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
SIKA SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE USE OF THIS
PRODUCT IN A MANNER TO INFRINGE ON ANY PATENT
OR ANY OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS HELD
BY OTHERS.

Sale of SIKA products are subject to the Terms and

Conditions of Sale which are available at
https://usa.sika.com/en/group/SikaCorp/termsandconditions.html
or by calling 1-800-933-7452.

Sika Corporation Sika Mexicana S.A. de C.V.

201 Polito Avenue Carretera Libre Celaya Km. 8.5
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 Fracc. Industrial Balvanera
Phone: +1-800-933-7452 Corregidora, Queretaro
Fax: +1-201-933-6225 C.P. 76920
usa.sika.com Phone: 52 442 2385800
Fax: 52 442 2250537

SikaMembran-540-en-US-(08-2018)-1-1.pdf

Product Data Sheet

SikaMembran®-540
August 2018, Version 01.01
020511090000000022

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