MANUFACTURER'S GUIDE SPECIFICATION: 20H SYSTEM by EMSEAL

The followingcontains a short-form guide spec as well as a comprehensive performance spec for use at the specifier’s option. Please call EMSEAL with any questions.

USA & International Inquiries: Toll Free: 800-526-8365 or 508-836-0280. Email:

CANADA: Toll Free: 866-436-7325, 416-740-2090. Email:

NOTE: Our website contains our most up-to-date specs, .dwgs, data sheets, and project profiles and pictures. It is a versatile tool designed to save you time and money in specifying watertight joint seals. Please visit

***CRITICAL ADDITION TO DIVISION 3—CONCRETE. Note to specifier: To facilitate successful expansion joint installation, follow the link below and include the proposed language in Division 3***

General Contractor Expansion Joint Responsibilities [.rtf]

Link to 20H CAD Details

***SHORT-FORM GUIDE SPECIFICATION***

20H SYSTEM by EMSEAL.

USA & INTERNATIONAL: EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD, 23 Bridle Lane, Suite 3, Westborough, MA 01581-2603,

Toll Free: 800-526-8365 or PH: 508-836-0280, FX: 508-836-0281,

CANADA: EMSEAL CORPORATION, 84 Brydon Drive, Rexdale, Ontario, Canada, Toll Free: 866-436-7325 or PH: 416-740-2090,

FX: 416-740-0233,

For horizontal/deck and all below-grade applications, seal shall be EMSEAL 20H SYSTEM expanding foam sealant. Foam shall be open cell polyurethane foam impregnated with an acrylic polymer-modified, water-based asphalt emulsion. Foam, before impregnation and factory-compression, to have at least 90% open cell structure. Impregnation agent to have proven non-migratory characteristics. Compression when expanded in joint shall be at approximately 20% of its uncompressed dimension (5x compression).

Depth of seal as recommended by manufacturer. 20H foam seal to be installed into manufacturer’s standard epoxy adhesive. Exposed surface to be sealed with EMSEAL Topcoat.

***END OF SHORT-FORM GUIDE SPECIFICATION***

***COMPLETE MANUFACTURER'S GUIDE SPECIFICATION***

SECTION 07915-- SEALANTS, CAULKING, & SEALS

PRODUCTS: 20H SYSTEM by EMSEAL

USA & INTERNATIONAL: EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD, 23 Bridle Lane, Suite 3, Westborough, MA 01581-2603,

Toll Free: 800-526-8365 or PH: 508-836-0280, FX: 508-836-0281,

CANADA: EMSEAL CORPORATION, 84 Brydon Drive, Rexdale, Ontario, Canada, Toll Free: 866-436-7325 or PH: 416-740-2090,

FX: 416-740-0233,

PART 1 – GENERAL

1.01RELATED DOCUMENTS

  1. The requirements of the GENERAL CONDITIONS, SUPPLEMENTARY CONDITIONS and DIVISION 1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS apply to the work of this section.

1.02DESCRIPTION

A.20H SYSTEM – For expansion joint and isolation joints in decks and below-grade walls and tunnels. Foam shall be open cell polyurethane foam impregnated with an acrylic polymer-modified, water-based asphalt emulsion. Foam, before impregnation and factory-compression, shall have at least 90% open cell structure. Impregnation agent shall have proven non-migratory characteristics. Compression when expanded in joint shall be at approximately 20% of its uncompressed dimension (5x compression). Depth of seal as recommended by manufacturer. 20H foam seal to be installed into manufacturer’s standard epoxy adhesive. Exposed surface to be sealed with EMSEAL Topcoat.

1.03RELATED WORK SPECIFIED ELSEWHERE

  1. CONCRETE
  2. MASONRY
  3. BACKFILL (EARTHWORK)
  4. WATERPROOFING & DAMPROOFING

1.04QUALITY ASSURANCE

  1. Manufacturer's Instructions: In addition to requirements of these specifications, comply with manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for all phases of work, including preparation of substrate, applying materials, and protection of installed units.

1.05SUBMITTALS

General: Submit the following in accordance with (Designer: Insert appropriate section reference for submittals).

A.Product data in the form of manufacturer's product specifications, installation instructions, and general recommendations for each type of expansion joint sealant system indicated.

  1. Samples of same materials to be used in work mounted in simulated substrates to show complete system installation.

1.06PRODUCT DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

  1. Deliver materials as factory packaged, sealed, and labeled. Handle and protect as necessary to prevent damage or deterioration during shipment, handling and storage.
  1. Follow any special instructions by manufacturer or manufacturer’s representative.

1.07PROJECT CONDITIONS

  1. Substrate Condition: Proceed with work only when substrate construction and preparation work is complete and in condition to receive sealant system.
  1. Weather Conditions: Perform work only when existing and forecasted weather conditions are within the guidelines established by the manufacturer of the sealant system.

PART 2 – PRODUCTS

2.01ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURERS

  1. Manufacturers known to be able to supply materials as specified:

20H SYSTEM from EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD, 23 Bridle Lane, Suite 3, Westborough, MA 01581-2603,

PH: 508-836-0280, FX: 508-836-0281.

2.02 MATERIALS

A.Foam shall be open cell polyurethane foam impregnated with a neoprene and acrylic polymer modified water-based asphalt emulsion. Foam to have at least 90% open cell structure. Impregnation agent to have proven non-migratory characteristics. Impregnation density 9-10 lb/cuft (144-160 kg/cuM) and must not exceed 10 lb/cuft (160 kg/cuM). Compression when expanded in joint shall be at approximately 20% of its uncompressed dimension (5x compression).

B.Depth of seal as recommended by manufacturer. 20H foam seal to be installed into manufacturer's standard field-applied epoxy adhesive. Exposed surface to be sealed with Topcoat.

C.In below-grade applications the system is to be installed flush to the positive wall surface and the below-grade waterproofing materials are to be installed over the expansion joint sealant in the waterproofing material manufacturer’s standard multiple-layer configuration.

D.Submittals must include samples for each expansion joint sealant system of same materials to be used in work. Manufacturer to certify that the expanding foam material has been tested and meets the values in the table below:

Property / Value / Test Method
Base Material / Open-cell, high density, polyurethane foam / N/A
Impregnation / Acrylic-Polymer Modified Asphalt / N/A
Color / Black / N/A
Density (uncompressed) / Not to exceed 9-10 lb/ft3 (144-160 kg/m3)
Tensile Strength / 21 psi min (145 kPa) / ASTM D3574
Elongation-Ultimate / 150% min / ASTM D3574
Compression Set (70°C 50% RH after 72 hrs.) / 3% max / ASTM D3574
Thermal Conductivity / 0.34 BTU in/hr ft2 °F (0.05 W/m °C) / ASTM C518
Water Vapor Transmission / 0.011 perms / ASTM C355-64
Low Temperature Flexibility
32°F to –10°F (0°C to –23°C) / No cracking or splitting / ASTM C711

PART 3 – EXECUTION

3.01INSPECTION

  1. Joint surfaces to receive seal shall be sound, smooth, straight, parallel, clean, dry and free of all visible contaminants. Applications of non-visible coatings or contaminants to surfaces of joint interface area prior to installation of seal shall be controlled by the Architect/Engineer in consultation with the expansion joint manufacturer.
  1. The joint configuration and the joint surfaces shall be as detailed in the drawings and in accordance with the contract specifications and in compliance with requirements in the current material Tech Data available from the Manufacturer. All known detrimental conditions shall be reported immediately in writing. Field measurements of the depth and width of the joint shall be supplied to manufacturer before material is ordered.

3.02INSTALLATION

A.Do not proceed with the installation of joint sealer if the joint is other than designed, until written notification of these conditions is submitted to the manufacturer and design professional, and a written acknowledgement with an order to proceed is provided.

B.Do not proceed with the installation of joint sealer under adverse weather conditions when joint to be sealed is damp, wet or frozen, or when temperatures are below or above the manufacturer's recommended limitations for installation. Consult manufacturer for specific instructions before proceeding.

C.Joint sealer/expansion joint material to be installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the advice of their official representative.

3.03CLEANING AND PROTECTION

  1. Remove all waste materials from site. Leave work in a condition satisfactory to the Architect/Engineer.

END OF SECTION