About PE Polyethylene Waterstop
Sika Westec PE is a Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE) waterstop designed for joint waterproofing in industrial secondary containment structures. Compared to thermoplastic elastomeric rubber waterstop, PE behaves more like a stiff plastic — it has a higher elastic modulus and greater hardness, giving it different performance characteristics in specific chemical environments.
PE is particularly effective for hydrocarbon exposure. ASTM testing has shown that after 1 to 4 weeks of exposure to chemicals such as Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene, followed by drying, PE waterstop returns nearly to its original physical properties. This makes PE a frequent choice for refineries, fuel storage, pipeline applications, and other facilities where sustained hydrocarbon contact is a primary concern. Westec PE profiles 050 and 631 are also the first waterstop profiles to receive European Technical Approval for watersealing bands, approved for CE marking in the European Union under ETA-04/0044.
Typical Applications
✓Commonly Specified For
- Refineries and petrochemical manufacturing
- Ethanol and biodiesel production facilities
- Fuel storage and tank farms
- Pipelines and pump stations
- Pulp and paper mills
- Land, air, and seaports
- Pharmaceutical plants
- Joints with sustained hydrocarbon exposure (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene)
→Other Materials May Be Considered When
- Broader chemical resistance across acids, bases, and solvents is needed — see TPE-R
- NSF/ANSI 61 certification is required for drinking water contact — see TPE-R
- Service temperatures exceed 250°F (121°C) — see Stainless Steel
- The most severe chemical environments are present — see Stainless Steel
- The application is potable water containment without chemical exposure — see PVC
Material and profile selection should always be verified against project specifications and chemical exposure requirements. Contact us if you’d like assistance reviewing options for your application.
Standard Profiles
Standard PE profiles are designed for embedded use in new concrete joints. The 039 and 050 are ribbed centerbulb profiles intended for movement joints, where the centerbulb accommodates expansion, contraction, and shear movement. The 040 is a ribbed tear web profile designed for joints expecting larger movements, where the thin tear web in the U-shaped centerbulb is engineered to rupture and allow the bulb to deform without placing the material in tension.
Retrofit Profiles
PE retrofit profiles are designed for projects where new concrete meets an existing structure — a common situation in chemical plants and refineries undergoing expansion or modification. Rather than saw-cutting a groove into existing concrete to embed a traditional waterstop, retrofit systems anchor to the existing concrete face using stainless steel batten bars and tapcons, with Westec 151 Novolac Gel Epoxy creating a fluid-tight, chemical-resistant seal between the waterstop and the existing concrete.
All retrofit systems include stainless steel batten bars and tapcons. Westec 151 Novolac Gel Epoxy is used to create the seal between the waterstop and existing concrete.
EB Cap Profiles
The patented Westec Expansion Board Cap Seal system (US Patent #5,378,386) integrates the waterstop, forming system, expansion board, joint seal, and load transfer units into a single structure. The system is designed for one-step placement, eliminating the need for stripping forms, saw-cutting, or poured-in-place sealants. PE profile 631 is among the first profiles to receive European Technical Approval and is approved for CE marking under ETA-04/0044.
EB Cap Retrofit Profiles
EB Cap Retrofit profiles combine the integrated joint design of the patented EB Cap system with retrofit anchoring for use against existing concrete. These profiles are appropriate when the EB Cap approach is desired for a tie-in or expansion against a previously poured structure. Like other retrofit systems, EB Cap Retrofit installation uses stainless steel batten bars, tapcons, and Westec 151 Novolac Gel Epoxy.
Physical Properties & Compliance
Sika Westec PE is a Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE) waterstop, tested to meet the following industry-standard requirements:
Installation Overview
Westec PE waterstop must be installed prior to concrete placement to ensure proper positioning and consolidation around the profile. All transitions, intersections, and splices should be heat welded to maintain continuity. Sika Greenstreak PVC welding equipment can be used for PE, with the temperature set higher at approximately 410°F (210°C). Factory-fabricated intersections are widely recommended for all changes of direction. Always refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide and project specifications for complete instructions.
Position
Center the waterstop over the joint, with roughly half the profile projecting into each pour.
Secure
Wire the outer flange to reinforcement using brass grommets (pre-punched on 6″ and 9″ profiles) or similar methods.
Splice
Heat-weld field splices at 410°F using a Sika Greenstreak splicing iron. Factory fabrications are recommended at intersections.
Pour
Place and consolidate concrete around both flanges to fully encapsulate the waterstop.
