Waterproofing is considered an essential part of modern construction. The word 'Waterproofing' can be a misnomer as it is nearly impossible to ensure absolute exclusion of water or moisture from a wall/concrete structure. The process is basically an attempt to exclude the maximum amount of water or moisture from a structure.
Waterproofing is essential where there is a hydrostatic head to be tolerated or where unusually dry conditions need to be sustained. On the other hand, moisture proofing can be defined as the treatment done to delay the passage of water by the application of suitable treatment method coating or integrated waterproofing compounds.
The main causes of defects in buildings are due to the use of excess water, by excess water is meant adding more water than is required for hydration. This leads to the formation of capillaries, pores, gel pores through which water can penetrate the structure, compromising the durability of the structure.
Concrete has pores and capillaries and is fundamentally different from metal in this respect. The capillary and pore structure allows water under pressure to pass through the material slowly. Concrete exposed to a chemically polluted environment also deteriorates and becomes damaged. This is where polymer technology can be used advantageously to protect against attacks from water under pressure, acids, alkalis and chemically contaminated environment.
It is a myth that waterproofing applications can be made by applying a single material on new concrete or existing applications. There cannot be a single material suitable for every structure. Most waterproofing failures are due to this misunderstanding. The only way to ensure reliable treatment is to treat the waterproofing process as a system. Waterproofing System can be defined as a combination of materials, specifications and application techniques designed by considering the needs of the customer or the home owner, which will provide efficient, reliable and long-term protection with minimum maintenance cost in reinforced concrete structures.
Waterproofing should never start with a particular material in mind. The properties of the material needed should be specified and then selected according to the material properties. Therefore, a combined treatment system is required to combat the different modes of entry of water into concrete. To make a structure completely waterproof, it is necessary to consider the 3 main ways of entering the structure. These;
• Pores, Capillaries and Gaps in Concrete
•Joints and Transitions
• Cracks in the concrete cover
These can be obtained using:
• Additives that reduce porosity and capillarity in concrete,
• Treatment of joints, transitions and cracks using suitable reinforced coatings, filler tapes and expansion joint tapes,
•Cover concrete will be protected with suitable surface barrier coatings.
Often, due to aging and deterioration, the effectiveness of these treatments begins to wane and water enters the living/usable area. This is where remedial waterproofing comes into play. The purpose of this remedial waterproofing is to minimize gaps in the structural member, floor or other structural member.
Waterproofing is essential where there is a hydrostatic head to be tolerated or where unusually dry conditions need to be sustained. On the other hand, moisture proofing can be defined as the treatment done to delay the passage of water by the application of suitable treatment method coating or integrated waterproofing compounds.
The main causes of defects in buildings are due to the use of excess water, by excess water is meant adding more water than is required for hydration. This leads to the formation of capillaries, pores, gel pores through which water can penetrate the structure, compromising the durability of the structure.
Concrete has pores and capillaries and is fundamentally different from metal in this respect. The capillary and pore structure allows water under pressure to pass through the material slowly. Concrete exposed to a chemically polluted environment also deteriorates and becomes damaged. This is where polymer technology can be used advantageously to protect against attacks from water under pressure, acids, alkalis and chemically contaminated environment.
It is a myth that waterproofing applications can be made by applying a single material on new concrete or existing applications. There cannot be a single material suitable for every structure. Most waterproofing failures are due to this misunderstanding. The only way to ensure reliable treatment is to treat the waterproofing process as a system. Waterproofing System can be defined as a combination of materials, specifications and application techniques designed by considering the needs of the customer or the home owner, which will provide efficient, reliable and long-term protection with minimum maintenance cost in reinforced concrete structures.
Waterproofing should never start with a particular material in mind. The properties of the material needed should be specified and then selected according to the material properties. Therefore, a combined treatment system is required to combat the different modes of entry of water into concrete. To make a structure completely waterproof, it is necessary to consider the 3 main ways of entering the structure. These;
• Pores, Capillaries and Gaps in Concrete
•Joints and Transitions
• Cracks in the concrete cover
These can be obtained using:
• Additives that reduce porosity and capillarity in concrete,
• Treatment of joints, transitions and cracks using suitable reinforced coatings, filler tapes and expansion joint tapes,
•Cover concrete will be protected with suitable surface barrier coatings.
Often, due to aging and deterioration, the effectiveness of these treatments begins to wane and water enters the living/usable area. This is where remedial waterproofing comes into play. The purpose of this remedial waterproofing is to minimize gaps in the structural member, floor or other structural member.
