Best Waterproofing Practices.

In the World today, the durability of concrete is severely affected by a number of factors. Due to construction and/or material problems, structures both above and below ground are susceptible to waterproofing problems. Dampness in the living space (especially through ceilings) is an indication that the structure has failed and that structural elements have already begun deteriorating.

Waterproofing is a process of making a structure water resistant so that it remains relatively unaffected by water or resisting the ingress of water under specified conditions. 

Waterproofing has been a topical issue much as long as humanity has been around. In part, the need for waterproofing can be traced to our need for water itself. For example, waterproofing techniques are what allowed humans go afar off from water. The old method of waterproofing was to form a layer of cement plaster added with chemical. Modern methods employ Waterproofing membranes as well as Waterproofing Admixtures in this area.

According to ACI 212, Waterproofing Admixtures are categorized into

• ·        Permeability Reducing Admixture for Hydrostatic Conditions (PRAH) / Crystalline Waterproofing admixtures

Effects/Benefits - Reduced permeability, increased resistance to water penetration under pressure, reduces permeability of Concrete.

• ·        Permeability Reducing Admixture for non-hydrostatic conditions (PRAN) / General Waterproofing admixtures

Effects/Benefits - Water-repellent surface, reduced water absorption, improves workability, reduces the risk of segregation, improves compressive strength of Concrete.

Costarchem offers a wide array of products under these categories, meeting the ACI 212 standards. The category of PRAH as products such as Krystal 1500, Krystal 2000, Krystal 2600. These hydrophilic crystalline admixtures are specially formulated to permanently waterproof concrete. They are specifically designed for use in above and below the grade applications.

Crystalline Waterproofing admixtures are also known to lower the permeability of concrete and are used in place of surface applied waterproofing membranes for improved durability and longevity of concrete.

Costarchem products in the category of PRAN include Hydropruf WP 100, Hydropruf WP 200, Hydropruf WP 300, Hydropruf WP 400. These are specially formulated anti-crack, integral products which reduces the transmission of water through concrete, mortar and screed. It is suitable for use in all concrete, mortar or screed. Typical applications areas include, wall plasters, Foundation, piles, water retaining structures, manholes, sewage treatment plants, swimming pool, and septic tanks.

Also, in the case of an existing building that experiences leakages, there are Waterproofing membranes that can be used to mitigate these leakages. Costarchem solution provides a wide range of waterproofing membranes that can be used on such structures. Costar Waterproofing Membrane products include

• ·        Polyurethane Membrane

These products are solvent-free, liquid applied Polyurethane based waterproofing coating which when mixed together, forms a high-performance seamless membrane with good adhesion to a wide range of substrates. It increases the wear and abrasion resistance of treated surfaces. Products in this range includes Conseal 220, Conseal 250, Conseal 270.

• ·        Flexible Cementitious Membrane

These products are cement-based with tough-elastic properties suitable for both positive and negative side waterproofing of interior and exterior concrete and masonry surfaces. Products in this category includes the best seller Costar 2k – a two component cementitious waterproofing membrane, Costar 1k, Costar 2B, Costar 2k Flex, Krystal Coat.

• ·        Bitumen Membrane

These are polymer-modified bituminous waterproofing membrane, manufactured from a mixture of bitumen and selected polymers, blended together to obtain good waterproofing properties. These products exhibit high heat and UV resistance properties. Products in this range includes Conseal 300, Costar Pro Shield 100, Costar Pro Shield IV.

•   Acrylic Elastomeric Waterproof Membrane

These are solvent-free elastomeric coatings designed for sealing and waterproo?ng of roofs, walls and other wet areas. The surface is a hard wearing, durable protective and waterproof coating. The coating also is designed for the protection of concrete structures against chloride water ingress. Products in this category includes Conseal 100 and Costar Polycoat.