One of the most popular building materials is concrete, which is used for everything from water treatment facilities and tunnels to basements and foundations in residential buildings. Despite being solid and hard, the material is porous, which means that water and chemicals can penetrate it easily and cause damage and deterioration. For this reason, a waterproofing system of some kind is specified in almost all concrete structures, whether residential or commercial.
After building a concrete structure, contractors typically add a peel-and-stick sheet membrane or a spray-applied coating to keep moisture out. However, coatings and membranes can be torn or damaged during backfill and could delaminate, decompose, or deteriorate over time. Here are some important things that you should know about integral waterproofing.
ADVANTAGES
Compared to coatings and membranes, integral waterproofing has several benefits. For example, inherent waterproofing will not delaminate, break down, or wear out during backfill. It also cannot be torn or damaged.
When the waterproofing solution can be mixed into the concrete batching process, integral waterproofing is very helpful for blindside projects like deep foundations and drilled tunnels. Additionally, it helps with intricate designs where applying sheet products would be challenging.
HOW IT WORKS
Products that provide integral waterproofing are sold under a dozen or more different brand names. Despite having slightly varying chemical compositions, they are all classified as crystalline admixtures, repellents, or densifiers. Densifiers stop water intrusion by plugging the tiny holes in the concrete matrix. Concrete has a water-repellent surface. Crystalline admixtures cause microscopic, water-blocking crystals to seal pores and hairline fractures.
These are some vital things that you should know about integral waterproofing. You can find one of the best firms for buying the best quality integral waterproofing compound.
