There are many different types of cementitious waterproofing. Each type has its own special properties and each one has a place in the waterproofing industry. The most common types of cementitious waterproofing are:
– Asbestos (1940’s-1970’s)
– Cementitious or Crystalline
– Silicate or Silane
– Pore Blocking
While there are slight variations on each type, these can be considered the main four types of cementitious waterproofing materials.
There are many different types of cementitious waterproofing systems out there. How do you know which one is right for your job? Here are the most common types of cementitious waterproofing systems and the basic differences in each system.
Sheet Membranes: Sheet membranes come in a variety of thickness, colors, and sizes. They are all applied with a trowel, brush or roller over a concrete substrate. The membrane is applied over the concrete surface to create a waterproof barrier. They range from as thin as 30 mils to as thick as 200 mils. Some sheets have an additive included in the mix that causes the sheet to swell when it comes into contact with water (this is called hydrostatic pressure). These sheets are typically used on poured foundation walls or below-grade exterior walls.
Bentonite Panels: Bentonite panels are typically made of sodium bentonite clay which swells up when it comes into contact with water and forms a seal against the concrete wall. Bentonite panels are installed by troweling a bonding agent to the wall then sticking the clay panel to it. Bentonite panels are traditionally used on poured foundation walls and below-grade exterior walls where there is hydrostatic pressure present on the opposite side of the wall (i.
When it comes to cementitious waterproofing, picking a product is a big deal. Most of the time, we’re looking to waterproof either a new project or one that is already failing. Both scenarios are critical to get right. But when it comes time to pick a product, most everyone asks this question – Which one is best for me?
If you ask 5 different sales reps that same question, you’ll likely get 10 different answers. Waterproofing is not cut and dry, but instead quite subjective based on many factors. Let’s take a look at some key factors that will help you make an informed decision:
1) What material do you want to waterproof? Concrete? Masonry? Cement board? OSB?
2) Are there joints or cracks in the area you need to waterproof? If so, how large are the cracks and how much movement will they see (ie. from thermal expansion)?
3) Will your substrate have heavy foot traffic imposed on it once it is installed?
4) Will your substrate be exposed to hydrostatic pressure (water under pressure)? If so, how much pressure can be expected at its worst case scenario?
5) Is your substrate above or below grade (underground
Cementitious waterproofing is a material that makes concrete impervious to water. This substance is sprayed on concrete walls, floors and other structures like the foundation of your building. All buildings need an excellent waterproofing system to keep the ground dry. This ensures the structure is kept safe and dry from moisture damage.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about cementitious waterproofing as well as how to choose the right one for your needs.
What is Cementitious Waterproofing?
Cementitious waterproofing is a spray-applied coating that creates a monolithic barrier to moisture movement through a concrete wall or floor. The mixture of cement and other chemicals produces a dense, hard surface that adheres tightly to the concrete substrate forming a seamless waterproof membrane.
Cementitious waterproofing is composed of portland cement, silica fume, aggregate, and additives like accelerators and retarders. It can be applied on both vertical and horizontal surfaces as well as above or below grade.
There are several different types of cementitious waterproofing products that can be used for both new construction and repair applications.
Above Grade, Below Grade, Above & Below Grade:
Some cementitious waterproofing compounds can be used in both above grade and below grade applications. For example, Kryton’s Hydrostop Sealer is an effective above and below grade waterproofing solution for concrete. This cementitious waterproofing product is easy to apply and is suitable for use on new or existing structures. It can even be used to restore spalling concrete.
There are also products that can be used in above grade applications only, such as Kryton’s Krystol Mortar Admixture (KMA). KMA is a dry powder that is simply added to the mix water at the job-site before mixing with the remaining ingredients to produce a highly shrinkage-compensated mortar or grout with exceptional strength and durability. When hydrated, it reacts with the free lime present in all concrete mixes to form insoluble needle shaped crystals that fill capillary pores and microcracks in the concrete mass.
Hydrostop Restore is another option that provides waterproofing above grade only. This product works by penetrating deep into pores of concrete surfaces and chemically reacting
Cementitious waterproofing is a cost-effective and labor-efficient method of waterproofing that can be used on a wide range of surfaces. Cementitious waterproofing systems are typically installed by trowel or spray. They consist of cement and silica sand, along with active chemicals which react with atmospheric moisture to form an insoluble crystalline structure deep within the substrate. The crystalline structure blocks water flow through the substrate, thereby providing a high degree of waterproofing. The active chemicals are often referred to as waterstops because they provide permanent protection against the ingress of water from any direction.
Cementitious waterproofing has many advantages over other types of waterproofing:
1. Cementitious systems are based on cement, which is readily available and inexpensive compared to other materials such as polyurethane, elastomers, epoxies and polyureas.
2. Cementitious systems do not require heat for installation, so there is no risk of fire or burns from heat lamps or torches.
3. Cementitious systems do not require solvents or petroleum products for installation, making them environmentally friendly and suitable for use in confined spaces where flammable vapors may be present.
4. Cementitious systems can
When it comes to waterproofing concrete structures, there are many options for construction professionals to consider. These options include cementitious coatings, which are applied as a dry powder or liquid, such as a paint. Cementitious coatings are typically used in new construction applications or in existing structures where the concrete has cracks and is deteriorating. Cementitious coatings are easy to apply and can be done so by spraying equipment or with a standard paint roller.
Cementitious coatings contain Portland cement and other components that penetrate porous concrete to seal microscopic cracks and pores that lead to water seepage. They also help protect the concrete from chloride salts, sulfates and freeze-thaw damage, while providing a durable waterproof barrier against water vapor drive. They can also protect against carbon dioxide, which will raise the pH of concrete when moisture is present, making it more susceptible to deterioration from sulfates and chlorides in the environment.
Cementitious coatings have received an increasingly larger share of the waterproofing market over the past several years for several reasons: