Cement based waterproofing material is a new age and unique cement based waterproofing system that offers waterproofing solutions to both new and old structures. Basements, water bodies, water tanks, terraces, toilets, balconies are some of the areas that can be treated effectively with this system.
Water infiltration on mineral surfaces leads to carbonation, which is a natural enemy to the durability of any structure. Cement-based waterproofing material, which can be applied from both positive and negative sides, uses its crystalline properties to effectively stop this process.
How Does Crystallization Work in Waterproofing?
In practice, the product penetrates the pre-moistened and water-saturated substrate using water as a medium, and then forms deep silicate crystals in the pores, capillaries and cavities in the substrate through the osmosis process. Once installed, this is not a surface coating, but an impregnation system that becomes an integral part of the substrate.
The most unique feature of other cement-based crystalline waterproofing systems is that the system is not based on Sodium Silicate and is therefore not a solid system. The cementitious waterproofing material uses a carboxylated SBR latex as one of its components. It is therefore flexible and can bridge dynamic cracks up to 2 mm. Also, it is self-curing after application and does not need to be water-cured. The Sodium Silicate based system needs to be cured with water for 4-6 days. This is the time required for the crystalline process to complete.
Cement-based waterproofing is the easiest waterproofing method in construction. Materials for cementitious waterproofing are readily available from masonry product suppliers and are easy to mix and apply. This method is often used in interior wet areas such as toilets. This method is usually a solid or semi-flexible type of waterproofing, but since it is used indoors such as toilets, it is not exposed to sunlight and weathering. Thus, cement-based waterproofing does not go through the expansion process.
Cement Based Waterproofing Applications
Cement-based waterproofing material is used in the following types of construction:
- Water treatment plants
- Sewage Treatment Plants
- Bridges
- Dams
- Railway and Metro Systems
- Maritime Cargo Ports and Docks
- River Locks/Canals and Concrete dykes
- Parking Structures and Areas
- Tunnels
