foundation leak | crystalline repair | crystalline waterproofing
How crystalline waterproofing technology is changing the world
Crystalline waterproofing is a technology that prevents concrete from absorbing water and forms crystals inside porous concrete material.
Integral crystalline waterproofing is a new innovative crystalline waterproofing technology invented during the last decade. The technology of crystalline waterproofing has brought a change in waterproofing concrete structures. For years, traditional waterproofing technologies were used that involve applying a membrane or coating to the concrete surface to protect it from leakage. The new waterproofing technology plugs the natural pores and capillaries from within the concrete. The crystalline-based technology allows the plugged pores to react in the presence of any leaking water to seal itself before the appearance of any cracks, which the concrete will inevitably develop over time after contact with water.
Working mechanism
Crystalline Waterproofing is based on a dry powdered, ready-to-use concoction. The concoction is formulated with Portland cement, silica sand, and some other chemicals, that enhance the efficacy of the crystals. It reacts with water and forms long, narrow crystals to grow. The crystals fill the pores, capillaries, and hairline cracks of the concrete. These tiny crystal continues reacting whenever they come in contact with any moisture, thus providing long-term protection against leakage and subsequent cracks in the concrete. The size of the crystals reaches several inches at a time.
The chemical remains dormant after they have cured the cracks in the concrete. The dormancy state continues until they come in contact with moisture again. If the water seeps through the cracks, the crystals activate and start to grow again. They continue growing until the concrete becomes impermeable. Crystalline technology is revolutionary because it has solved the long-standing issue of water leakage. this technology allows the concrete to self-repair itself thus reducing the maintenance cost. Using crystalline waterproofing technology transforms concrete surfaces into impermeable, water-resistant surfaces. The technique is extremely useful for waterproofing elevator shafts or underground garages where external excavation is not possible or practical. The method also known as negative side waterproofing.
How to use crystalline technology?
This crystalline waterproofing technology is extremely easy to apply in construction. The chemical powder is used as an admixture and is added to the ready-made mix at the construction site. Another way to use this technology is to spread the mixture of the surface of the concrete. The brushing of the crystal powder is a slurry coating. It allows chemicals to settle in the cracks and capillaries and allows them to soak up any moisture. The chemicals are at work, and they play the role of a permanent barrier to prevent any water intrusion. In addition, it can be poured over freshly made concrete slabs in powdered form.
Advantages of using crystalline waterproofing technology
Crystalline technology-based waterproofing has several other advantages along with waterproofing and self-sealing properties. The benefits include:
Permanent waterproofing technology: Crystalline waterproofing technology uses a specially designed chemical powder that integrates into the concrete matrix, becoming an essential part of the structure. It keeps on protecting against any water leakage that can result in a crack, peel, tear or wear. The technology even protects against high hydrostatic pressure. Crystalline applications become more effective with time, thus making it the most time and cost-efficient option for waterproofing.
Wall-binding Applications: A construction project can be designed by developing a structural footprint and building right to the property line. In interior waterproofing, the crystalline internal side of the walls is coated in the crystalline slurry or they are directly added to the concrete mix. The purpose of coating the internal side of the wall with crystalline slurry is to protect the wall against water pressure.
Enhances life and functionality of steel: Adding commercial crystalline waterproofing concoction to the concrete protects the structure against water leakage and protects the internal steel framework against corrosion due to water leakage. The water contains various salts, minerals such as chloride, and other contaminants, that react with steel and corrode it over time. The longevity of the internal steel framework is increased by many folds because crystalline technology protects the steel.
Time efficient process: Another most ingenious benefit of adding crystalline chemical concoction to the concrete mix or ready mix truck, is the time it saves. The whole process is quite simple and takes several days off the construction schedule. Since it is directly added to the mix, no need to wait for an external application. The process of backfilling initiates as soon as the concrete is recovered to fully withstand backfill pressures.
Identifying potential surfaces for application
It is used in almost every construction project and is ideall for below-grade constructions such as parking lots. According to the experts, hydrostatic pressure-exposed areas, such as below-grade foundations and water containment tanks, benefit the most from this technology. It is an attractive alternative to traditional waterproofing technologies because of its permanency, reliability, and ease of application.
Identifying high-quality product
A crystalline waterproofing company offers leak-repair crystalline and foundation-repair crystalline systems. There are many alternative products in the market as well, these products are marketed as crystalline waterproofing technology, but they are concrete densifiers or pore blockers. Moreover, you should know that some products only crystallize during the drying process. They will never reactivate if water is present to fill the cracks. Additionally, products contain silicates and stearates that tend to not prolong the water withholding period. Apart from the above, it is always best to clarify if your manufacturer provides a long-term warranty.
Initially, the response to crystalline technology was not very promising, but over time crystalline waterproofing technology has become a trusted product for waterproofing. The construction industry has embraced crystalline technology, around the world. The technology has managed to provide an alternative to conventional waterproofing methods, offering time and cost-efficient and flexibility that is unmatched by traditional waterproofing methods.
Working mechanism
Crystalline Waterproofing is based on a dry powdered, ready-to-use concoction. The concoction is formulated with Portland cement, silica sand, and some other chemicals, that enhance the efficacy of the crystals. It reacts with water and forms long, narrow crystals to grow. The crystals fill the pores, capillaries, and hairline cracks of the concrete. These tiny crystal continues reacting whenever they come in contact with any moisture, thus providing long-term protection against leakage and subsequent cracks in the concrete. The size of the crystals reaches several inches at a time.
The chemical remains dormant after they have cured the cracks in the concrete. The dormancy state continues until they come in contact with moisture again. If the water seeps through the cracks, the crystals activate and start to grow again. They continue growing until the concrete becomes impermeable. Crystalline technology is revolutionary because it has solved the long-standing issue of water leakage. this technology allows the concrete to self-repair itself thus reducing the maintenance cost. Using crystalline waterproofing technology transforms concrete surfaces into impermeable, water-resistant surfaces. The technique is extremely useful for waterproofing elevator shafts or underground garages where external excavation is not possible or practical. The method also known as negative side waterproofing.
How to use crystalline technology?
This crystalline waterproofing technology is extremely easy to apply in construction. The chemical powder is used as an admixture and is added to the ready-made mix at the construction site. Another way to use this technology is to spread the mixture of the surface of the concrete. The brushing of the crystal powder is a slurry coating. It allows chemicals to settle in the cracks and capillaries and allows them to soak up any moisture. The chemicals are at work, and they play the role of a permanent barrier to prevent any water intrusion. In addition, it can be poured over freshly made concrete slabs in powdered form.
Advantages of using crystalline waterproofing technology
Crystalline technology-based waterproofing has several other advantages along with waterproofing and self-sealing properties. The benefits include:
Permanent waterproofing technology: Crystalline waterproofing technology uses a specially designed chemical powder that integrates into the concrete matrix, becoming an essential part of the structure. It keeps on protecting against any water leakage that can result in a crack, peel, tear or wear. The technology even protects against high hydrostatic pressure. Crystalline applications become more effective with time, thus making it the most time and cost-efficient option for waterproofing.
Wall-binding Applications: A construction project can be designed by developing a structural footprint and building right to the property line. In interior waterproofing, the crystalline internal side of the walls is coated in the crystalline slurry or they are directly added to the concrete mix. The purpose of coating the internal side of the wall with crystalline slurry is to protect the wall against water pressure.
Enhances life and functionality of steel: Adding commercial crystalline waterproofing concoction to the concrete protects the structure against water leakage and protects the internal steel framework against corrosion due to water leakage. The water contains various salts, minerals such as chloride, and other contaminants, that react with steel and corrode it over time. The longevity of the internal steel framework is increased by many folds because crystalline technology protects the steel.
Time efficient process: Another most ingenious benefit of adding crystalline chemical concoction to the concrete mix or ready mix truck, is the time it saves. The whole process is quite simple and takes several days off the construction schedule. Since it is directly added to the mix, no need to wait for an external application. The process of backfilling initiates as soon as the concrete is recovered to fully withstand backfill pressures.
Identifying potential surfaces for application
It is used in almost every construction project and is ideall for below-grade constructions such as parking lots. According to the experts, hydrostatic pressure-exposed areas, such as below-grade foundations and water containment tanks, benefit the most from this technology. It is an attractive alternative to traditional waterproofing technologies because of its permanency, reliability, and ease of application.
Identifying high-quality product
A crystalline waterproofing company offers leak-repair crystalline and foundation-repair crystalline systems. There are many alternative products in the market as well, these products are marketed as crystalline waterproofing technology, but they are concrete densifiers or pore blockers. Moreover, you should know that some products only crystallize during the drying process. They will never reactivate if water is present to fill the cracks. Additionally, products contain silicates and stearates that tend to not prolong the water withholding period. Apart from the above, it is always best to clarify if your manufacturer provides a long-term warranty.
Initially, the response to crystalline technology was not very promising, but over time crystalline waterproofing technology has become a trusted product for waterproofing. The construction industry has embraced crystalline technology, around the world. The technology has managed to provide an alternative to conventional waterproofing methods, offering time and cost-efficient and flexibility that is unmatched by traditional waterproofing methods.
28/11/2022