Concrete Waterproofing with Cementitious Slurries
Concrete is the most commonly used material in the construction industry. However, while it is durable, it is not unfailing, and if exposed to water, it can weaken over time. This is because concrete is porous, so water and other fluids can easily infiltrate the surface. To prevent this, and increase the longevity and durability of a concrete structure, it is imperative to apply a protective concrete waterproof coating.
The main problem with water coming in contact with concrete is that it causes it to errode, exposing matrix materials and base concrete. This weakens the structure and causes surface damage. This process generally takes years to occur, but in some extreme circumstances, the concrete can erode quickly.
Colin Murphy, Product Manager at Hychem, said that installing a concrete waterproof coating on a structure will help protect the surface from erosion caused by water or fluids, as well as protect the rebar inside the concrete from corrosion and rust.
“Concrete waterproofing has other advantages such as preventing mold and mildew from getting into the concrete which can affect structural integrity and health, and reduce maintenance costs and cleanup,” Mr Murphy said.
A versatile concreting waterproofing solution
Concrete waterproofing with cementitious slurries have been successfully used to protect and seal a wide range of concrete structures including wet rooms, water tanks and swimming pools. They are a great option for such structures as they have excellent weathering resistance, excellent resistance to water – even when exposed permanantently – good scratch resistance, good load bearing capacity, resistance to aggressive chemicals, and a higher water vapor permeability compared to many other products.
“Cementitious waterproofing slurries are versatile and durable, so that is why Hychem are expanding our waterproofing offering with the introduction of VELOSIT WP 120,” Mr Murphy said.
Applications of VELOSIT WP 120 concrete waterproofing
• Waterproofing of potable water structures
• Protective coating on dams and spillways
• Coating of tanks for manure and sewage
• Waterproofing of swimming pools
• Waterproofing underneath tiles and natural stones
• Coating of sewage structures
• Protection against rising dampness
• Waterproofing of green roofs
“VELOSIT WP 120 is a highly flexible polymer modified cementitious waterproofing slurry for concrete and masonry, and is a good substrate for coatings and overlays,” Mr Murphy said.
“It has a quick curing time with foot traffic allowed three to fours hours after application; creates a crack bridging and abrasion resistant coating on the substrate; surpasses the requirements of EN 1504-2 for coatings (C) and can be used according to the principles 3.1 and 3.3 according to EN 1504-9; and can be applied by brush, trowel or suitable spray equipment.
“As part of the wider VELOSIT product portfolio, WP 120 can be used in conjunction with other products such as VELOSIT CP 201 and 204/205 to re-profile a structure to prepare the base for WP 120 to be applied.
“It has also been tested and approved when used with VELOSIT WP 101 and RM 205 to AS/NZS 4020:2005 Testing of Products For Use in Contact With Drinking Water by the Australian Water Quality Centre.”
Benefits of VELOSIT WP 120 include
• Crack bridging
• Highly flexible, tensile elongation >100 per cent
• Easy to apply
• Resists 50m water pressure according to EN 12390-8
• 60 minutes working time
• Final strength is achieved within five to seven days
• Open to foot traffic after three to four hours (23°C/60 per cent r.h.)
• Ready for water pressure after five days
• Very good adhesion to concrete and masonry
• Good resistance against aggressive media with a pH range of three to 12 and against soft water with low ion content
• Good weathering resistance
• Potable water tested and approved to AS/NZS 4020:2005 Testing of Products For Use in Contact With Drinking Water
• Good sulfate resistance
“VELOSIT WP 120 is an excellent addition to our offering of waterproofing solutions, especially for asset owners wanting a product that can be used on potable water structures.
“We are always searching for new products to help expand our range of high performing coating solutions and meet the various needs of our clients, so we’re excited to be adding VELOSIT,” Mr Murphy said.
Contact us to learn more about concrete waterproofing
With the introduction of VELOSIT WP 120 to our concrete waterproofing services, we are proud to provide the highest protection and durability for a range of concrete surfaces. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts for all your concrete waterproofing needs. Just call Hychem on (02) 4646 1660 or email admin@hychem.com.au.
At Hychem, we also specialise in a range of other protective flooring solutions such as clear seal epoxy concrete sealing, epoxy coatings for concrete floors and garage epoxy flooring.