5 Major Advantages Of Crystalline Concrete Waterproofing

Concrete is an excellent building material in commercial applications, but it does come with its limitations. Water is one of the biggest problems that concrete structures face. Concrete is porous, which means it has many tiny holes that allow water to flow inside. Over time, this water can cause mold growth, and material degradation, and severely compromise the integrity of the structure. Crystalline concrete waterproofing is a state-of-the-art waterproofing technique that keeps water out of the concrete where it belongs.

Here are the top 5 advantages of using crystalline waterproofing on concrete structures.

1. Fast and Simple Installation

Waterproofing a large concrete structure can be a time-consuming process. Traditional waterproofing techniques require applying multiple layers of adhesives, fabrics, and rubber sheets. Some methods, such as hot liquid-applied waterproofing require working with materials that reach very high temperatures. That potential danger forces contractors to slow down and focus on safety.

The application of crystalline waterproofing is extremely simple. First, the crystalline admixture is mixed with a water source. The powder is hydrophilic and can use water as a form of transportation. The mixed water is then applied to the concrete structure. The water carries the mixture into the various holes where it begins to form highly durable crystals. Those crystals block the flow of water through the holes and seal the structure.

The installation can be even easier than this if the technique is planned ahead of construction. It's possible to add the powdered mixture to the concrete during mixing. The crystalline structures will naturally form in the capillaries of the concrete after it has time to solidify.

2. No Harmful VOCs

Many traditional waterproofing techniques rely on the use of solvents, alcohols, or other chemical mixtures that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It's true that many of these VOCs evaporate early during application and pose no real threat to the environment. However, there is always some small risk present whenever using these products.

The simple nature of crystalline concrete waterproofing means that there is no need for solvents or other VOC sources. The only real requirements to perform the technique are the crystalline mixture, concrete, and a method for application.

3. Automatically Spreads With Cracks

Commercial concrete structures are not impervious to normal wear and tear. Tunnels, bridges, and most other industrial concrete structures will crack over time. With traditional waterproofing, those cracks can become a new source of unwanted water flow. Cracks are particularly problematic for liquid-applied waterproofing.

Because of the way the crystalline mixture is applied, it remains dormant inside of the porous surface until the chemical reaction occurs and it crystallizes. There is almost always excess mixture remaining in the pores that did not convert. When a crack occurs, nearby mixture will flow to that area and begin to crystallize. This allows the waterproofing system to naturally spread and repair the damage without human input.

4. Easily Protect Complex Designs

Not all industrial concrete structures are flat and simple. It might be easy to line a foundation or smooth tunnel with rubber sheet membranes, but what about designs that incorporate protrusions, gabs, designs, and other irregular shapes? Trying to cut and align plastic sheets for a surface like that would be maddening.

The problem is nonexistent when crystalline concrete waterproofing is used. The mixture can be easily applied to any concrete surface regardless of its shape, size, or any protrusions. Advanced architectural designs are far easier to protect with a crystalline mixture than with membranes or rubberized asphalt.

5. Extreme Durability

The crystals formed inside of the concrete capillaries are resistant to deterioration and physical damage. At the very least, it is guaranteed to last the lifespan of the concrete. Unlike membranes or rubberized asphalt, there is no need to maintain the waterproofing system over time. There's no risk of the crystals tearing or a hole puncturing the surface. It is an extremely durable and low-maintenance technique.

In most cases, the durability of a building, tunnel, or bridge will increase with the application of crystalline waterproofing. The newly formed crystals will fill the millions of holes in the concrete and reinforce the structure. It also protects the concrete from any of the damage that would otherwise be caused if water entered the pores. Overall, it's considered one of the best waterproofing techniques in use in the modern era.