Penetrating waterproofing has been known for a long time. Back in the days of the USSR, special compounds based on sodium methyl siliconate were used, which were impregnated with the surfaces of concrete, masonry and brickwork. As a result of the chemical reaction of the substance with carbon dioxide, an insoluble polymer gel was formed, which filled the pores of the material from the inside. The water resistance, strength and frost resistance of concrete or brickwork increased several times, and, accordingly, the service life of the material also increased. After all, it is the impact of moisture and adverse weather conditions that is the reason for the rapid destruction of any building made of concrete or brick. Previously, such waterproofing was practically not used in everyday life, for example, to protect the floor in the bathroom from possible leaks, as they do now.
Recently, penetrating waterproofing for the protection of foundations, pools, bathrooms, basements and other structures that can be constantly exposed to the harmful effects of moisture has become increasingly popular in a professional environment. And there are very good reasons for this. Let's look at all the advantages of such waterproofing.
What are the advantages of penetrating waterproofing over roll and mastic materials?
The foundation is the most important element, the basis of any structure. And if it is not reliably protected from the effects of adverse factors, the life of the building will be significantly reduced. The action of groundwater on an unprotected concrete foundation can reduce this period to several years. After that, the house will begin to gradually collapse: humidity will reign in the rooms, cracks will begin to appear on the walls, and mold will start in dark corners. Neighborhood with wood lice and mold colonies can hardly be called pleasant, but these are still “flowers”. The impact of groundwater on the foundation can lead to the collapse of the building - this is really serious.
To avoid a sad scenario, at the stage of foundation construction, you should take care of its reliable waterproofing. The use of special roll coatings and bituminous mastics does not completely solve the problem.
Disadvantages of mastics and roll materials in comparison with penetrating waterproofing:
- Rolled and mastic materials protect the structure only from the application side;
- Any marriage or damage to the protective layer can lead to the penetration of moisture into the surface of the concrete;
- The presence of seams in rolled insulation is its most vulnerable point, because the material has to be laid in two layers to cover the surfaces of the seams, and this significantly increases the consumption and cost of work;
- If the groundwater level is high enough, the service life of rolled insulation can be reduced to three to five years;
- The main disadvantage of mastic waterproofing is also its fragility;
- If the work is carried out after the construction of the house, then coating and roll-type insulation require mandatory digging of the outer wall.
Penetrating foundation waterproofing easily solves all these issues. Why? Its action is based on a completely unique principle. The composition of dry mortars for waterproofing can vary, but usually it is a cement mixture with the addition of quartz sand and chemicals that have the ability to penetrate deep into the cellular structure of concrete. Where, during a chemical reaction, crystals are formed that densely fill the pores of the material from the inside. These crystals become part of the concrete structure, compact it and prevent water from penetrating.
The main advantages of penetrating waterproofing:
- At the construction stage, the penetrating waterproofing of the foundation is provided by adding a dry mix of the Penetron Admix type (or other brands) to the composition of the concrete to be mixed. This changes the structure of concrete, turning it into a qualitatively different material. The foundation will be protected from the impact of groundwater throughout the entire thickness of the structure, regardless of their depth;
- Such waterproofing works as long as the concrete "lives", because the material itself becomes waterproof;
- The crystals formed inside the cells have the ability to “self-heal”: if water still penetrates into the materials during operation, the formation of crystals resumes, and the concrete “heals” itself;
- The terms of construction or repair work are reduced, because. when using penetrating waterproofing, there is no need to thoroughly dry the concrete. The mixture must be applied to a wet surface, and the higher its humidity, the faster chemical reactions occur with the participation of active components;
- Concrete retains all technical characteristics: setting speed, air permeability, mobility, frost resistance, and so on. It "breathes", remains vapor-permeable. Materials treated with penetrating type waterproofing compounds only significantly change their water resistance characteristics;
- If waterproofing work is carried out after the completion of the construction phase, then this type of insulation will allow you to carry out all the necessary manipulations without digging out the foundation of the house. Processing of the structure can be carried out from any side, including from the inside;
- Penetrating waterproofing is effective in any direction of water movement and its pressure level;
Penetrating waterproofing of the entire surface of the masonry, all seams and joints prevents the penetration of acidic and alkaline aggressive environments, microorganisms and fungi into the thickness of the concrete; protects materials from the effects of salty sea water, groundwater and wastewater with different contents of harmful components.
Disadvantages of penetrating waterproofing
Alas, they have not yet come up with an ideal protection for concrete structures from the effects of water, which destroys the material from the inside. Despite all its remarkable characteristics, penetrating waterproofing has its drawbacks. Let's talk about them in more detail:
- Penetrating materials cannot be used as the only shield against moisture. Protection must be comprehensive. Additional processing of seams and joints with special mixtures is needed to prevent moisture from seeping through these vulnerable spots;
- The cost of penetrating waterproofing is relatively expensive, the current price now varies between 2-5 dollars per 1 square meter, depending on the brand of the mixture;
- Waterproofing both inside and outside the building requires difficult preparatory work, for example, concrete walls must be absolutely clean, well-moistened, smooth, treated with acidic solutions. Waterproofing painted or plastered walls requires careful removal of old paint and plaster fragments. As well as degreasing, cleaning with sand or high pressure water pressure, iron brushing. Full access to the capillary system of concrete must open, otherwise the waterproofing will be ineffective;
- The walls must be free from cracks and damage, therefore, such waterproofing is not used on old leached structures; small cracks and cracks are carefully sealed with cement mortar;
- The concrete surface is thoroughly cleaned of mold, oil stains, soil and even dust;
- Penetrating waterproofing is ineffective for walls made of aerated concrete and foam concrete, because. the size of the cells in the structure of the materials is too large, and the crystals will not be able to tightly close them from the inside;
- Penetrating mixtures are ineffective on the surface of the brickwork, because the brick lacks the element necessary for the chemical reaction. Only the surfaces of the seams can be treated with waterproofing mixtures, because. in the masonry mortar there are cement hydration products. The problem of masonry waterproofing is usually solved with the help of external protection, where roll and coating materials are used;
- The solution for processing the wall of the floor must be used within half an hour, therefore it is prepared in small portions - water cannot be added to the finished mixture;
- Treated walls and floor surfaces must be well protected from drying out and exposure to low temperatures. The rooms must be warm, and the walls and floor surface are either covered with a film or thoroughly moistened over the next two weeks.
Important! Penetrating waterproofing of brickwork is carried out only by qualified workers, using special equipment.
As they say, there is no perfection in the world. But still, it is penetrating waterproofing that is the most reliable and effective means of protecting any concrete structures for industrial and domestic purposes: swimming pools, bathroom floors, foundations, basements, hydraulic structures, mines, reservoirs, piers, etc. And it has remained so for many years.
Application area
Penetrating mixtures are used wherever protection of concrete structures from moisture is required: sewage and ground water, sea water, etc. This protection proved to be excellent in various areas of construction. The chemicals that make up dry mixes are safe for human health, so they are widely used for waterproofing wells, drinking water tanks, swimming pools, and bathrooms.
Mixtures are effective when applied even from inside buildings. For example, penetrating basement waterproofing is effective to protect against groundwater, even without additional application to the foundation walls. This reduces the cost and duration of repair work, because the foundation does not need to be dug out, dried thoroughly, as is done in the case of using rolled and mastic waterproofing systems.
The non-toxicity of the mixtures allows them to be used in residential areas: in the bathroom to protect walls and floors from the harmful effects of moisture, in residential areas of the basement, and so on.
Important! Any finishing work should be postponed until the crystallization process takes place. It is possible to apply any types of plaster, including gypsum, or other decorative finishing materials on a surface treated with waterproofing compounds, no earlier than after 30 days.
If you do not withstand the right time before the start of finishing work, the finish will be hopelessly damaged.
Popular building mixes for penetrating waterproofing
Penetron
Penetrating waterproofing Penetron is a patented building mixture that has been used in construction around the world for more than 50 years. This is a special cement mixture, which includes quartz sand and active chemical components. Its market price is slightly higher than the average for competitors: the cost of 1 kg of dry mix today is 4-5 dollars. And the consumption of dry mix for processing concrete walls, floors, foundations of buildings is approximately 1 kg per square meter. In general, Penetron is not a cheap pleasure, although reviews say that it is worth the money. Of course, in the event that a high-quality patented mixture is really purchased, and not a cheap fake, which are often found on the Russian market.
Building mixtures of the brand are widely used for industrial and domestic purposes. In everyday life, the protection of swimming pools, basements, foundations and bathrooms gives excellent results.
You can learn more about Penetron by watching the video. The video clip describes in sufficient detail the principle of operation of penetrating waterproofing. Also from the video you can learn about the rules for applying a waterproofing mixture, about the preparatory process before starting work, and about all subsequent stages.
Important! It is better to purchase building mixtures of the Penetron family from reliable sellers, because it is this brand that most often becomes the object of falsification.
Crystallisol
The principle of operation of all waterproofing mixtures is the same: active substances penetrate the intracellular structure of concrete, where a chemical reaction occurs with the calcium salts in it. Further, crystals grow, which tightly close the pores of the material, ensuring its water resistance. Crystallisol works on the same principle, and its composition also includes river or quartz sand, special cement and proprietary chemicals that the manufacturer prefers to keep secret. The Crystallisol mixture is also applied to a moistened concrete surface in the same way.
Of course, all mixtures for penetrating insulation are certainly compared with Penetron, which can be understood - for quite a long time it simply did not have worthy analogues. However, the reviews of professionals indicate that Crystallisol, which, by the way, is produced in Russia, is practically not inferior to the famous brand. And in some ways it even excels. For example, Penetron has no analogues of the plaster waterproofing mixture, which is used to repair and restore destroyed concrete structures, and which the Russian Kristallizol can boast of. And, of course, a reasonable price. Mixtures of the Crystallizol group are produced in Russia, therefore their market value is lower than that of Penetron. The cost of 1 kg of dry mix Crystallisol today is approximately 1 dollar.
Kristallizol mixtures are used to protect any concrete structures exposed to permanent or temporary harmful effects of moisture. Good results are obtained by protecting swimming pools, bathrooms, any water reservoirs, foundations, walls and floors in basements located below the groundwater level.
You can learn more about Kristallizol waterproofing materials from the video. In a rather long video, they talk in detail and in an accessible way about the benefits of penetrating waterproofing of this brand.
Lakhta
Another popular and high-quality Russian brand is Lakhta. They have a fairly wide range of dry building compounds that perform a variety of tasks. The principle of operation of the penetrating waterproofing compound Lakhta is the same as that of Crystallisol or Penetron: active substances enter the concrete structure, a chemical reaction occurs, and the pores of the material tightly close the crystals. The liquid mixture is also applied to a pre-moistened and carefully prepared surface in the same way.
The price offered by Lakhta is slightly lower than that of its foreign counterpart, but higher than that of the Russian Crystalisol. On average, today the cost of a waterproofing mixture Lakhta is approximately 2-3 dollars per 1 kg. Reviews of ordinary consumers and professionals in the field of construction indicate that in terms of its properties, Lakhta is practically in no way inferior to its famous competitor.
Lahta waterproofing mixtures are used to protect residential buildings and industrial facilities. Good results are obtained by the use of dry mixes for waterproofing pools, wells, bathroom floors and walls, balconies, basements and foundations.
You can learn how to properly prepare a waterproofing solution using the Lakhta mixture from this video. The video will also tell you how to properly prepare the concrete surface, in what proportions the dry mortar and water should be combined, what consistency the liquid mixture should be, and other important nuances.
Element
Another popular brand is Element. Produce dry building mixes Element in the Russian city of Stavropol. The product line of the Element brand includes: water repellent, elastic waterproofing, penetrating waterproofing and liquid rubber to protect the roof from water. The element is distinguished by a fairly affordable price: on average, the cost of 1 kg of dry building mix Element on the Russian market is 1.5 dollars.
The penetrating waterproofing of this brand can be used for domestic and industrial purposes to protect concrete structures from the outside and from the inside. It is used for waterproofing balconies, basements, pools, floors and walls in the bathroom. And also for the protection of tunnels, mines, reservoirs, hydraulic structures. And wherever it is necessary to preserve concrete structures with the constant harmful effects of ground and waste water, sea water, and precipitation.
You can learn more about waterproofing Element from the video.
KT Tron
Well, the last brand that we will talk about is the KT throne. The Kt throne product line is produced in Russia, and it is quite wide. The "family" of building mixtures Kt throne includes:
- Waterproofing mixtures of penetrating action;
- Compositions for the protection of seams and joints of concrete structures;
- Additives that are introduced at the stage of concrete mixing to increase its water resistance, strength, frost resistance;
- Waterproof plasters leveling the surface of the walls;
- Compositions for instant elimination of strong pressure leaks.
Thus, the group of building mixtures KT tron is able to solve any problems associated with the construction and operation of concrete structures. The average cost of 1 kg of dry mix Kt Tron-1, which is used for penetrating waterproofing, is approximately $ 3.5. The field of application of KT tron building mixtures is very extensive: waterproofing of pools, basements, wells, building foundations, bathrooms, walls and floors in residential premises, as well as various objects of industrial and energy complexes. Reviews of professionals about the KT throne line of building mixtures indicate that this is a completely worthy brand. Using KTtron products, it is possible to obtain concrete with high water resistance, corrosion resistance and strength.
You can learn more about waterproofing materials KT throne from the video. Very interesting in this video they talk about the entire product line of the brand.
