Waterproofing

Waterproofing is the combination of materials or systems that prevents water intrusion into structural elements of a building or its finished spaces. Basic waterproofing and envelop design incorporates three steps to ensure a watertight and environmentally sound interior.
1. Understanding water sources likely to be encountered
2. Designing systems to prevent leakage from these sources
3. Finalizing the design by properly detailing each individual envelope component into adjacent components
                                                                                                        Construction Waterproofing Handbook, 2nd Ed., Michael T. Kubal, McGraw Hill

Waterproofing requires proper;

• design;
  
• construction; and
  
• material selection

By way of example;

• Balcony waterproofing; [AS 4654.2 Waterproofing Membranes for External Above-Ground Use stipulates a fall requirement of no flatter than 1:100.] The fall of balconies is frequently insufficient, resulting in ponding on balcony areas - or continuous immersion.
• Bathroom/Shower waterproofing; [AS3740:2010 Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas and AS3958.1:2007 Guide to the Installation of Ceramic Tiles] These often do not have adequate falls to the drain, and have water sitting on the tiles for long periods, which makes your shower gross faster than needs be.

In such cases, you would need a correctly installed tanking membrane, such as for a swimming pool or a water tank, rather than a typical Class III waterproofing membranes, which is what is generally specified (and will generally exclude the condition of continuous immersion) for these applications. This will keep the structure waterproof, but you will still have ponded water, which can reduce the habitability of the area  (e.g. increase the growth of mould etc.) Rather than waterproof all structures as though they are swimming pools, it is preferable to design and build so that the structure sheds water efficiently - it is both more cost effective and more pleasant to inhabit.

​​Drizoro Maxseal Flex​
​A flexible waterproof coating for concrete, masonry blocks, prefabricated panels, bricks and medium to low porous surfaces. Able to cover shrinkage and hairline cracks up to 3mm. Maxseal Flex is supplied as two pre-weighted components.

Drizoro MaxPlug
Rapid setting hydraulic cement that stops leaks under pressure.

Drizoro Maxjoint Elastic
Elastic mortar for sealing joints up to 30mm wide that are subject to movement in concrete, prefabricated and ceramic elements.

Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM)
KIM  is a waterproofing admixture for concrete. If you are building a new concrete structure, for example slabs and walls for below grade parking/basements, swimming pools, pits, or similar applications subject to water pressure, you can add KIM to the concrete mix. By improving the impermeability of the concrete, you can protect against moisture transmission, chemical attack, and the corrosion of reinforcing steel.

Krystol T1 & T2
Utilising the same crystalline growth technology as KIM, Krystol T1 & T2 are surface applied treatments to existing concrete structures. The product is mixed with potable water into a slurry and applied by brush. In general, the first coat is using T1 and the subsequent coat utilises T2.

Krystol Baricote
Baricote is a surface applied treatment for concrete that has cracks, holes or joints that are leaking. It can also be used as a waterproof plaster on masonry walls. For further details on the crystalline growth technology, please refer to the "Krystol Admixture & Remedial Product Guide", which is available as a PDF by clicking on the button below.

Krystol Plug
This is a very fast setting hydraulic cement for plugging actively leaking cracks. Generally the process involves chasing out the leaking crack, mixing the Krystol Plug with potable water to form a plasticine or putty consistency, and pushing this into the crack. It sets very quickly so that it is not washed out by the water flow.

​GCP ​Waterproofing Solutions

Visit our page for more information on GCP Applied products:
​https://www.permatech.com.au/gcp-applied-technologies.html