Impregnation

Repairing using crystallisation

Crystallisation method can also be used to stop water seepage. These are silicone based chemicals and when they come into contact with water, they will seal up the cracks. They are reactive pore fillers which penetrates into capillary tracts of concrete to react with free lime and water to form crystalline chain which blocks up the capillary and makes concrete water-tight.

Advantage: 
– The crystalline formed in the concrete will be able to improve the integrity of concrete by sealing up pores to prevent penetration of water and other chemical. Also it is independent of surface adhesion so it can resist high hydrostatic pressure.
– Normally, the crystallization chemical acts as a catalyst so it will last much longer than other injection material. Due to the same reason, it creates a automatic crack closure effect as long as water is present.

Limitation:
– This method can only be used to seal cracks up to a limited depth.

Concrete Waterproofing with Krystol® technology – Courtesy of Krystol International
Xypex Concrete Waterproofing by Crystallization – how does Xypex work? – Courtesy of Xypex Chemical

Re-waterproofing and sealing

The following are the steps in this method:
– Repair area should be cleaned with high-pressure water jet, before starting the repair.
– Chisel grooves along major crack lines and along the suspected leaking areas.
– Apply a layer of crystal slurry on the floor. It will penetrate deeply into the capillary pores of the concrete, sealing the pores and shrinkage cracks by crystallization permanently. Allow the chemical to cure.
– Plug grooves with water seal. When it cures, it expands and locks the affected areas making a watertight seal.
– A coating of Cement Strengtheners Polymer can be applied to give a stronger bonding capability. With its waterproofing property, it is able to act as a waterproofing membrane which locks the infiltrated areas from further seepages. Allow the chemical proceedings to cure.
– Water repellent may be sprayed on the slab in order to further strengthen the waterproofing ability.

Tile Grout Leakage – Impregnation

Tile grout leaking e.g. bathroom floor
-Grout seal to penetrate into tile joints and tile surface to provide water resistant properties
-3 layers of application by brush, roller, or spray
-Ensure dry condition during application and at least 3 hours after application

Sikagard®-703 GroutSeal Courtesy of Sika