What is Crystallized Waterproofing? Where Is It Used?

Crystallized waterproofing is a method applied to concrete surfaces that prevents water from seeping into the structure. In this method, special minerals developed for insulation penetrate to the innermost points of the concrete to which they are applied. When they come into contact with water, they turn into a crystallized structure and gain impermeability. Thus, they provide waterproofing both positively and negatively.

Crystallized waterproofing can be applied in different ways. In new concretes, crystallized waterproofing admixture is added to the concrete mix. Thus, the concrete is directly waterproofed. No extra application is needed. For the insulation of existing concretes, cement-based and one-component crystallized waterproofing mortar is used. This mortar is applied to the relevant surfaces to insulate them. In the rest of the article, there are curious details about crystallized waterproofing.

What is Crystallized Waterproofing?

Crystallized waterproofing is an insulation method that penetrates the pores of concrete and forms a structure through chemical reactions, thus waterproofing the concrete. This fills the microscopic capillary spaces in concrete blocks that allow for leaks. The insulation material in contact with water crystallizes and becomes waterproof. Moreover, its volume increases. This is how the capillary gaps in concrete are filled.

The crystals formed upon contact with water act as an effective barrier between the structure and water. It prevents water from entering the concrete or seeping into the structure. Thus, it prevents water and moisture damage to the structures and corrosionof iron and metal reinforcements in the concrete. It is an extremely effective method. It has the ability to provide negative and positive insulation.

How Does Crystallized Waterproofing Work?

Crystallized waterproofing has a very different working system than conventional insulation methods. In traditional insulation, a barrier is drawn between the water and the structures, thus preventing water from penetrating into the structures. Here the situation is slightly different.

When this insulation material is applied to concrete surfaces, it takes advantage of the porous structure of the concrete and penetrates into its inner parts. When water leakage occurs, the special minerals in the insulation material quickly absorb water and their volume increases. At the same time, they crystallize and turn into water impermeable material.

This system provides waterproofing as well as filling the voids inside the concrete. It is a widely preferred method in areas such as foundations, basements, swimming pools, large-sized aquariums and subway tunnels.

Advantages of Crystallized Waterproofing

Crystallized waterproofing meets expectations in insulation with its unique properties. In doing so, it also provides different advantages. The advantages it provides are as follows:

Deep Protection

Unlike conventional insulation applications, the material used here penetrates into the concrete over time. It provides in-depth protection by penetrating through the pores of the concrete. Water and moisture are definitively stopped by the application.

Increased Activity

What makes this method of insulation unique is the structure of the substances contained in it. When special minerals come into contact with water and moisture, they increase in volume and crystallize. With each leak, this process happens again and the crystallized minerals move into the concrete. Thus, waterproofing becomes much more effective. The level of impermeability becomes top level.

Crack Repair

The minerals, which increase in volume and become impermeable when in contact with water, fill the microcracks in the concrete. This process continues continuously, so that all cracks in the concrete are repaired by themselves.

Its crack repair feature makes insulation effective, prevents corrosion and increases the lifespan of structures. It is a distinct advantage that it does not contain chemicals that cause corrosion such as chlorine. In addition, it also provides long-term protection.

Chemical Resistance

It has high resistance to chemical substances. In areas such as houses and apartments, this feature is usually not noticeable. However, it is extremely important in industrial areas. This feature prevents chemicals from damaging both the insulation material and the concrete.

Environmentally Friendly

It contains no toxic and environmentally harmful substances. It also does not contain chemicals harmful to human health. It is a highly effective option for a sustainable solution.

Ease of Implementation

Crystallized waterproofing can be applied by adding directly to the mortar while the concrete is not yet ready. In this way, the concrete is automatically waterproofed. It provides insulation to existing concretes by applying the special mortar prepared with a trowel or similar tool.

It is extremely easy to apply and no extra equipment is required. Construction workers can apply it comfortably by following the instructions.

The advantages here may differ according to the preferred product.

How is Crystallized Waterproofing Applied?

There are different application forms of crystallized insulation. The first one is done with a crystallized impermeability admixture added to the concrete mix. The other is realized with insulation mortar. Details about these methods are as follows:

Crystallized Water Impermeability Additive

Additive products are available in liquid or solid form. The application of these additives is made according to the instructions of the preferred product. Again, the amount of additive varies between 2% and 15% depending on the product preference.

This admixture, which is added during the preparation of concrete, provides insulation properties to the prepared concrete. There is no extra work to be done afterwards. Concrete waterproofing admixture is one of the products used with this method. This product, which provides structural waterproofing, works in negative and positive directions. While it does not cause corrosion, it effectively fills capillary cracks. It can be used with all cement-based products.

Crystallized Waterproofing Mortar

Crystallized waterproofing material is a method applied for existing concrete to gain waterproofing properties. The steps followed for this method are as follows:

Where is Crystallized Waterproofing Used?

Crystallized waterproofing has a very wide range of uses. The places where it is widely used are as follows:

As can be seen, the area of use of this method is extremely wide. Its success is the most important reason for this situation.

Negative Direction Crystallized Waterproofing

Insulation is divided into negative and positive insulation. The positive direction is the insulation applied to the surfaces where moisture comes from. The negative one is the applications made from the opposite side, not from the direction where the moisture comes from. Examples of negative applications are the insulation applied to the interior walls of houses.

The crystallized method is extremely successful in positive and negative applications. But in negative directional insulation, it is almost unrivaled. When applied negatively with other materials, moisture penetrates into the wall and this cannot be prevented. But with the crystallized method, as the moisture comes into the wall from the outside, the minerals applied crystallize. Each time they go deeper and keep the moisture out. Because of these features, it would not be wrong to say that they are much more preferred in negative insulation. You can examine the products in the relevant category of our site to make crystallized waterproofing.