Waterstop: advanced solutions for building waterproofing

Waterproofing is a key challenge in preserving the integrity and functionality of underground structures. Waterstops, of various types and sizes, are an essential technology for preventing seepage, providing an effective and durable barrier. These devices, some of which are designed to react and seal in contact with water, stand out for their versatility and reliability, both in new construction and in maintenance and rehabilitation work.

PVC Waterstops.
PVC profiles offer an established solution, mainly used in new construction, for recovery and expansion joints. Their effectiveness is based on the combination of the geometry of the profile and the elasticity of the material:

• In recovery joints, the profiles are completely encased in the concrete castings, creating a physical barrier against water. Our: Sealpvc RG 250 and Sealpvc SF 240
• In expansion joints, waterstops with central bulb shaping, such as our Sealpvc RG 250 Bulb and Sealpvc SF 240 Bulb, enable the absorption of stresses originating from thermal variations and settling, thanks to the geometric specificity of the bulb.

Sodium Bentonite Waterstop
Sodium bentonite is a water-reactive material that, due to its ability to swell in the presence of water, is ideal for sealing joints and critical surfaces. Products such as our Clayseal 25.20 offer reliable solutions for alkaline or brackish water or leachate environments with our Clayseal 25.20 SW, providing long-lasting protection.

Hydroexpansive Rubber Waterstops.
Hydro-expansive rubbers, such as Sealgum are highly reactive compounds that expand on contact with water, effectively sealing critical points. These products are particularly useful in complex situations, such as treating structural discontinuities and through pipes.

Ringseal L19 Hydroexpansive Gaskets.
Ideal for sealing steel blade formwork spacers of different lengths and widths 19 mm, preventing water infiltration into concrete structures located below ground level or near water tables. Easy to install thanks to the use of the special dedicated tool Ringseal Pliers K4, which enables quick and effective installation of the seal in the center of the blade.

Ringseal T21 Hydro-expansive Gaskets.
Designed for PVC tubular formwork spacers (for internal diameters ranging from: 22 - 24 - 26 - 32 - 34 mm), they seal construction discontinuities, eliminating the risk of seepage along the concrete-spacer interface. They offer economical and easy-to-apply protection against one of the main critical points of waterproofing. Installation in the center of the pipe is easy and does not need special dedicated tools.

Corkseal T21 Hydroexpansive Caps.
Used to permanently seal residual holes in PVC tubular spacers (for internal diameters varying from: 22 - 24 - 26 - 32 - 34 mm). The hydro-expansive capacity ensures a counterthrust hermetic seal, even in the presence of any construction defects or differential shrinkage in concrete, up to more than 5 Bar.

Beltseal
For sealing PVC pipes passing through concrete walls, Beltseal (for varying outside diameters: 70/90 - 110/125 - 160/200 mm) offers a quick and effective solution. Its hydro-expansive capacity guarantees a volumetric expansion of 300 percent in demineralized water and 250 percent in alkaline water, ensuring reliable protection against infiltration.

Expansive and Traditional Sealants
The Azichem range includes a wide selection of sealants, ideal for a variety of applications:

• Protech Flex For expansion joints and deformable seals. Packaged in 300 cc cartridges and 600 cc aluminum sausages.
• EG 91, a two-component elastoplastic sealant, resistant to extreme stresses, specifically for work under water table.
• Flexseal 300, a highly expansive hydro-expansive sealant packaged in cartridges of 300, perfect for reaching difficult spots or as an accessory for laying waterstops.

Paste Sealants
For specific needs such as waterproofing of grommet pipes, the product Syntech StopAQ offers a plastic, moderately expansive solution that can be applied even in the presence of water. This sealant is easily removable and repositionable, ensuring flexible installation.

What are the advantages of waterstops?

1. Waterproofing Effectiveness
   Water-reactive materials, such as rubber and bentonite, offer dynamic protection, regenerating and sealing in the presence of water, providing a permanent barrier against water, preventing physical and chemical degradation of structures.
2. Adaptability to different needs
   PVC profiles, with specific geometries such as the central bulb, lend themselves to expansion joints, while hydro-expansive products are ideal for repairs and new construction. They can be used in environments with brackish, alkaline or percolated water, adapting to the most complex design requirements.
3. Application versatility
   Solutions include systems for joints, through pipes, industrial flooring and hard-to-reach places, providing complete coverage, allow quick and easy installation on formwork spacers, solving critical issues such as discontinuity points and residual holes.
4. Cost-effectiveness and ease of installation
   Waterstops offer excellent value for money, reducing long-term costs associated with repairs and maintenance.

The combined use of Waterstop, PVC profiles and expansive sealants offers comprehensive waterproofing protection suitable for any construction context. From preventing seepage at expansion joints to sealing cavities and pipes, these solutions are a sound investment in ensuring the durability of structures. Our wide range of products allows you to successfully meet the challenges of waterproofing, both in new construction and in rehabilitating the existing.

Find out more on our dedicated theme site: https://www.pro-seal.it