Waterstop: advanced solutions for building waterproofing

Waterproofing represents a fundamental challenge in preserving the integrity and functionality of underground structures. Waterstops, available in various types and sizes, are essential technologies for preventing leaks, providing an effective and durable barrier. These devices, some designed to react and seal upon contact with water, are renowned for their versatility and reliability in both new construction and maintenance or restoration interventions.

PVC Waterstops
PVC profiles provide a proven solution, primarily used in new constructions, for construction and expansion joints. Their effectiveness is based on the combination of profile geometry and material elasticity:

• In construction joints, profiles are fully embedded in concrete casts, creating a physical barrier against water. Our products: Sealpvc RG 250 and Sealpvc SF 240
• In expansion joints, waterstops with a central bulb shape, such as our Sealpvc RG 250 Bulb and Sealpvc SF 240 Bulb, absorb stress caused by thermal variations and settlements thanks to the specific geometry of the bulb.

Sodium Bentonite Waterstops
Sodium bentonite is a hydrophilic material that swells in the presence of water, making it ideal for sealing joints and critical surfaces. Products like our Clayseal 25.20 offer reliable solutions for environments with alkaline or brackish water, or leachate with our Clayseal 25.20 SW, ensuring long-lasting protection.

Hydrophilic Rubber Waterstops
Hydrophilic rubbers, such as Sealgum , are highly reactive compounds that expand upon contact with water, effectively sealing critical points. These products are particularly useful in complex situations, such as sealing structural discontinuities and pipe penetrations.

Hydrophilic Gaskets Ringseal L19
Ideal for sealing steel form tie spacers of various lengths and widths (19 mm), preventing water infiltration in below-ground concrete structures or those near water tables. Easy to install using the dedicated tool Ringseal Pinza K4, which ensures fast and efficient installation of the gasket at the spacer's center.

Hydrophilic Gaskets Ringseal T21
Designed for tubular PVC form tie spacers (with internal diameters of 22, 24, 26, 32, and 34 mm), they seal construction discontinuities, eliminating infiltration risks along the concrete-spacer interface. They offer an economical and easy-to-apply protection against one of the primary waterproofing challenges. Installation at the tube’s center is straightforward and requires no special tools.

Hydrophilic Plugs Corkseal T21
Used for permanently sealing residual holes from tubular PVC spacers (with internal diameters of 22, 24, 26, 32, and 34 mm). Their hydrophilic capability ensures watertight sealing even in cases of construction defects or differential shrinkage in concrete, resisting pressures over 5 Bar.

Beltseal
For sealing PVC pipes passing through concrete walls, Beltseal (for external diameters ranging from 70/90 to 160/200 mm) offers a quick and effective solution. Its hydrophilic expansion capability ensures a volumetric increase of 300% in demineralized water and 250% in alkaline water, providing reliable protection against infiltration.

Expansive and Traditional Sealants
Azichem offers a wide range of sealants, ideal for various applications:

• Protech Flex for expansion joints and flexible seals. Available in 300 cc cartridges and 600 cc aluminum sausages.
• EG 91, a two-component elastoplastic sealant, resistant to extreme stress, specifically designed for underwater applications.
• Flexseal 300, a highly expansive hydrophilic sealant in 300 cc cartridges, perfect for reaching challenging areas or as an accessory for waterstop installation.

Paste Sealants
For specific needs such as waterproofing cable ducts, the product Syntech StopAQ provides a plastic, moderately expansive solution, applicable even in wet conditions. This sealant is easily removable and repositionable, ensuring flexible installation.

What are the advantages of Waterstops?

1. Waterproofing effectiveness
   Hydrophilic materials like rubber and bentonite offer dynamic protection, regenerating and sealing upon contact with water, ensuring a permanent barrier against water and preventing physical and chemical degradation of structures.
2. Adaptability to diverse needs
   PVC profiles, with specific geometries like the central bulb, are suitable for expansion joints, while hydrophilic products are ideal for repairs and new constructions. They can be used in environments with brackish, alkaline, or leachate water, adapting to complex design requirements.
3. Application versatility
   The solutions include systems for joints, pipe penetrations, industrial floors, and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage. They enable quick and easy installation on form tie spacers, addressing challenges like discontinuities and residual holes.
4. Cost-effectiveness and ease of installation
   Waterstops provide excellent value for money, reducing long-term costs associated with repairs and maintenance.

The combined use of Waterstops, PVC profiles, and expansive sealants provides comprehensive waterproofing protection suitable for any construction context. From preventing infiltration in expansion joints to sealing cavities and pipes, these solutions represent a reliable investment for ensuring structural durability. Our wide range of products allows for successful waterproofing in both new constructions and restoration projects.

Learn more on our dedicated thematic website: https://www.pro-seal.it