Recently, quite often there are cases when penetrating materials are used as the main waterproofing element, which NOT RIGHT.

Penetrating compounds can be used as one of the elements in the chain of systemic waterproofing materials, but not as the main one. These materials are easy to use, effective when a new structure is leaking (basement, underground garage, etc.), but consider them as universal remedy for all cases - NOT RIGHT, especially since they also have limitations (large pores, old leached concrete, etc.).

When repairing an old base, when the outer pores are oily or clogged, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface from plaster and degrease it by opening access to the capillary system. Moreover, it will not be possible to do this with a simple iron brush - it must be cleaned thoroughly, preferably with sand or high pressure water. There are other significant points limiting the use of penetrating waterproofing.

The problem of waterproofing foundations in active contact with water, as well as in cases with limited access to outside foundation is that the use of traditional waterproofing materials does not always lead to effective protection from water and moisture. To further enhance the waterproofing properties of a concrete structure (foundation), it is recommended to perform waterproofing from materials of penetrating action with inside protected structures (basements).

Penetrating waterproofing- cement-sand mixture using chemical additives.

The fundamental difference between penetrating compounds from all other materials is the formation of a waterproofing layer not on the surface of the foundation, but in its considerable thickness (the penetration depth of active chemical components can reach 10-12 cm).

Application

• waterproofing concrete and iron surfaces concrete structures;
• waterproofing of foundations and basements in active contact with water;
• in combination with surface waterproofing of the foundation when high level groundwater.

Advantages

• increasing the water resistance of concrete structures (and ONLY! concrete);
• the formation of a waterproofing layer in the mass of concrete;
• the possibility of processing external and internal surfaces structures, regardless of the direction of water pressure;
• applied to a damp surface, no need to dry the concrete.

The main advantage of penetrating materials is the ability to protect the structure from moisture penetration from the outside. That's why given view waterproofing found wide application during the reconstruction of basements and semi-basements, when external waterproofing is no longer possible.

LIMITATIONS

• used for waterproofing crack-resistant concrete structures;
• anti-capillary protection brick walls does not provide (due to the lack of substances necessary for the reaction in the brick);
• not used for waterproofing walls made of porous materials (aerated concrete, aerated concrete, etc.) due to big size then;
• not recommended for use on foundation blocks prefabricated (joints between them are a problem place).

The combination of penetrating waterproofing on stable substrates and flexible waterproofing on substrates subject to deformation can solve many waterproofing problems in the renovation and reconstruction of underground structures.

Penetrating waterproofing mechanism

Waterproofing mixture mixed with water and applied to a damp concrete surface. The waterproofing effect is achieved by filling the capillary-porous structure of concrete with insoluble crystals.

The active chemical additives that make up the material, penetrating into the concrete, enter into a chemical reaction with the components of the concrete mixture, forming insoluble compounds (crystals), which create a continuous barrier that prevents the ingress of water.

The process of concrete compaction develops in depth upon contact with water molecules and stops in its absence. Upon new contact with water, the reaction is resumed.

The depth of penetration of active chemical components into the concrete body can reach tens of centimeters. Micropores, capillaries and microcracks with a width (diameter) of up to 0.3-0.4 mm, filled with the products of chemical reactions, increase the water resistance of concrete by 2-3 steps.

As a result, the penetrating waterproofing becomes part of concrete, thus forming compacted waterproof concrete.

Protection of the foundation and basement from moisture ensures the durability and good performance of the entire building. That is why, at the slightest suspicion of excessive dampness and before erecting a box at home, you should take care of high-quality waterproofing. Today, the most popular option is penetrating waterproofing, which we will discuss in detail in this article.

Today's construction market we offer a wide variety of waterproofing materials for various purposes, cost, quality and terms of service. Not so long ago, bituminous mastic was the most popular - a cheap and durable compound that reliably protected not only basements and foundations, but even roofs from moisture. But progress does not stand still and the "People's Choice Award" has moved on to penetrating waterproofing.

These compounds are used to protect concrete and reinforced concrete from moisture penetration. Concrete only at first glance has a monolithic and dense structure, but in reality it is like a sponge with small pores through which water can penetrate. Even special waterproofing additives in concrete mix do not guarantee 100% protection against erosion, therefore it is necessary to carry out separate waterproofing inside and outside.

How to understand that the walls of your basement have been damaged by moisture:

1. Black molds have appeared in the corners and around the baseboards.
2. High humidity is felt.
3. There is a smell of dampness and musty.
4. Plaster, wallpaper or other finishes began to flake off.

Traditional waterproofing materials have many disadvantages. So, the pasting materials will last a maximum of 7-10 years, after which they will begin to let water through at the joints, and the repair will have to start over. Also, air bubbles often form under the rolls, which ultimately lead to material delamination. The once popular bitumen mastic protected quite well from water, but did not have the proper elasticity - over time, it cracked and allowed moisture to pass through.

Improved formulations can be found today bituminous mastic with special additives that give it plasticity. However, at the same time, their resistance to mechanical damage deteriorated. Working on this issue and trying to create a formulation devoid of flaws, scientists have invented penetrating waterproofing.

The Danes were the very first to test penetrating waterproofing in the 60s of the last century, then the composition was tested and supplemented in other European countries, America, and as a result reached our latitudes. Today on the market you can find a lot of brands and manufacturers, but the most proven and popular are Penetron (USA), LAKHTA (RF), Hydrohit and Aquatron.

How penetrating waterproofing works

The main task of the penetrating composition is to block the smallest pores and cracks in the concrete. Only liquids can cope with such a task, therefore the dry mixture is diluted with water to a very liquid state and applied to a concrete or reinforced concrete surface with a brush, roller or mechanical spray.

When the mixture gets into the pores and cracks of the material, it penetrates deeply inside, and then enters into chemical interaction with the cement. Polymer additives in its composition swell and firmly close all microscopic cavities in the wall. Thus, the surface becomes practically waterproof, and liquid waterproofing becomes part of the concrete structure, increasing its service life several times.

What is good about penetrating waterproofing of concrete:

• ecologically clean material created from natural ingredients (no hazardous to health and environment chemistry);
• can be used for waterproofing outside and inside;
• working with waterproofing is very simple (even an inexperienced builder or teenager can handle it);
• the film formed after the composition has dried is not afraid of accidental mechanical damage;
• the material has deep adhesion and high strength, does not flake or crack over time;
• penetrating waterproofing increases the frost resistance of concrete;
• the compounds have an antibacterial effect, so they can be used in basements intended for storing food, in bomb shelters and underground warehouses.

Basement waterproofing

Once you understand how penetrating waterproofing works, you can see why it is so well suited for protecting basements and foundations. Quite often, owners of private houses are faced with flooding their basements after the snow melts. Spring swelling of the soil leads to deformation and destruction of the walls. To avoid this trouble, it is important to take care of the strength of the foundation and reliable protection basement under construction.

External waterproofing

For a 100% successful result, it is necessary to carry out external and internal waterproofing. In this case, the basement will not be afraid of ground movements for a very long time, and the house will stand without overhaul up to 70-80 years old.

In most cases, for the construction of cottages and private houses, a strip type of foundation is used, a monolith or assembled from concrete blocks. The blocks are laid on a loose cushion, and the joints between them become areas of risk in terms of leaks and damage to the basement walls.

To protect the walls of the basement from the outside, coating waterproofing penetrating action. Despite the fact that the composition was invented not so long ago, the application takes place in a completely "old-fashioned" method, so even an inexperienced builder without special skills can handle it.

Progress:

1. First, the outside walls of the basement are treated with a primer - a mixture of gasoline and bitumen. Such a coating will ensure high-quality adhesion of concrete and mastic. The task of the primer is to fill all microscopic pores and cracks in the cement joints.
2. The primer will dry in 2-3 hours, after which you can start applying bituminous mastic. This is done with a flat construction brush.
3. After applying the layer, wait 24 hours and then cover the surface with another layer of mastic. Ideally, 2-3 layers should be made so that the total thickness of the bitumen layer is 2-3 mm. It is very simple to check the thickness - using a clerical knife, cut out a small square of dried bitumen and measure it with a caliper.
4. When required thickness waterproofing has been achieved, the foundation and basement walls can be backfilled from the outside. Backfilling takes place in layers, and every 50 cm it is necessary to compact the soil tightly.
5. When 50-100 cm is left until the end, the rest of the space should be covered not with earth, but with clay 1.5-2 m wide. So you will make a kind of "hydraulic lock" that will prevent melt and rainwater from getting close to the walls of the basement from above.

Internal waterproofing

After completing the work from the outside, you can proceed to the penetrating waterproofing of the basement from the inside, and this applies not only to the walls, but also to the floor. It is carried out in two cases - during the construction of a house and in the event of leaks or flooding of the basement. We propose to analyze the most unpleasant and problematic case - the flooding of the basement.

If the basement is flooded with water, the following should be done:

1. Drain water from the walls of the building by at least 3-5 m by pumping out the water using a pump.
2. Remove all furniture and items from the basement.
3. Open the door to ensure maximum ventilation and dry the room if possible.
4. In severe cases of flooding, it can be installed in the basement heat gun or a heater so that it dries faster.
5. When the water is completely gone, and the floor with walls is dry, you can start working. For this case, the penetrating waterproofing Penetron is suitable - a sand-cement mixture with polymer additives that quickly clog microcracks. The composition of the LAKHTA brand is also very popular, which can be used both from the side of the water pressure and to process the room from the inside (negative pressure).
   
6. If the basement walls are covered with plaster, paint or wallpaper, they must be removed.
7. Scrub the surface of the bare wall with a grinder with a metal brush attachment. This will open up pores and cracks, which will then be filled with waterproofing.
8. Deepen all joints between the blocks by 2-3 cm.
9. Fill the recessed joints with a saturated waterproofing compound and let dry for 2-3 hours.
10. After the specified time has elapsed, apply the liquid waterproofing compound to the walls and floor using a wide, flat brush.
11. After 2-3 hours, apply a second layer of penetrating waterproofing Lakhta, Penetron or any other brand. Two layers will suffice. You can also waterproof the bathroom in the same way. If you are using Penetron, but after applying the second coat, it is recommended to regularly spray the surface with water from a spray bottle or cover it tightly plastic wrap for 10-14 days. Thus, you will create the most comfortable environment for active crystal growth and deep penetration of polymer additives inside. concrete wall.

Before buying a penetrating waterproofing, carefully read the instructions and the operating features of the composition, the depth of its penetration and the application technique. The price of the material is mainly determined by the penetration depth of polymer additives. For example, the popular Penetron mixture is capable of penetrating 50 cm deep into a concrete wall and is applied with a brush or spray, while the domestic Hydrotex penetrates into concrete only 10 cm and a spatula is useful for its application.

The main advantage of penetrating waterproofing is that even a beginner can easily handle it. Therefore, even despite the high cost, liquid formulations are gaining popularity in the global construction market.

During hardening, concrete acquires a porous structure. Water entering the surface moves through internal capillaries and microcracks, causing the components to wash out cement mortar, decrease in frost resistance, early corrosion of reinforcement, accelerates the destruction of the structure.

Through filtration leads to humidification of the concrete base building materials - bricks, blocks. The walls of underground structures - garages, basements, cellars - are exposed to moisture and mold.

To prevent filtration of moisture, a penetrating waterproofing based on cement-sand mixture with active chemical components. The waterproofing layer is formed in the thickness of the structure at a depth of up to several tens of centimeters, which fundamentally distinguishes this type of material from others that create surface protection.

Waterproofing of concrete is necessary where structures are subjected to periodic water pressure in hydraulic structures:

• dams;
• reservoirs;
• wells, reservoirs;
• sewage collectors and systems for the disposal of soil and Wastewater.

Moisture insulation of concrete with deep action irreplaceable in rooms where high humidity persists:

• underground parking;
• bathrooms;
• shower rooms.

Penetrating waterproofing is used to protect concrete building structures in an aggressive humid environment:

• foundations on moisture-consuming soils;
• river and sea berths, piers, lighthouses;
• bridge supports, storm barriers;
• roofs, balconies, elevator shafts.

It is effective to use penetrating compounds where it is not possible to process the outer surface - the walls of basements, cellars. They are actively used in the construction of private houses, baths, saunas, indoor pools insulation works on concrete.

Eliminate leaks with ultra-fast curing materials. The timing of their setting is 5-10 minutes.

Operating principle

In addition to cement and sand, the composition of the mixture of penetrating waterproofing contains active additives that give the material the required properties. Manufacturers keep secret the formula of the product obtained by fine chemical synthesis. Its constituents are soluble in water, and the substances formed as a result of the reaction are practically insoluble.

Components of insulation additives - active oxides and salts of aluminum, alkali metals. In an aqueous medium, free lime, which is constantly present in the cement stone, is bound, with the formation of poorly soluble compounds. In the process of clogging, pores and capillaries are filled with a material similar to concrete in composition and characteristics, which compacts its deep structures.

Waterproofing for concrete is prepared by mixing a dry mixture with water, then it is applied to the surface of walls, foundations or other structures. Under the action of osmotic pressure, the solution penetrates into the thickness of the porous material, reacts with free calcium. The formed needle-shaped crystals settle on the walls of the capillaries and microcracks, narrowing their lumen.

Plaster with deep penetration protects the surface from washing out of active substances. With new contacts with water, the reaction is resumed, compaction continues, cracks "self-heal".

Advantages

In the 50s, the first experiments were carried out with substances capable of sealing micropores in the thickness of a concrete mass. The results obtained in Denmark have been impressive. Since then, many varieties of penetrating waterproofing of foreign and domestic production have appeared. The most popular of them are Penetron, Crystallisol, Lakhta, Viatron, Element.

New developments have advantages over roll or paint insulation:

• not flammable, not explosive, do not emit toxic substances, do not emit radiation;
• increase the corrosion resistance of concrete and reinforcement;
• do not wear out;
• retain vapor permeability and air permeability of surfaces;
• create a protective layer in the thickness of the concrete, and not on the surface, forming a single conglomerate with the massif;
• the brand for water resistance increases by 2-6 steps, strength - by 15-20%, frost resistance by 100 cycles;
• structures can be mechanically processed - drilled, drilled, while the waterproof properties of concrete are not violated;
• through cracks "self-heal" - when water gets into them, chemical components are activated, the reaction is resumed, the cavities are filled with insoluble substances;
• are not exposed to radiation;
• effective for the protection of aboveground and underground structures, can be processed from the inside or outside.

Penetrating compounds are applied to a damp surface without preliminary drying, which significantly speeds up processing. Internal waterproofing for concrete is successfully used when different directions water pressure - forward and backward.

Fungi reluctantly settle on surfaces covered with penetrating waterproofing, which makes it indispensable in rooms with high humidity.

The increase in waterproof properties has a positive effect on the durability of concrete structures, extending their service life up to 50 years.

How to apply penetrating waterproofing

Waterproof materials are used at the stage of construction, repair or reconstruction of an object. So that the compositions correspond to the declared qualities and provide necessary action, you need to apply them according to the instructions.

1. The surfaces to be insulated are cleaned of dirt, oil stains, finishing and coating residues. To open the pores, they are treated with steel brushes, a sandblasting tool, washed with a solution of hydrochloric acid or a jet of water under pressure. Mold, moss and mildew are removed. Bare reinforcement is cleaned from rust. Cracks are cut with a spatula. In the joints and seams, grooves are made to a depth of 25 mm. Communications must be protected with a sealant.
2. Moisten the surface abundantly. This improves adhesion to the waterproofing material, allows active substances to penetrate deeply into the concrete structure. A drainage system is preliminarily arranged to remove excess water.
3. Dry mixtures are mixed with water in the proportions indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging until a uniform paste or liquid is obtained. The prepared portion should be enough for 25-30 minutes, because the substance sets quickly. Re-dilution is not allowed.
4. Apply the insulation with a spatula, roller, brush or pneumatic spray gun. After the first layer has set, the surface is moistened with water and re-treated. Make sure that there are no gaps and gaps. The work is carried out at an air temperature above + 5 °.

When the application is ineffective

Waterproofing does not cope with its task if the concrete contains structural or expansion joints... Movements individual elements, even minimal ones, lead to the fact that leaks occur. In this case, the joints are insulated with joint sealants.

Dynamic loads are a contraindication for the use of penetrating waterproofing. Deformation and shear of parts of the structure leads to the appearance of cracks, in which this type of protection is ineffective.

Do not use penetrating waterproofing for the treatment of concrete with a low grade of water resistance (W = 2), prefabricated foundation blocks, plaster based on gypsum or cement, dry and loose surfaces.

Conclusion

Penetrating waterproofing of concrete increases its water resistance, frost resistance and strength in a humid and aggressive environment. It is used in civil, military and hydraulic engineering construction. Compounds based on DSP with patented chemical additives are used to treat the surfaces of structures. This extends the concrete life up to 50 years.

To solve the urgent issue of restoring the waterproofing of basements and other long-operated premises of a buried type, traditional bituminous, pasting and plaster waterproofing is used less and less. Outdated materials were replaced by new technical solutions implemented with the help of penetrating waterproofing.

The principle of action of penetrating waterproofing

Penetrating waterproofing compounds include two groups of materials: special surface coatings with a penetrating effect and injection hydroactive solutions.

• The composition of waterproofing coatings includes chemically active additives. Waterproofing compounds spread through the pores and capillaries of concrete with the formation of insoluble crystals.

During the operation of structures, when new contacts of water molecules with concrete appear, the chemical reaction with the development of the seal deeper into the structure.

• Hydroactive injection compounds are used to eliminate leaks in building structures. Basically, these are one-component polyurethane fluids with a low viscosity.

On contact with water, polyurethane compounds expand in volume. There is a spread injection waterproofing throughout the structure. In this case, the water in the cavities is replaced by a waterproof polyurethane filler.

How does penetrating waterproofing work - video

And this video will clearly show how penetrating insulation materials work:

Advantages of penetrating waterproofing

An important advantage of penetrating waterproofing materials is their environmental friendliness. These compounds provide water resistance while maintaining vapor permeability. This property contributes to the preservation performance characteristics building materials - concrete, brick, stone - and the health of people living in such a building.

The advantages of penetrating waterproofing include its ability to form a single whole with the building structure.

The use of penetrating waterproofing has a positive effect on the frost resistance and strength of concrete. This is due to the fact that with constant filtration of water through concrete, the components of the cement stone are washed out. With a loss of 20% calcium hydroxide, concrete loses up to 30% of its original strength. As a rule, such serious consequences are observed when long-term operation- about 40 years old. Loss of strength is usually observed - 2-5%. But even such a weakening of concrete can not be eliminated in the depths of the structure by all waterproofing materials. Restoration of strength characteristics of concrete and reinforced concrete structures helps to increase the frost resistance of the material.

Frost resistance of the waterproofing material itself, in this case, does not matter, since it is a single whole with concrete.

"Eternal" methyl acrylate injection waterproofing

Penetrating waterproofing based on methyl acrylate gel is widely used in foreign countries. This material belongs to injection compositions that penetrate deeply into the thickness of the building material in order to increase its waterproofing characteristics.

The process of using methyl acrylate injection waterproofing is as follows:

• In problem areas of concrete or brick walls, holes are drilled into which the gel is pumped.
• After being introduced into the building material, methyl acrylate gel spreads inward, displacing moisture and clogging the pores. Over time, the gel comes out onto the outer surface of the structure and completely covers it with a protective dense layer.

An additional advantage of methyl acrylate gel is its ability to penetrate deep into adjacent building structure sites, strengthening and protecting them.

A distinctive feature of this injection material is its high speed of action. When a leak in a basement is closed by means of an injection of a gel, the water ceases to seep into the room after a few seconds.

To create a reliable protective layer in basement first, the gel is injected into the most problematic areas, and then the walls are plastered with a cement-sand mortar with gel additives.

Methyl acrylate gel is used for waterproofing basements and other underground structures, including the subway.

However, penetrating waterproofing compositions based on this gel have a significant disadvantage - the high cost of work. An ordinary consumer cannot do this waterproofing with his own hands, since it will require a special pumping unit... Such equipment is available only in fairly large construction organizations... But, on the other hand, the use of methyl acrylate gel injections will permanently get rid of problems with poor waterproofing.

Surface-applied Penetron waterproofing materials

Penetron produces wide range materials of penetrating action, both for waterproofing coatings and for injection.

Penetron compounds for application to the surface of a protected structure have a number of unique qualities:

• These formulations are applied to a damp surface that does not require pre-drying, which significantly speeds up and reduces the cost of waterproofing works... Application is carried out with a brush (on flat surfaces) or with a spatula (on uneven surfaces).
• It is easy to work with Penetron system materials, you should only follow the rules described in the manual.
• These materials can be used both from the inside and from the outside of the structure, regardless of which direction the water is acting in.
• The use of Penetron compounds makes it possible to significantly increase the water resistance grade of concrete, increase the strength and frost resistance characteristics of concrete and reinforced concrete elements.
• In case of mechanical damage to the treated structure, the increased operational properties acquired by it are retained. The use of compounds of this brand ensures the ability of concrete to "self-heal".
• The treatment of materials with this system allows you to permanently get rid of the problem of poor waterproofing
• Concretes covered with Penetron waterproofing layer retain their vapor permeability.
• The material can be used for both operated and under construction structures of all degrees of crack resistance.
• The use of waterproofing compounds of this group allows you to prevent corrosive destruction of reinforcement.
• Waterproofing can be used even under high hydrostatic pressure conditions.
• Features acquired building material thanks to the Penetron treatment, they are preserved even under intense radiation exposure.
• Waterproofing compounds of this group are approved for use in drinking water tanks. They are non-toxic, non-combustible, explosion and radiation safe.

The shelf life of waterproofing materials in their original packaging is 18 months.

Penetron is a dry building mixture, consisting of special grades of cement, quartz sand of a certain granulometric composition, active chemical additives produced under the company's patent.

This waterproofing material has a wide range of applications:

• Processing of monolithic and prefabricated concrete and reinforced concrete structures. Can be used on surfaces covered with cement-sand plaster mortar.
• To cut off capillary suction, Penetron is used in combination with Penekrit. Also, a complex of these materials is used for waterproofing cracks, seams, abutments, joints, and places of entry of communications.
• Penetron together with Peneplag or Waterplag is used to combat pressure leaks.

Waterproofing materials of the Penetron system are able to protect the structure from the effects of ground and waste water, salt water, alkaline and acidic compounds.

Application of Penetron waterproofing: video tutorial

If you are planning to use Penetron penetrating waterproofing, we recommend watching this video:

Reviews of penetrating waterproofing Penetron

Injection waterproofing system Penetron

The Penetron line of injection waterproofing includes a complex of two-component resins PenesplitSil. It contains two resins: slow and fast reacting.

The main purpose of using the injection complex is to stop the flow of water into the cavity of static and moving cracks, thereby protecting the reinforcement from corrosion.

In the event of pressure leaks, PenesplitSil is used in conjunction with PenePurF.

The waterproofing compound can be used in complexes with perforated hoses located in the seams of the structure during its construction, in brick and stone structures to eliminate capillary suction.

Features of waterproofing PenesplitSil:

• has good interaction with concrete, polymeric materials, metal;
• after polymerization, a highly elastic material is formed;
• does not contain solvents;
• work can be carried out at temperatures (+5) - (+ 35 0 С), and the operation of treated structures - in the range from (-50 0 С) to (+150 0 С).

Grades of waterproofing compounds of penetrating action presented on the domestic market

• Comparison with Penetron adequately withstand penetrating compositions such as Kalmatron, Aquatron, Lakhta. They are widely used for waterproofing hydraulic facilities, swimming pools, wells, transport facilities, energy complex, housing and industrial construction, civil defense premises.
• Compositions "Gidroteks-K", "Gidroteks-V", "Gidroteks-U" are waterproofing materials for internal and external waterproofing structures made of concrete and stone. "Gidroteks-V" is recommended for use in buried and semi-buried premises, operated under conditions of constant groundwater infiltration.
• The brand of Ceresit compositions - CR 90 Crystaliser has a penetrating effect. This material is used for waterproofing non-saline substrates made of mineral materials and not subject to deformation. Can be used in combination with elastic waterproofing tapes.
• Penetrating hydrochite is a dry mixture used for waterproofing concrete and reinforced concrete. If it is necessary to eliminate the pressure leak, use the composition "Hydrochit seal".

Prices for materials for penetrating waterproofing

Look at the prices in this table to find a product that has the best price-performance ratio for you:

The task of preserving the state's fixed assets is directly related to the health and well-being of people. One of the most effective and reliable ways its solution is the use of high-tech modern waterproofing materials of penetrating action.