Waterproofing of walls against rising moisture

RELATED MATERIALS

AQUAMAT-F Damp proof course

AQUAMAT Cement-based waterproofing slurry

DUROCRET Polymer-modified cement mortar

ADIPLAST Polymer latex for multiple improvements of mortars

 

I. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

The appearance of rising moisture in houses creates problems both in structural elements affected (corrosion, denaturation, unaesthetic appearance etc.) and in the functionality of the area (unpleasant living conditions etc.).

This requires special treatment, since moisture impregnates the body of the element (e.g. masonry) by rising through its capillaries.

 

II. SOLUTION

A horizontal barrier may be created in the body of the affected masonry, at the base of the wall, in order to hinder the rising of moisture through the capillaries.

Significant help for confronting rising moisture in walls is provided by AQUAMAT-F, a siliceous solution used to create a horizontal barrier close to the wall base.

AQUAMAT-F contains silicates that react with the existing hydrated lime and form insoluble compounds that stop capillary absorption, simultaneously creating hydrophobic conditions.

 

III. APPLICATION

AQUAMAT-F is applied with a hole procedure. The application is carried out by pouring AQUAMAT-F into perforations (holes) that are opened near the base of the wall and along its entire length.

For masonry with very low absorptivity, holes may be opened at two levels.

For stonework with stones of very low absorptivity, holes are opened at the joints.

If the masonry material does not contain hydrated lime then a weak solution of hydrated lime should be poured into the holes first, in order to ensure sufficient quantity to react with the silicates of AQUAMAT-F.

 

Application of AQUAMAT-F without pressure

  1. Holes should be opened in the wall with a diameter of 30 mm, at a distance of 15-20 cm between each other, and at a 30O to 45Odippingslope. Their depth should reach 5 cm less than the wall’s thickness.

  2. If possible, the holes should be cleaned well with compressed air.

  3. After that, brushable sealing slurry AQUAMAT is applied on both sides of the wall, in order to prevent the leak of AQUAMAT-F from the wall surface.

  4. AQUAMAT-F should be injected into the holes repeatedly until total saturation is achieved.

  5. 24 hours after the completion of the AQUAMAT-F injection, the holes should be sealed with DUROCRET polymer modified cement mortar or a cement mortar reinforced with ADIPLAST polymer latex.

 

Application of AQUAMAT-F with pressure

This method is applied to masonry that is completely or greatly impregnated with water.

  1. Holes should be opened in the wall with a diameter of 12-18 mm, at a distance of 10-20 cm between each other, and at a 30ο dipping angle or horizontally.

  2. The holes are cleaned well with compressed air.

  3. AQUAMAT-F is injected into the holes with the use of an appropriate injection device, until the material leaks from the wall’s surface. This ensures that the areas around the holes have been saturated with the solution.

  4. After 24 hours, the holes should be sealed with DUROCRET polymer modified cement mortar or with a cement mortar reinforced with ADIPLAST polymer latex.
    Consumption of AQUAMAT-F: Approx. 18 kg/m2 of wall’s cross-section when refering to walls with average absorptivity.

 

 

gb58-2

 

 

gb58-1