19 Sep How to Choose the right Waterproofing Company
Due to the increased importance of quality waterproofing in construction, especially in waterproofing water retaining structures and water excluding structures, there is a lot of misunderstanding and misjudgment about what crystalline waterproofing is (and the various other types of waterproofing that should be applied, depending on the surface)
A good and competent waterproofing company will have an in-depth understanding of how the process of crystalline waterproofing works but more importantly, which parts of the structure need to be waterproofed. For instance, most companies don’t allow for waterproofing in areas like bathrooms or factory floors.
Not all waterproofing products you see on the market are the same. Variances in chemical properties make the waterproofing product act different. Integral waterproofing chemicals are designed either to penetrate into the concrete once applied from the surface of the concrete or mixed into the concrete during batching. When it comes to integral waterproofing (also known as internal waterproofing), waterproofing products are broadly classified into two major groups: reactive (crystalline) or un-reactive.
Unreactive products, as the name suggests do not react in the presence of water and cement. They waterproof by simply densifying the concrete i.e. they reduce the permeability of the concrete to the extent where water cannot flow. These products, also known as densifiers, fill the microscopic pores in the concrete matrix to eliminate water infiltration. The biggest setback of such products is they are inadequate when it comes to dealing with construction joints and hairline cracks that usually appear in concrete.
Reactive products (crystalline) on the other hand create true waterproof structures because they create crystals that fill the pores, capillaries and hairline cracks of the concrete mass. In the presence of water, crystalline products react with the cement in the concrete, calcium hydroxide and other by-products of cement hydration to form non-soluble crystals that fill and plug the pores and microcracks in concrete—even years after it was poured. Unlike unreactive products, crystalline products sit dormant inside the concrete until a new ingress of water appears. Chemical reaction begin again and crystals are formed which completely shut off the water.
Undoubtedly, crystalline waterproofing products can not cost the same as unreactive waterproofing products. And this is where the biggest misunderstanding lies-People choose waterproofing chemicals based on price, without first understanding how they work.
An experienced and knowledgeable waterproofing contractor has a proven track record of successful projects and is highly recommended by engineers and architects and other major players in the construction field. In addition to that, any waterproofing contractor should be able to provide technical on-site support to the customer. In my opinion, providing on-site technical support is the biggest value a company can provide to the client.
Waterproofing products are sold by appointed waterproofing agents: Reliable Waterproofing contractors are agents of a waterproofing manufacturing company. Customers and stakeholders at large should ask for documentation or proof to show they are the sole appointed agents in the country or region. For instance, Mau West Waterproofing Solutions are the sole appointed agents on Penetron Products, manufactured by Penetron International in the United States.
As a rule of thumb, Waterproofing contractors should guarantee the waterproofing works done by them. This gives the client a peace of mind and knows that he is dealing with a professional. For instance, all waterproofing works carried out by Mau West Waterproofing Solutions have a 10 year free maintenance guarantee.
Contact our technical professionals today for an on-site evaluation of your current waterproofing works. If you are building in the future or have plans of the building, we would be happy to assist you in coordinating the waterproofing requirements to help ensure the outcome required for a watertight structure
Basement for a residential building waterproofed by Mau West Waterproofing Solutions
Basement for a residential building waterproofed by Mau West Waterproofing Solutions
Basement before it was waterproofed by Mau West Waterproofing Solutions
Basement before it was waterproofed by Mau West Waterproofing Solutions