Xypex and Membranes Do Not Work in the Same Way
A frequent client question is:
“Should we use Xypex or a waterproofing membrane?”
The answer depends on the structure.
Traditional membranes aim to create a continuous waterproof barrier over the surface.
Crystalline waterproofing works by creating insoluble crystal formations within concrete pores and capillaries.
These are fundamentally different methods.
Waterproofing Membranes
Membranes can include:
- APP-modified bituminous membranes;
- self-adhesive sheets;
- synthetic membranes; and
- liquid-applied systems.
Their major advantage is creating a defined physical barrier between the structure and water.
However, membrane performance is highly dependent on continuity.
Problems can occur around:
- laps;
- corners;
- terminations;
- penetrations;
- punctures;
- interfaces; and
- following trades.
Xypex Crystalline Waterproofing
Xypex technology operates within cementitious material and does not depend on a conventional sheet remaining intact on the concrete surface.
Xypex also markets Concentrate and Modified systems for applications subjected to hydrostatic pressure and for structures such as foundations, reservoirs, tunnels and underground structures.
Is One Better Than the Other?
Not universally.
A project may actually benefit from more than one waterproofing strategy.
For example:
- crystalline admixture within structural concrete;
- waterstops at joints;
- a membrane on an exposed external surface;
- drainage externally; and
- repair materials around penetrations.
This is often a more sensible engineering approach than expecting one product to address every possible water path.
At Tetrabuild, waterproofing system selection should be based on the structure, exposure, accessibility, water pressure, joints, substrate and construction sequence.
