Impact of Waterproofing Chemicals on the Strength and Durability of Buildings

Given the rapid growth of the Indian construction industry over the last decade, the importance of waterproofing chemicals has become well established. Waterproofing used to be considered as a part of the repair market, being employed only after damage from water caused a water leakage. While waterproofing at the time of construction can prevent water leakage and associated damage and certainly used for repair, another important role that has emerged for waterproofing products is one where the use of the appropriate product/s and their correct application can significantly help make the building stronger, more durable, hygienic and safe. Waterproofing can also help to maintain the appearance of newness by protecting against damaging effects of weather and pollutants.

Tech-Dry India is a strong niche player in the market of construction chemicals. From 1992, beginning with collaboration with Tech Dry Australia, TDI is the manufacturer of 4th generation waterproofing chemicals. Our founder, my father, Dr. Surendra P. Bhatnagar, was well-known in the scientific industry as a talented organic chemist. Under his direction, Tech-Dry India rapidly established a market reputation for offering novel, water-based, waterproofing solutions based on scientific understanding of the interactions between building materials and waterproofing chemicals. Early as we understood that to offer products that could provide true and long-lasting solutions to our customers, we had to really understand the challenges they face. In 1993, partnering with Mr. R.N.Kaura who is a distinguished graduate of IIT, Delhi, we established Building Protection Systems, better known in the industry as BPS, an applicatorship, that using Tech-Dry products, has waterproofed and protected over 10K buildings in Bangalore alone. Having both the R&D and applicatorship, in-house, allowed Tech-Dry to gain deep understanding of the materials and methods used in construction, problems encountered and to develop scientific solutions.

Working closely with our customers we have pioneered successful treatment methodologies for most construction industry waterproofing issues. Most of our long-standing relationships with leading industry players including consultants, architects, builders and contractors are the result of the quality and extensive range of Tech-Dry's products that offer real solutions. The construction chemicals we manufacture are those that have been specifically tailored to provide an increase in durability and strength of basic construction materials.

Water is considered an elixir, essential for life, but in buildings it can be a slow but definite cause of structural failure. Durability and strength of concrete structures can be directly influenced by reducing the absorption of water. Water entering walls, rusts reinforcement roof & in beams (corrosion) while moisture penetration carries chloride, CO2 and other ions into the structure commonly referred to as carbonation. These bind to and enter into structural elements, unravelling their bonds making it easier for them to break, chip or fall apart.

Tech-Dry prides itself at being able to offer a variety of products that are all environmentally and user-friendly & responsible. While we manufacture over 100 products some of which can be reviewed at www.techdryindia.com, some exciting products that are particularly exceptional in enhancing structural integrity that we'd like to highlight are:

Protekta KP is a thermal insulation product (Cool Roof Coating in warmer climates) for roofs, terraces, walls on concrete, cement plastered, asbestos, and metal roof surfaces. It functions as a shield against heat transfer particularly on roofs. Small spherical elastomeric particles called microspheres along with other organic and polymeric additives result in an effective thermal insulation coating that dramatically reduces thermal conductivity. It is a water-based, flexible, breathable, durable and strong surface bonding coating. Tested as per ASTM C 1980, the solar reflectance index is 106, solar reflectance value is 87.5% and thermal emittance of 88% (tested at National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore).

Protekta Emulsion KR2 is a waterproofing admixture. and a unique emulsion waterproofing admixture for concrete and mortar. Tests show that it can reduce water absorption by over 90%. It is water-based, specially formulated silane-siloxane emulsion. It gets permanently bonded with concrete/plaster and cannot be washed out. Tested as per Guidelines of Din 52617 for water absorption, % w/w (after 24 hours) shows 1.0%

Protekta Silane Cream is an advanced anti-corrosion and anti-carbonation product. Silane is one of the most effective water repelling molecules. As Protekta Silane Cream is thixotropic, it allows the silane to remain on the concrete surface longer, and penetrate deeper into the surface. In accelerated tests of Protekta Silane Cream treated concrete a four time reduction in carbonation and corrosion of concrete reinforcement was achieved. Tested for ASTM C1210-10, the chloride permeability is found to be very low. It delays time-to-corrosion attack by up to four times when compared to control untreated concrete. (Tested at Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi, TN).

Protekta Micro Emulsion is a silane-siloxane based water repellency product. The exterior surface of buildings face the onslaught of weather and pollution. Its nano particle size allows easy penetration of dense surfaces. It makes concrete pores and capillaries hydrophobic. Tested at Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), the chloride permeability delays time-to-corrosion by up to four times when compared to untreated concrete.

Protekta Unicoatis a Durable elastomeric coating offering excellent weather resistance and toughness and is an anti-chloride and anti-carbonation surface coating. Like our other elastomeric coatings, it is flexible, breathable, crack-bridging with high elongation and weatherability. Tested as per ASTM D-412 and ASTM D-624 (Die cast) at Civil-Aid Technoclinic Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore.

Protekta Flexjoint is a Highly Flexible elastomeric coating provides a breathable waterproof surface, strong bonding with old surface. Protekta Flexjoint is obtained through specific polymerization of different acrylics and shows a high degree of flexibility (having an elongation of 1380% Tested as per ASTM D-412 at Shriram Institute for Industrial Research).

Protekta Hydro Grout is a single component chemical grout. It is a safe polymer and does not affect ground water. It can be injected directly into the heart of damaged area with a grouting machine and helps stem the flow of fast flowing or slower water leaks within 5 minutes.

Protekta Base is a crystallization and porosity reducer, product for concrete and other natural stones and particularly brick bat coba. It is a combination of silicates and special proprietary chemicals. Tested at Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, Bangalore for Water resistance/repellency after 24 hours, the result is 62.5%.

PROTEKTA EJR is an Expansion joint treatment, which unlike silicones, can withstand exposure to water very well. Expansion joints are periodical breaks or gaps in the structure to allow movement caused by expansion and contraction because of temperature fluctuations. Tested as per British Standards: 4254-193 at Civil-Aid Technoclinic Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore.

Tech-Dry (India) Pvt. Ltd. offers a wide selection of waterproofing chemicals that are simple to use and offer unmatched solutions to building protection and restoration needs. Our Mission has been to bring quality products to market that are technologically advanced, enhance safety and durability of buildings and protect our environment.