How Waterproofing with Admixtures Reinvents Concrete Roofs Waterproofing and heat proofing Services in Pakistan

With the world moving towards sustainable development and environmental-friendly solutions, waterproofing experts and engineers are finding innovative solutions to cater to the client’s demands for long-lasting membranes. Recycling demolished concrete and using admixtures are some cost-effective ways to reduce expenditures and waste. Enhance durability and protection with waterproofing solutions for concrete roofs.

The permeability of concrete is determined with the resistance of chloride ions penetration and water depth measurement (under pressure). With the addition of concrete admixtures in the solution, higher compressive strength and lower penetration levels are achieved. Admixtures are used in various concrete structures, such as basements, roof slabs, masonry blocks, etc.

What are PRAs?

Permeability-reducing admixtures (PRAs) are divided into three categories:

Water-Repellant Chemicals

These chemicals are taken from vegetable oils, petroleum, or fatty acids: These admixtures form a strong water-resistant layer that lasts for years to come.

Finely Divided Solids

Chemically-active or inert fillers like clay, talc, hydrocarbon resins, and cold-tar pitches are used as admixtures. These substances solidify the concrete block or structure and limit the water ingress significantly. Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) are also used.

Crystalline Products

Proprietary active chemicals are added to a mixture of cement and sand to create admixtures. These materials generate crystalline deposits that resist water penetration.

Other products include:

Latex-Polymer Admixtures can repel hydrostatic pressure. However, it cannot bridge the crevices in the concrete structures. These admixtures are used to fix mortars, but not added to ready-to-use concrete.

Function of Concrete Admixtures

PRAs or waterproofing admixtures work in different ways:

Reduces the size of the capillary pores.
Blocks the capillary pores.
Reduce settlement
Increase placement rate
Augment slump without increasing the water content

Are Super Plasticizing Admixtures Effective for Roofs?

Superplasticizer is an additive that allows for better workability at reduced cement/water ratio. In other words, it enhances the strength of the product. Typically, 5-10% of water content is reduced by superplasticizers.

Superplasticizers are effective for roofs. Following are some of its benefits:

Prevent cracking
Achieve a high concrete density
Improve bond strength
Improve adhesion

How Does It Work?

When added to concrete, superplasticizers create an ionic structure by agglomerating the cement grains. The particles are negatively-charged (grains) with mutual repulsion characteristic; a strong bond is formed between the substrate and the chemical slurry. These admixtures are used in high quantities: A normal dose ranges from 1-3 m³ of concrete.

Crystalline Waterproofing Admixtures

Crystalline admixtures are categorized under PRAH (Permeability-Reducing Admixture for Hydrostatic Conditions). This technique is used for tank, foundation, and roof waterproofing. The mixture is composed of Portland cement and active materials. These materials react with water and concrete to enhance the density of hydrates (calcium silicate) and develop pore-restricting precipitates.

Following are some of the properties of crystalline waterproofing admixtures:

Eliminate water penetration
Exterior or interior waterproofing against high hydrostatic pressure
Easy to use
Minimal effect on working time
Increase flexibility
Economical
Improved chemical resistance

Accelerating Admixtures

These admixtures are not used in screed production and mortar; it increases the rate of chemical reaction between water and Portland cement within the mix. One of the accelerators used in admixtures is calcium chloride. However, it is found to augment the rate of corrosion in metal roofs.

So, is the use of admixtures important for you? Get cement waterproofing for your roofs today! Contact Waterproofing Experts, the best company in Karachi, Pakistan. We offer reliable roof waterproofing services, including basement, bathroom, water tanks, foundation, and more. Our work extends throughout the country, especially in Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, and more.