Waterproofing: From Traditional to Scientific

At the time of construction or while repair waterproofing compounds are applied to resist water from penetrating inside concrete structure. Normally waterproofing process takes place at different layers and phases to create several barriers so that water cannot enter the structure. But adequate importance not given to this crucial zone while constructing new buildings. Dependency on conventional and dated systems, low awareness about modern waterproofing systems and lack of trained expertise for application holds responsible fundamentally.

Early Days

Historically humans have used variations of liquid membranes to waterproof their structures since ancient men used large leaves and tree sap to protect their excess grain from moisture. Boats were sealed with bitumen emulsion from peat bogs to avoid water from weakening the wood. Ancient Egyptians perfected bitumen emulsion to seal and protect walls from the Nile River. With all the technological advancements over the years, it is remarkable these base chemistries are still used.

Concrete is most extensively used construction material worldwide. Archaeologists discovered a type of concrete dating to 6500 BC, stone-age people used stable fire pits for heating and cooking. These fire pits, exhibited a primitive form of calcining on the exterior faces of the limestone rocks that lined the fire pits and accidental discovery of lime as a key building element. The Romans built huge structures, such as the Roman Baths, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum, which one still stands today. As admixtures, they used animal fat, milk and blood — materials that reflect very elementary techniques.

Current Trends

Modern admixture technology began through simple air-entraining agents, retarders, accelerators and water reducers around 1930s in North America. ASTM first published its C494 standard in 1962, presently known as “Historical Standard: Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete”; which set performance norms for five types of admixtures: A, B, C, D and E. Types F and G, high-range water-reducing admixtures, were not added to the C494 standard until 1980-90's.

As technology advanced structures became super structures where concrete admixture and waterproofing compounds became an integral part of new age construction.

Berger's Journey

Berger introduced its range of basic construction chemicals in 2011 with liquid integral waterproofing, SBR Latexes, tile adhesives, cementitious & liquid applied waterproofing for walls and roofs. As time progressed Home Shield has introduced many innovative waterproofing products which are first time in the industry. Starting from industrial grouts, repairing concretes, floorings, hi-technology liquid membranes, admixtures for roads & super structures, structural adhesives, bitumen coatings, Epoxy sealers and what not for all types of critical waterproofing & structural solutions. It has given advanced products like Waterproof Putty which resists efflorescence and Seal-O-Prime which penetrates in concrete pores; a simple process of waterproofing through putties and primers in residential spaces. It is pioneer to offer industry's first scientific method of moisture detection through Home Shield concrete moisture meter. With its usage trained applicators can easily understand the quantum of moisture entrapped inside concrete and thus gives suitable solution which are long-lasting. This eliminates guess work and waterproofing system failure. With access to the latest STP technologies and R&D centres, Home Shield constantly brings innovative waterproofing solutions for homes, industries, infrastructure, government and commercial buildings. Berger Home Shield also offers full technical assistance and sound application with large force of trained experts on ground.

Nirmalya Kumar

General Manager
Prolinks & Construction Chemicals

Hits: 417