Checked the condition of your concrete driveway lately? Though concrete is sought after for its strength and durability (with 29 million premixed cubic metres produced in Australia each year), its porous nature means water and soluble salts won’t find it hard to permeate the surface unless treated with a sealant. These are the products that help repel liquids and contaminants that can otherwise cause staining or permanent structural damage if absorbed in higher quantities.
Waterproofing can also be done using other products besides sealants. Admixtures added to freshly mixed concrete enhance favourable properties, like wear resistance, durability, and water repellence. Bituminous membranes added to dry concrete contain polymers, asphalt, and filler and stick with a self-adhesive membrane. Liquid waterproofing membranes consist of a coat of primer and two coats of waterproof liquid, applied by spraying or rolling. Cementitious waterproofing uses a mix of cement-based compounds, additives, water, and bonding agents for a durable and resistant waterproof finish. All products are manufactured by one of the leaders in the construction chemical sector – Fosroc.
Who is Fosroc?
Fosroc is a British company established over 80 years ago, and in its current form since 1972. The company develops, manufactures and supplies a range of high-performance chemicals for the construction industry, including adhesives, cement additives, concrete admixtures, industrial floorings, grouts and anchors, joint sealants, and an array of protective coatings, waterproofing, and surface treatments. They have production facilities in numerous locations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South and East Asia employing over 2000 employees. Products are also distributed in over 70 countries, including Australia, by official partners. Brands operating under the helm of the Fosroc name include Nitoproof, Nitoseal, Proofex, Supercast, Conplast, and Dekguard.
Besides innovative products, Fosroc is known for its on-site dedication to assistance and solutions tailored to the specific project. This is in concordance with concreting specialist teams. Hundreds of construction projects have turned to Fosroc for quality and durability. Notable examples include the Volvo Plant in Chengdu, China, the Ascot Racecourse and Emirates Stadium in the UK, the Burj Al Arab Dubai in the UAE, Delhi Metro, India, and the F1 Grand Prix Pit in Singapore among many others. In addition, the company has a comprehensive program of seminars and training courses designed to expand customer knowledge in all things concrete.
Fosroc Concrete Waterproofing
The company’s waterproofing systems and solutions are designed to ensure the integrity and durability of concrete structures. There is a wide range of products ranging from below-ground to roof waterproofing, as well as water stops and wet area sealing.
Below-Ground Waterproofing
Fosroc offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of below-ground waterproofing, providing leak-free buildings around the world. Systems are engineered to the highest standards and carry independent testing certificates.
For below-ground structures, where the exterior of the structural concrete is inaccessible, waterproofing is to be applied before pouring. In conventional systems, there is no seal between the waterproofing and structural concrete. Fosroc’s Proofex Engage is a unique and patented waterproofing membrane system consisting of a cell mesh bonded to a blended polyethylene/polypropylene membrane allowing poured concrete to interlock and form a strong mechanical bond. Typical usage is in piled wall basements.
Another innovative below-ground waterproofing solution is the Nitoproof liquid-based coatings, used in foundations for damp-proofing. A good example Is the Nitoproof 510, a grey, two-component epoxy coating used in the Interior faces of walls, floors, basements, tunnels, cellars, retaining walls, lift wells, and underground car parks. Torch-applied membranes like the Proofex Torchseal A350 with its self-adhesive 3 mm thick base sheet, are typically used to seal basements.
Above-Ground Waterproofing
There are numerous Fosroc solutions used in trafficked and untrafficked flat or sloping roofs, such as Proofex TPO membranes, or the Fosroc spray-applied Polyurea WPE 110 waterproofing membrane. Green roofs and podium decks, in either flat or slanting configurations, are also waterproofed using spay or liquid-applied membranes. This includes Fosroc’s root-resistant waterproofing systems -Proofex PGP PVC membrane, Nitoproof 800 liquid-applied membrane, Polyurea WPE spray-applied membrane and Proofex OGP TPO/FPA membrane for green roofs.
Water Industry Waterproofing
Clean water treatment facilities and sewage plants are sealed with Supercast PVC water stop in conjunction with Nitoseal MS600 sealant in the expansion and construction joints. Internal coating of potable water tanks can be achieved with Nitocote CM210, a polymer-modified cementitious waterproof coating.
Wet Area Sealing
Waterproofing products supplied by Fosroc are widely used in waterproofing and sealing wet areas that are often at risk of leaks and damage due to exposure to direct wetting, high humidity, and condensation. Various products are used for this purpose. The Supercast SW swellable and Supercast PVC water stops, Nitoproof 600PF liquid-applied membrane, and Nitoseal MS sealants can be easily and quickly applied.
Particularly popular are the Fosroc Nitotile range of products, essentially polymer-modified one-component waterproof tile adhesives, suitable for fixing many different types of ceramic, porcelain, and quarry tiles. Nitotile UW grade is used as an adhesive for the permanent fixing of tiles in damp and totally submerged conditions such as fountains, swimming pools, splash zones, and bathroom floors.
