Special waterproofing

To respond to these problems, Prolisur offers one of the most extensive and efficient ranges of solutions in the world for the repair of masonry and concrete, using the most suitable systems to restore each affected structural element in very diverse application conditions.

Naturally, in this type of action, and especially if it affects the stability of the building’s structures, experienced professionals must be consulted and Prolisur has been specializing for more than 40 years and has the support of its own engineering department .

Structural cracks in mineral construction materials such as concrete or mortar occur specifically if the low tensile and shear strength of these construction materials is exceeded, either due to mechanical overloading (cracks), concreting failures concreting, cavitation, material washing, etc…) or environmental impact. These pathologies can appear in all types of buildings
(residential, services, commercial, etc.), as well as in infrastructure and civil works.

Structural elements in contact with the ground are exposed to different moisture stresses, such as seepage water, soil moisture, and groundwater. Baseboard areas are also exposed to stresses caused by splashing water, ice, de-icing salt, and thermal stresses due to temperature fluctuations.

As you would expect, professionally constructed buildings are provided with waterproofing solutions that prevent moisture from penetrating the structure. However, construction defects, changing conditions and the aging of the materials used lead to temporary or permanent moisture damage time and time again.

Among the possible causes of humidity in masonry walls and solid brick masonry, the following stand out:

• Capillary rising damp.
• Cracks and leaky joints.
• Leaks at floor-wall junctions.
• Faulty vertical seal.
• Insufficient ventilation and/or defective insulation.
• Hygroscopic humidity related to salt.
• Damaged drain, supply and return lines.
• Moisture-related stress due to penetrating groundwater or surface water.

The consequences of moisture penetration are varied:

• The thermal insulation value of the wall is decreasing, which translates into higher heat losses.
• Spores, algae and fungi find an ideal breeding ground.
• The salts penetrate the structural elements and cause the formation of efflorescence, which leads to spalling.

This can affect the long-term stability of the building. Therefore, effective measures against the penetration of moisture are necessary to safeguard the usability of the building and protect its structure.

There are countless waterproof concrete structures whose construction joints and expansion joints need to be professionally sealed. These joints can be sealed in different ways and with various materials, but specialized labor will determine the success of this type of work. Also, when repairing expansion joints, it is important that the material used as the joint sealant can absorb the movements of the joints without being damaged. At the same time, the joints must be reliably sealed in the long term. For all this, Prolisur has a long history that guarantees our effectiveness.

For the restoration and conservation of historic structures, Prolisur offers the best systems to protect the structure of the building from the impact of water and humidity, in case of flooding, as well as in restoration works.

Among the most frequent types of actions in the conservation of historical heritage affected by humidity, the following stand out:

• Sealed against leaks from the ground of the foundations of adjacent buildings.
• Sealing and protection of the structure against corrosion.
• Protection of facade surfaces against moisture.

Static stabilization work on the building structure is also frequent.

• Filling of cracks and cavities.
• Masonry consolidation.
• Joint repair.
• Stabilization of the foundation soil.

On many occasions it is necessary to treat the damaged structure of a building by means of specific filling, consolidation and stabilization techniques.

The load-bearing capacity of building structures can be affected due to construction defects, aging and the stresses (mechanical and chemical) to which the buildings are exposed.

The waterproofing of building structures has been a top priority for Prolisur’s engineering department for decades, and among other issues, we know that it is essential to apply systems that guarantee high resistance without prejudice to a rapid curing process. Among the different possible treatments, and although they are not always applicable, those that act through hydrophobization and capillary obstruction stand out, longer lasting than other systems.

The waterproofing of construction elements below ground by sealing existing surfaces in basements, underground car parks, retaining walls and terraces has been one of the most demanded activities throughout the history of Prolisur.

These elements must be protected from the penetration of soil moisture and water seepage. High performance systems with significant thickness applied directly on surfaces in direct contact with water are undoubtedly a good choice on many occasions.

However, in many other cases, it is necessary to resort to positive pressure treatments applied in inaccessible areas. In these cases, the causes of the damage may be the lack or inadequate application of external sealants, the aging of said sealants, fluctuating groundwater levels and/or structural movements. In this way, the water penetrates through cavities, joints and defects, and can seriously affect the structure of the building. These situations are common in:

• Basements and partial basements.
• Underground parking lots.
• Concrete slabs.
• Bridge pillars and side walls.
• Tunnel structures.
• Sewage systems and well installations.
• Foundation pits.
• Retaining wall.
• Buildings located on a slope.
• Expansion joints, especially in defective sheets and tapes.
• Connection joints between new and old buildings.
• Pipe joints.
• Sewer connections.

There are many surfaces that require special protection by reliable coating systems, for example:

• Underground car parks and covered parking lots.
• Floors in industry and commercial spaces.
• Car wash.

Among other threats, these surfaces are exposed not only to mechanical stress, but also to chemical and biological aggressions, as well as stresses of thermal origin. To find the most suitable surface protection system, the requirements for use must first be defined:

• Mechanical strength.
• Moisture resistance.
• Slip resistance.
• Chemical resistance.

This is followed by an inspection of the substrate and a diagnosis of damage, since only in this way will we achieve an optimal result in technical and economic terms.

In addition to the floor covering, the joints between walls play a decisive role for a lasting result.

Prolisur uses different methods for the rehabilitation of canals and sewers, effectively restoring the watertightness of structural elements in the long term. In this way, the useful life of these infrastructures can be significantly extended through the use of modern systems with high chemical resistance.

Sewer rehabilitation is often implemented in municipal drainage systems. Often these drainage systems are historic structures exposed to increasing stress due to increasing urban development. This causes pore and surface water to gradually leak out of the grain structure of the foundation soil, leading to subsidence. The subsidence causes the rearrangement of vaults of stone walls, giving rise to cavities and leaks in the structure. In such cases, a primary goal of channel and sewer rehabilitation is to fill cavities and repair leaks.