Lateral Water Migration: A Costly Challenge
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is developing a standardized test method to evaluate pre-applied waterproofing membranes' resistance to lateral water migration. This phenomenon, defined as water movement from a breach in the waterproofing system along the concrete-membrane interface, can lead to extensive and expensive leak remediation.
The Importance of Effective Waterproofing Membranes
Protecting investments from lateral water migration begins with selecting the appropriate waterproofing membrane. The membrane's bonding method to concrete is crucial in preventing water ingress and determines its effectiveness.
Membrane Bonding Methods
Mechanical Bond: A mechanical bond is a physical connection between the pre-applied membrane's geotextile fabric and the concrete cast against it. However, the lack of a close and continuous seal to the concrete surface is insufficient for resisting lateral water migration. The concrete cannot fully penetrate and encapsulate the geotextile fabric, allowing water to travel laterally within it, potentially leading to widespread water ingress issues.
Adhesive Bond: An adhesive bond fully seals the waterproofing membrane to the concrete, effectively halting lateral water movement. This close and continuous seal ensures that the waterproofing membrane acts as a continuous barrier, greatly reducing the risk of water intrusion and safeguarding a structure's integrity.
Chemical Bond: A chemical bond fully seals the waterproofing membrane to the concrete by creating a molecular connection and barrier between the membrane and concrete. This close and continuous seal ensures that the waterproofing membrane acts as a continuous barrier similar to an adhesive bond. It prevents water penetration and lateral movement, ensuring long-term protection and minimizing water damage risks.
Henry Pre-Applied Waterproofing Systems
Henry offers a range of pre-applied waterproofing solutions designed to address various project needs:
MiraWELD™: MiraWELD-H horizontal grade creates a chemical bond, while MiraWELD-V creates an adhesive bond. Both grades prevent lateral water migration. MiraWELD is the only patented, fully adhered, pre-applied membrane with welded seams available in the market. It is intended for high-risk projects like hospitals, museums, and computer centers where groundwater intrusion is of utmost concern.
MiraPLY™: MiraPLY-H horizontal grade creates a chemical bond, and MiraPLY-V creates an adhesive bond. Both grades prevent lateral water migration. The system features self-adhering seams, thanks to dual-adhesive selvedges. MiraPLY is typically used on moderate to high-risk projects, on below-grade foundation walls, and beneath slabs where groundwater presents a challenge.
Blueskin PreSeal: Blueskin PreSeal features a unique and proprietary bonding mechanism that utilizes the advantages of both mechanical and chemical bonds. Unlike other mechanically bonded membranes, PreSeal's geotextile fabric is fully encapsulated with an adhesive coating, allowing a close and continuous concrete seal which prevents lateral water migration. Like MiraPLY, PreSeal features self-adhering seams with dual-adhesive selvedges. It is typically used on moderate to high-risk projects, on below-grade foundation walls, and beneath slabs where groundwater presents a challenge.
Make the Right Choice
Selecting the right waterproofing membrane is crucial for long-term structural integrity and investment protection. Henry's Pre-Applied Waterproofing Membranes offer tailored solutions for various project requirements.
Protect Your Property: Download Our Fact Sheet on Tackling Lateral Water Migration