How Bentonite Boosts Your Project’s Eco-Friendly Credential
Bentonite Waterproofing Offers Eco-Friendly Advantages
In commercial building and architecture, opting for environmentally friendly materials is key. As professionals committed to sustainable practices, the materials you choose play a crucial role in reducing your projects' environmental impact and helping them qualify for LEED certification and ESG compliance. When you're considering different waterproofing options like asphalt and plastic membranes, bentonite scores the most environmental points.
The Natural Choice
Sodium bentonite, a highly absorbent type of clay, naturally expands to form an impermeable barrier when it meets water. First used in the mid-20th century to seal ponds and wells, this remarkable clay isn't just great at waterproofing. It’s also one of the most eco-friendly materials you can choose. Known for its "green" qualities well before sustainability became a global trend, the ability of bentonite to form a natural hydraulic barrier is a well-established fact.
Best for low-risk projects
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to waterproofing. Risk tolerance tilts the balance in favor of one solution over another. Key factors influencing risk tolerance are the building's intended use and its geotechnical conditions.
Bentonite products – like Henry MiraCLAY™ – have been used since the 1960s. It is widely used in pre-applied below-grade applications, foundation walls, and underslab applications. It may also be used in post-applied below-grade foundation wall applications.
Designed for both high performance and minimal environmental impact, MiraCLAY offers significant improvements over traditional bentonite cardboard panels. It combines the latest in geotextile technology with the proven waterproofing capabilities of sodium bentonite. A MiraCLAY geotextile panel consists of sodium bentonite clay encased between two layers of woven and non-woven, puncture-resistant polypropylene fabric. A process called Infrabond™ thermally fuses the needle-punched fibers to the polypropylene fabric. This locks the sodium bentonite into place regardless of incline or hydration cycles, ensuring a permanently bonded membrane.
MiraCLAY is engineered to meet the rigorous standards of modern construction requirements. Its self-sealing properties enhance puncture resistance, ensuring durability while remaining cost-effective and easy to install. Additionally, MiraCLAY's non-toxic composition and absence of harmful emissions make it well-suited for projects targeting high LEED scores and ESG standards.
Choosing Henry MiraCLAY for Your Next Project
For building owners and architects committed to environmentally responsible construction without compromising on quality and reliability, Henry MiraCLAY offers an ideal solution. Its sustainable attributes, coupled with superior long-term performance in low-risk environments, make it an ideal choice for projects where durability and eco-friendliness are crucial.
Discover Eco-Friendly Waterproofing: Download Our Bentonite Waterproofing Fact Sheet.