PVC Waterstops

Waterstops (also known as waterbars) are extruded strips meant to provide a phys
ical barrier to Water in concrete joints, mostly in basements, structural founda
tions & other below ground constructions.
Stopping Water is essential at concrete joints for the safety of structure. They
act as concrete joint sealants & protect it from any seepage of water from surr
oundings. For construction joints there are arguments both in favor & against of
using water stops, issues are associated with movements & construction joints i
tself, let us consider both of them.
Advantages of using waterstops-
Act as a physical barrier to water, thus keep the joints watertight.
Eradicate the complete dependency on integrity of concrete at joints.
Disadvantages (or claimed to be)-
They are vulnerable to get damaged during construction.
Can dislocate while pouring concrete.
Compaction of concrete is more difficult around them, leading to a risk of h
oneycomb formation which may lead to leakage through concrete itself rather then
through joint.

Consequently, key issues which favors not to use water-stops are associated with
lack of good workmanship or proper technical assistance. These can be overcome
or minimized with proper guidance & knowledge. Advice of a certified professiona
l like a civil engineer, Architect is always recommended. Major important points
to be remembered are indicated below-
Installation PVC Water Stop Seals
Clarity in structure design with sound detailing.
Installation of water-stoppers should be done by experienced workers, techni
cians under proper supervision.
Ensuring that concrete is thoroughly compacted & Water sealants are secured
in place.

Compounding -
There are generally three kind of material is used in manufacturing of Waterstop
s, these are Rubber, PVC, Metal. As per various National & International standar
ds available for them, PVC(Poly vinyl chloride) is most preferable material. Gal
vanized Steel & Copper is also used but on rare occasions.

Types of Waterstops-
Passive: There are two varieties of passive waterstops depending on whether
they are applied internally i.e. within the concrete slab or externally (on oute
r surface of basement structure, also known as Kicker type).A typical PVC waters
top have two similar halfâ s on both site with a central bulb. These additional exten
sions are provided with the aim of increasing path length for water entering beh
ind the edge of water stop. The central bulb are intended for free movement join
ts, expansion & contraction at joints take place due to change in temperature &
other climatic changes. Joints expand during winters & contract during summers.
Waterstops without central bulb are appropriate, where there is no significant e
xpansion or contraction may occur. Water stops basically have three type of desi
gns which may or may not have a central bulb, these are Ribbed, Kicker & dumbbel
l type.

Expanding sealants : are strips of synthetic rubber (chloroprene or neoprene

) incorporating a hydrophilic or â water lovingâ material that are places against the f
ace of a construction joints before adjacent concrete is poured any contact with
water causes a swelling in the material which is supposed to provide a compress
ive seal & prevents any further leakage of water. Expansion sealants have major
limitations like they are not instantaneous & can cause certain amount of leakag
e before they are fully functional. It is also not suitable for use in movement
joints. A subsequent Amount of water is also essential otherwise the sealant lik
ely to contract causing leakage though the joint. such type of water stopper is
recommend on permanently wet situations such as water tanks, swimming pools. Sp
ecial care should also be taken to avoid water contact with the expanding type
of waterstop to avoid premature expansion, rendering it useless.

Jointing PVC WATERSTOP With Electric Heater Blade.

Aqua-seal PVC Waterstop can be joint very easy & effectively on site with a simp
le electrical heater blade.
Water-stops of same width & design should be sharply at edges using a knife.
Turn On the Electric Heater Blade and wait will it become hot.
Place the waterstops on both side of heater blade & press it until it melt b
ut without burning.
Remove the heater blade upward.
Joint the molten end quickly & hold them together firmly for approximately 2
0-30 seconds.

For details & commercial purposes, kindly visit: www.santoshrubber.com