FAIRMATE CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGY

Crystalline Technology waterproofs and thus enhances the durability of concrete structures
by pore-blocking mechanism, where in the pores, capillaries and micro-cracks in the
concrete are blocked with a non-soluble, crystalline formation.

Concrete is a product of an irreversible chemical reaction. During hydration of cement

particle, the reaction between water and the cement causes the concrete to become a hard,
solid mass. The reaction also produces chemical by-products such as calcium hydroxide,
sulphates and carbonates of sodium potassium and calcium as well as un-hydrated or
partially hydrated cement particles. These by-products exist in the pores and capillary tracts
of the concrete.

Crystalline products contain special additives, which react with the by-products of cement
hydration, in the presence of moisture, initiating a chemical reaction producing a non-
soluble crystalline formation. This crystalline formation occurs only in areas having
presence of moisture. Thus it will form only in the pores, capillary tracts, and shrinkage
cracks of the concrete. In the absence of moisture, these chemicals remain dormant in the
pores of concrete. These proprietary additives also have the characteristics of travelling, by
diffusion, into the finer concrete pores and voids which are developed during the
evaporation of water. The reaction will continue until the chemicals are either exhausted or
the concrete becomes moisture-free. The crystalline formation fills and plugs the voids in
concrete becoming an integral and permanent part of the concrete matrix. This also in turn
helps in producing a denser concrete enhancing the durability characteristics of concrete.

FAIRMATE | In technical collaboration with M/s. RBP Ltd. UK 1

Advantages
Since crystalline systems become an integral part of the concrete, the risk of damages as in
the case of waterproofing membranes is reduced. Hence it does not require any protection.
This makes crystalline admixture an ideal choice for large areas such as basement rafts,
retaining walls, podium terraces, terrace areas, etc., where possibility of damages to the
waterproofing treatment during protection (spreading, brickbat cobs, etc.) itself is high.

It also seals hairline cracks up to 0.4-0.5 mm width. The chemical resistance of crystalline
systems (pH range between 3 and 11 under constant contact, and 2 and 12 under periodic
contact) makes it an ideal choice in areas subject to extreme chemical conditions such as
sub-soil and marine conditions, chemicals retaining tanks, sewage treatment plants, etc.
Due to the non-toxic nature of the material it can also be used for potable water storage
areas. Selection of Suitable Crystalline method.

CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING products are available in powder form. There

are three different application methods -
1. Surface applied coating for an existing Concrete Structure
2. As an Admixture.
3. Dry shake application for fresh concrete

CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING COATING

Crystalline waterproofing as a coating system (E.g. WATERGUARD CRYSTALLINE) can
be brush-applied or sprayed. The crystalline waterproofing coating system has a unique
chemical diffusion characteristic. Hence for efficient results, workmanship, viz. surface
preparation, surface saturation, dosage and curing, etc. is highly important.

Concrete surfaces where crystalline waterproofing coating (E.g.WATERGUARD

CRYSTALLINE) is to be carried out should have an open pore texture to allow the transfer
of the crystalline additives from the surface coating into the concrete. The surface also
needs to be clean and free of dirt, mould release oil, and other foreign matter as this can
clog the pores and prevent the effective diffusion of the additives into the concrete.

Surface preparation may be carried out by water jetting, sand blasting or acid etching. Sand
blasting is normally required when steel formworks have been used and the concrete has
smooth finish. Acid etching can be accomplished using either muriatic acid or citrus-based
products when the use of an acid is not environmentally acceptable. It is advisable to clean
the area again with water after acid etching to neutralize the surface.

FAIRMATE | In technical collaboration with M/s. RBP Ltd. UK 2

WETTING THE SURFACE
Another prerequisite for an efficient crystalline waterproofing system is that, the concrete
surface should be in a saturated, surface damp condition. This is to facilitate the diffusion of
the chemicals from the coating into the capillary tracts of the concrete. For vertical surfaces,
walls have to be wetted with clean water for about ten hours. In conditions with hot sun and
wind it is better to proceed in small convenient areas at a time.

COATING/SPRAYING APPLICATION
The crystalline waterproofing coating materials are mixed with water at a ratio of 2.5-3 parts
powder to 1 part water by volume and is applied with a brush at a coverage rate of 1.0- 1.25
kg per Sqm for 2 coats. The application can also be carried out with specialized spray
equipments. Under normal conditions, the crystalline waterproofing coating will set in 2-3
hours. The second coat can be done at this point. If the first coat has dried, it must be lightly
sprayed with water prior to the application of the second coat.

CURING
Curing of the crystalline waterproofing system is crucial for efficient and effective
performance and is particularly important for two reasons:

First and foremost, crystalline waterproofing uses water as a medium for diffusion of the
chemicals from the coating into the saturated concrete substrate. If adequate curing of the
crystalline waterproofing does not take place, evaporation will first dry out the coating and
then begin to pull moisture from concrete. This prevents the effective diffusion of the
chemicals into the concrete substrate.

Secondly, curing also ensures proper hardening of the coating and adhesion of the coating
to the concrete surface. Curing has to be carried out by spraying with water.

Curing should begin as soon as the coating has hardened sufficiently. Under normal
conditions, curing can begin two to three hours after coating, and can be done by misting
with a fog spray of clean water at least three times a day for two to three days. In warm
climates or on hot windy days, the frequency of curing has to be increased. During the
curing period, treated surfaces must also be protected from rain and freezing temperatures.
The overall process of crystalline formation may take two to three weeks to reach full
maturity.

Curing should begin as soon as the coating has hardened sufficiently. Under normal
conditions, curing can begin two to three hours after coating, and can be done by misting
with a fog spray of clean water at least three times a day for two to three days. In warm
climates or on hot windy days, the frequency of curing has to be increased. During the
curing period, treated surfaces must also be protected from rain and freezing temperatures.

FAIRMATE | In technical collaboration with M/s. RBP Ltd. UK 3

The overall process of crystalline formation may take two to three weeks to reach full
maturity.

CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING ADMIXTURE

CRYSTALLINE ADMIXTURE (E.g. FAIRCRETE RMW CRYSTALLINE) forms part of
concrete and helps in making the concrete dense and watertight. Hence the major part of
the waterproofing activity is completed during concreting itself, needing only the joint
treatment after the concrete sets and hardens. Adding crystalline waterproofing chemicals
to the concrete mix ensures homogenous dispersion of the additives throughout the
structure, rather than penetrating from the surface as would be the case with a coating
application. This is most efficient in areas such as raft slabs, retaining walls, etc.
CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING ADMIXTURES (E.g. FAIRCRETE RMW
CRYSTALLINE) also help to reduce concrete shrinkage and increase compressive
strength. When the crystalline admixture is added directly to the concrete mix, the
construction costs, especially waterproofing costs are significantly reduced because only
the construction joints have to be treated after the hardening of the concrete. Hence labour
required for surface treatment application is eliminated and the time required is reduced.

The crystalline waterproofing admixture can be added to concrete at the time of batching as
well as at the site immediately before pouring of the concrete.

CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING ADMIXTURES (E.g. FAIRCRETE RMW

CRYSTALLINE ) are compatible with other chemical admixtures such as superplasticizers,
air entraining agents and water reducers. These can also be used in conjunction with
mineral admixtures such as fly ash, and other supplementary cementing materials. When
crystalline admixtures are used, it is always advisable to conduct site trials to meet the
workability requirements of the design mixes.

DRY-SHAKE (BROADCASTING) FOR NEW SLAB CONSTRUCTION

Crystalline waterproofing can also be applied by the dry-shake (E.g. WATERGUARD DS
CRYSTALLINE) application method to new slabs during construction. This process
requires the crystalline powder compound to be sprinkled onto the PCC surface or the top
of slabs. When applied over the PCC, the crystalline admixture broadcasting has to be
done after the reinforcement is tied. The raft concrete can be cast on the broadcasted
surface.

FAIRMATE | In technical collaboration with M/s. RBP Ltd. UK 4

NEGATIVE SIDE WATERPROOFING
Existing basements that are subject to water seepage through foundation walls and floors
can be treated by crystalline waterproofing on the negative side, i.e the inside of the
structure. Coatings that depend on their adhesion to the surface will delaminate. Since
crystalline waterproofing penetrates into the concrete and blocks the pores beneath the
surface, it does not depend on surface adhesion and therefore will not peel off.

FAIRMATE Enhances Concrete at its best

1. Section of dry concrete wall showing the natural free lime and moisture in the capillary
system.
2. Concrete wall exposed to water. The water has forced it’s way into the capillaries.
Longterm effect: leaky, damaged concrete.
3. WATERGUARD CRYSTALLINE treatment: The reaction between the free lime,
moisture and WATERGUARD CRYSTALLINE has set in.
4. The concrete is now watertight. WATERGUARD CRYSTALLINE penetrates the
concrete forming crystals which Substantially constrict the capillaries but still allow
water vapour to pass.
5. Crystals remain in the concrete, ready to reactivate upon water impact. The crystals
have now penetrated deeply into the solid concrete.

FAIRMATE | In technical collaboration with M/s. RBP Ltd. UK 5

 FAIRMATE TREATED CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING

TOPIC IMPROVEMENT BENEFIT

CHLORIDE- higher abrasion resistance of the

5 fold reduction of Chloride diffusion
BARRIER concrete

SULPHATE Virtually eliminate sulphate attack for higher ageing resistance of the
RESISTANCE a period of 20 – 30 years concrete

concrete protection against: sea

WEAR / Weight loss by abrasion reduced 70 –
water, waste water, aggressive
ABRASION 75 %
ground water, chemical solutions

When using WATERGUARD

VAPOUR
CRYSTALLINE below an Epoxy floor concrete is still able to breathe
DIFFUSION
coating no blisters formed.

after partial removal of

waterproofing function remains
WATERPROOFING WATERGUARD CRYSTALLINE no
integral in concrete
moisture detected

COMPRESSIVE Up to + 7.3 % increase when powder increased performance of concrete

STRENGTH sprinkled generally

FAIRMATE | In technical collaboration with M/s. RBP Ltd. UK 6

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please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

In technical collaboration with Ms. RBP Ltd. UK

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8/1, “SAI SUDHA”, 0091 265 2330803 sales@fairmate.com
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Vadodara 390 007. Gujarat, India www.fairmatebuildingsolutions.com
+91 7574 8346 03
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Important Note
Any information contained herein and any advice given by Fairmate is made to the best of our ability on the basis of current industrial practice and our own knowledge and experience. Any responsibility for damages resulting from the use of or reliance
upon such information or products such information refers to is limited pursuant to our conditions of sale and delivery. Neither our advice nor any information contained herein shall cause the purchaser or any other person or entity using our products to
refrain from testing our products and verifying any suggestions contained in our information or reviewing conflicting patent and proprietary rights; and we expressly request and invite the customer or such other user of our products to perform such tests
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