Not all below ground waterproofing systems offer the same protection or easy application, and consequences can be costly. With more than 25 years and 65 million square metres of proven success, GCP Applied Technologies provides advice in selecting a below ground waterproofing solution
Water migration and gas build-up can cause grave and costly problems for below ground construction. Specifying the right waterproofing solution can reduce costs and project timelines and provide a future of long-lasting results.
Choose the right solution and all parties involved in the project, from the architects, contractors and engineers, to the investors and property owners, can have peace of mind that their investment is protected for the service life of the structure. Choose the wrong solution and the consequences can be costly, with extended project timelines, higher application costs, water-leaks and gas build-up post-completion.
To remove cause for concern, making the right decision in the planning stage is key. Opt for a solution with proven performance that can provide fast, easy and cost-effective application. Here are five must-have features to look for:
1. Proven track record
It is important to remember that not all below ground waterproofing systems are the same. Always look for a waterproofing solution that has been tried and tested with proven results in conditions similar to your project. At GCP Applied Technologies, the PREPRUFE庐 waterproofing system with ADVANCED BOND TECHNOLOGY鈩� was the first adhesively bonded, pre-applied below ground waterproofing system proven to protect infrastructure from water ingress, corrosive soil, gas and moisture for the service life of the structure. It is designed to aggressively adhere directly and intimately to concrete providing an integral protective seal between the waterproofing membrane and structure. The continuous layer of waterproofing adhesive remains flexible for crack bridging as the concrete hardens. What鈥檚 more, the patented surface coating is smooth and non-clogging to resist dirt and contaminants and can withstand up to 8 weeks of UV exposure onsite.
To date over 65 million square metres of PREPRUFE庐 waterproofing membrane have been applied worldwide to protect commercial and government buildings, railways, airports, stadiums, industrial plants, hospitals and tunnels, in more than 75 countries. The PREPRUFE庐 waterproofing solution has an unparalleled track-record of over 25 years.
2. Easy, quick and cost-effective application
Many below ground waterproofing systems require layers such as a fleece-like interface that is mechanically attached between the membrane and concrete, tapes and sealants or heat-welded joints. These systems can be complex to apply in confined basement spaces, often requiring primers, heat, power, special equipment and numerous ancillary products. This is not only time-consuming but also extremely costly, while increasing the chance of errors or delays.
To avoid this, GCP鈥檚 PREPRUFE庐 Plus system features a unique ZipLap鈩� technology, which provides double self-adhesive laps and liners that are applied using a wide fast kick-out roll. Unlike other waterproofing systems, GCP鈥檚 system only requires two operators to apply it, saving labour and machinery costs. The smooth patented coating resists surface dirt and contamination. The system includes PREPRUFE庐 Tape for detailing - this is a single layer of reinforced pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to protect corners and details, so that no back taping or priming is necessary.
The PREPRUFE庐 Plus waterproofing membrane is a tough but flexible HDPE geo-membrane that adheres easily to complex details to form a watertight seal, cures fast for immediate traffic, is easy to clean after rebar and will resist more than 70m water pressure. The system鈥檚 ZipLap鈩� technology provides reliable protection with double adhesive laps designed to simply peel-back for fast installation. PREPRUFE庐 Plus waterproofing membrane with ZipLap鈩� technology means time, labour and costs are reduced, as no equipment, primers, heat or power are required for application.
3. Versatile for use in different markets and industries
If you鈥檙e seeking a waterproofing solution that will equally perform in a range of climatic conditions, the PREPRUFE庐 Plus system will also meet this criteria. Thanks to its ADVANCED BOND TECHNOLOGY鈩�, the system can be applied in extremely hot, cold, dry and wet, snowy and dusty climates and conditions. GCP designed the waterproofing solution to suit projects large and small located around the world in wide-open areas as well as confined urban spaces.
4. Added benefit: waterproofing and gas resistance in one
Water isn鈥檛 the only natural element posing a threat to below ground structures. Odourless and invisible, but very much a hazard, ground gases present serious challenges for underground construction projects too. Toxic, asphyxiating or explosive gases such as radon, carbon dioxide and methane may be present in the ground naturally, or from contamination, and a build-up of gases can have dangerous implications. To avoid the need to weld laps or design and install a separate gas resistance system, the PREPUFE庐 Plus system combines waterproofing and gas resistance in one easy and fast application. The PREPRUFE庐 Plus system may be better known globally for its waterproofing performance, but independent testing carried out by Kiwa GmbH TBU has proven the system satisfies British Standards Institute鈥檚 stricter BS 8485:2015 guidelines for gas resistance2. With operations in 193 countries, BSI standards are widely respected by the construction industry around the world. Many below ground waterproofing technologies will require onsite welding in order to comply with the BS 8485:2015 requirements of methane and carbon dioxide resistance. Unlike any other product currently on the market, the PREPRUFE庐 Plus membrane is unique with its ZipLap鈩� adhesive-to-adhesive technology that seals laps completely, removing the need for onsite welding and is quick and easy to apply. This means engineers and architects can specify the PREPRUFE庐 Plus membrane to waterproof below ground structures with the added benefit and peace of mind that they are complying with the BSI鈥檚 stricter gas resistance guidelines without changing their design to add ventilation or welding. GCP鈥檚 PREPRUFE庐 Plus waterproofing system is recognized by Qualiconsult, Avis d鈥橢xpert AFTES TOS 199, Avis Technique d茅liver茅 par le CSTB and is certified by BBA Approval Inspection Testing.
5. Leading technology with expertise on-hand
GCP is a leading global provider of construction products technologies that include a range of high-performance waterproofing products, additives for cement and concrete, the VERIFI庐 in-transit concrete management system, and specialty systems. Our global team of technical experts are committed to helping projects run smoothly from start to finish. Knowledge of best practices and extensive in situ experience to solve known challenges as well as those unexpected help to keep timelines and budgets on track during construction.
The choice is yours
If you鈥檙e looking to protect below ground construction from water ingress and dangerous gas build-up, easy and fast application, and peace of mind during and long after construction is finished, the PREPRUFE庐 Plus waterproofing system is proven to be the smart choice.
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