Arab Construction World – February 2010
In many parts of the Middle East, the tried and true method of building continues to be bricks and mortar. It’s fast, reliable, well understood and, for the most part, effective – except in periods of high humidity. Masonry mortar that’s not waterproofed against high humidity and rain allows for leaks and seeping, and rendering mortar that’s not waterproofed allows for water damage to the substrate, mold growth and discoloration of the building. So Kryton’s introduction into the construction marketplace of Krystol Mortar Admixture (KMA) offers builders a huge opportunity to reduce cracking, reduce shrinkage and improve waterproofing – all with one product.
KMA is a dry crystalline powder added to mortar during mixing. It is used as both a masonry mortar and a rendering on the outside of buildings or for interior wet rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. It is based on Kryton’s trusted Krystol technology and, like other Krystol products, when added to mortar mixes, KMA reacts to form long, needle-like crystals that block the capillary pores and micro-cracks within the mortar, effectively blocking water passage. Not only does KMA reduce mortar’s permeability, should any cracks form in the mortar later, KMA reactivates in the presence of water to re-seal, even years later.
In development in Kryton’s labs, Krystol Mortar Admixture has been improved to ensure increased bonding with the building exterior when added to rendering mortars. KMA’s proprietary formula has also been enhanced to decrease the amount of water in the mortar, leading to fewer cracks in the finished product.
KMA can be used with an existing mortar mix design and applied in the usual fashion, so no special training is required for applicators. And it’s far more durable than using a sealant that can wear away. Kryton Distributors in the Middle East have full details on this new improved product.
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