Arab Construction World – October 2010
It is in concrete’s nature to deteriorate over time. As a porous material, it is weakened by the elements – from rain and frost to chloride contamination to harsh marine environments. It is for this reason that on September 1, 2010, Kryton International Inc. launched a new comprehensive restoration and protection system specifically designed for above-grade concrete surfaces.
Available around the world, the Hydrostop Restore & Protect System extends the useful life of aging concrete infrastructure and buildings, improves overall aesthetics and offers a more environmentally sustainable solution to total structure replacement. The Hydrostop Restore & Protect System is composed of three products: Hydrostop Grout, Hydrostop Coating and Hydrostop Sealer.
Hydrostop Grout is a non-shrink waterproof grout that can be used to fix substrate defects, such as honeycombing, cracks or holes. Like Kryton’s line of trusted Krystol products, the grout uses proven crystalline waterproofing technology to render concrete waterproof. Proprietary chemicals in Krystol produce long slender crystals that block the capillary pores and cracks and stop water flow. Hydrostop Grout is the first step in the complete Hydrostop Restore & Protect System.
The second step is Hydrostop Coating. This two-part polymerized cementitious coating is packaged in pre-measured kits for easy mixing. The coating is applied as a slurry to the surface of the concrete using a concrete brush or slurry spray machine. Once applied, Hydros-top Coating acts as a durable barrier against water intrusion while providing a more even colour and smoothness to the concrete surface.
Hydrostop Sealer is a clear, water-based sprayable liquid that produces a water repellent effect on the concrete. It contains a unique blend of silane and siloxane compounds that when applied, react with silicates within the surface of the coating. It is the final step in the Hydrostop Restore & Protect System and provides long term protection for the concrete.
Alternatives
When repairing above grade concrete structures, many contractors use patching mortars, liquid coatings, caulkings and paint. While these options have some benefits, they tend to be short term solutions and are not effective in addressing the full range of restoration needs including cracks, spalls, honeycombing and water intrusion. The escalating costs of repair over time combined with the hidden costs of facility downtime and conflicting instructions from multiple product manufacturers can make alternative products much more costly than initially thought.
Advantages
By using a system like the Hydrostop Restore & Protect System, the lifespan of a structure can be considerably lengthened and replacement costs deferred indefinitely. The system’s ability to repel water means it not only protects the exterior of the concrete, but also the reinforcement inside. Another key benefit is its superior resistance to waterborne contaminants and chemicals such as sulfates, chlorides and acids.
Hydrostop Restore & Protect System also improves the aesthetics of the building exterior. It evens out colour and texture and increases resistance to mildew, moss formation and thermal cycling.
Finally, Kryton’s newest system isn’t just effective but is also easy to install. It does not require any specialized equipment and comes with full technical support and on-site training. The Hydrostop Restore & Protect System comes in standard concrete gray or special order white color and is available worldwide through Kryton’s authorized dealers.
