The construction of almost every modern building is not without concrete. Reinforced concrete structures include foundation, floors, supports, floor screed and so on. And in order for these structures to serve for a long time, they must be protected from environmental influences. This is, first of all, protection from exposure to water, salt, chemicals. All this leads to the destruction of reinforced concrete elements. In order to protect them, apply various compositions and materials.
Types of waterproofing
Waterproofing concrete is a very important event. Its implementation is necessary not only for the construction of structures directly in contact with water, such as bridge supports, but also in the construction of houses. Concrete structures in the ground are also susceptible to moisture.
Concrete waterproofing is carried out in several ways:
- The use of special roll materials.
- The use of various compositions based on bitumen.
- Application of various liquid impregnations.
- Adding dry mixes when mixing concrete.
- Deep penetration treatment.
The latter include such a very popular and sought-after product as Penetron. It is widely known in the construction industry and is used in most cases where reliable waterproofing of concrete structures is needed. Penetron consumption per 1 m2 is very small, which is a definite plus when processing large areas. In addition, deep penetration provides a number of advantages, among which are:
- Monolithic waterproofing.
- Ease of preparation of the mixture.
- Ease of applying the composition;
- Short fixation time (after which the composition is absorbed and protects the concrete structures in bulk).
- Penetron consumption per 1 m2 is less than that of analogues.
What is Penetron?
Penetron is a dry waterproofing mixture of deep penetration. In appearance, it is a dry substance of uniform gray color. It should not contain lumps of impurities or any other inclusions. The guaranteed shelf life of the dry mix is one and a half years.
Penetron's range of waterproofing products includes several mixtures that differ in purpose and composition. The most famous product is Penetron. Consumption per 1 m2 is very small, which makes it easy to use for deep waterproofing of concrete structures of large areas.
Penetron Plus is an additional mixture, as independent waterproofing is not used. It is used in combination with Penetron and other compounds for grouting fresh horizontal concrete structures, for example concrete screed. Also, the Penetron Admix (cement-based) and Penetron Pneumatic compounds are used in construction.
Penetron is used to waterproof joints, joints, fill small cracks. This allows not only to increase the waterproofing properties of concrete, but also to improve indicators of frost resistance and strength.
When working with concrete structures in water, use the special composition "Peneplag". It is used to quickly seal leaks. The main feature of this composition is that it can be used even under water. It can also be used in combination with other products from the line to solve various problems.
Ground preparation
Before applying the composition to the concrete surface, it must be prepared. The entire surface that will be processed by Penetron must be cleaned of dust, debris, dirt, soil. If there are oil stains, oil product residues, old waterproofing (bitumen), then all this must be removed. Otherwise, the consumption of Penetron per 1 m2 of waterproofing will be greater, and the penetration of the composition will be uneven. As a result, the quality of waterproofing will deteriorate.
Is it possible to reduce consumption? Penetron per 1 m2 will not be consumed anymore, and the process of absorption of the composition will become more effective if all processed concrete structures are thoroughly moistened before application. Concrete should be saturated with water.
Cooking composition
To prepare the composition, you need about 6.5 liters of water per 20 kilograms of dry mix. In this case, the sequence of actions is important. A dry Penetron is poured into the prepared container, then water is added to it in small portions, and everything is mixed. It is necessary to add water to the powder, and not vice versa. You can mix manually or using a construction mixer or a drill with a special nozzle. Mixing when using a drill should occur at low speeds.
The composition is mixed for 2-3 minutes. It should have a consistency of liquid sour cream. After which it can be used for 30–90 minutes. During use, it must be mixed periodically to restore the original consistency.
Features of work and consumption (Penetron per 1 m2)
Now we turn directly to the issue of the flow rate of the mixture. Penetron's consumption rate per 1 m2 for processing joints, joints and cracks is only 500 grams. In this case, the composition is applied in a thin layer once. The same consumption of the mixture when processing brick walls (or walls of blocks).
With continuous processing of the concrete surface, the amount of the Penetron-based mixture increases. The consumption per 1 m2 of concrete in this case is about 800–1200 grams. In this case, the composition must be applied in two layers.
Precautions and Care
When preparing and using the mixture, safety precautions must be observed. The work must be carried out with rubber gloves, goggles, and it is advisable to use a respirator to protect the respiratory tract, as the cement and other components contained in the composition can irritate the mucous membranes.
Since the consumption (Penetron per 1 m2) is very small, the thickness of the applied layer is only a few millimeters. Therefore, it is important to maintain the moisture content of the treated surface. It can be moistened (within a week) or covered with plastic wrap.