Overview
PENETRON® is a surface applied, integral crystalline waterproofing material, which waterproofs and protects concrete in depth. It consists of Portland cement, specially treated quartz sand and a compound of active chemicals. PENETRON® needs only to be mixed with water prior to application.
When PENETRON® is applied to a concrete surface, the active chemicals react with moisture and the by products of cement hydration to cause a catalytic reaction that generates an insoluble, crystalline structure. These crystals fill the pores and minor shrinkage cracks in the concrete to prevent any further water ingress (even under pressure). However, PENETRON® will still allow the passage of vapor through the structure (i.e. the concrete will be able to “breathe”). Even after the concrete has cured, PENETRON® remains dormant in the concrete and will reactivate in the presence of moisture to seal capillary tracts and hairline cracks.
In addition to waterproofing the structure, PENETRON® protects concrete against seawater, wastewater, aggressive groundwater and many other aggressive chemical solutions. PENETRON® is approved for use in contact with potable water and is therefore suitable for use in water storage tanks, reservoirs, water treatment plants, etc.
Applications
- Basement retaining walls
- Parking structures
- Concrete slabs (floor/roof/balcony, etc.)
- Tunnels and subway systems
- Construction joints
- Foundations
- Water retaining structures
- Underground vaults
- Swimming pools
- Sewage and water treatment plants
- Channels
- Reservoirs
- Bridges, dams and roads
Advantages
- Becomes an integral part of the concrete
- Penetrates deeply and seals concrete’s capillary tracts and shrinkage cracks
- Can be applied to all structurally sound concrete, new or old
- Can be applied from either the positive or negative side
- Waterproofing and chemical resistance properties remain intact even if the surface is damaged
- Completely effective against high hydrostatic pressure
- More effective overall and less costly than hydrolytic membrane or clay panel systems
- Easy to apply, labor cost effective
- Increases concrete’s compressive strength
- Will not come apart at the seams, tear or be punctured
- Does not require protection during backfilling, placement of steel or wire mesh, and other common procedures
- Seals hairline and shrinkage cracks up to 0.5 mm (1/51 in)
- Resists chemical attack (pH 3 to 11 constant contact, pH 2 to 12 intermittent contact) and provides a range of protection from freeze/thaw cycles, aggressive subsoil waters, seawater, carbonates, chlorides, sulfates and nitrates
- Can be applied to moist or “green” concrete
- Protects embedded steel (reinforcing steel and wire mesh)
- Can be used as corrosion protection of reinforcement steel bars
- Nontoxic (NSF/ANSI 61 certified for potable water applications)
- Zero VOC: PENETRON powdered products contain zero volatile organic compounds and are safe for use both outdoors and in confined indoor spaces
Application rates
- Vertical surfaces: two coats of PENETRON® at 0.7 to 0.8 kg/m² (1.25 to 1.5 lb/yd²) applied by brush or spray.
- Horizontal flatwork: PENETRON® at 1.1 kg/m² (2 lb/yd²) applied in one slurry coat to hardened concrete. Alternatively, PENETRON® can be dry sprinkled at 1 kg/m² (1.8 lb/yd²) and trowel applied to fresh concrete when it has reached initial set.
- Construction joints: PENETRON® at 1.6 kg/m² (3 lb/yd²) applied in slurry or dry powder consistency immediately prior to placing the next lift/bay of concrete.
- Blinding concrete: PENETRON® at 1.4 kg/m² (2.5 lb/yd²) applied in slurry or dry powder consistency immediately prior to placing the overlying concrete slab.
Post treatment
The treated areas should be kept damp for a period of five days and must be protected against direct sun, wind and frost, by covering with polyethylene sheeting, damp burlap or similar.
Special considerations
- Do not apply PENETRON® at temperatures at or below freezing or to frozen or freezing surfaces.
- PENETRON® cannot be used as an additive to concrete or plasters. PENETRON ADMIX® should be considered for these applications.
- PENETRON® should not be confused with a coating or membrane.
- PENETRON® is not a decorative material.
Packaging
22.7 kg (50 lb) bags.
Storage and shelf life
PENETRON products must be stored dry at a minimum temperature of 7ºC (45ºF). Shelf life is 24 months when stored under proper conditions.