Cementitious Waterproofing

Two-Component Polymer-Modified Cementitious Waterproofing

Cementitious waterproofing slurries represent one of the most versatile, durable, and cost-effective waterproofing technologies in modern civil construction. Composed of selected Portland cements, graded silica sands, and special synthetic polymer dispersions, these materials form a monolithic hydraulic barrier that bonds tenaciously to concrete and masonry substrates.

IZOMATE supplies and applies premium flexible cementitious systems designed to withstand continuous water immersion and resisting both positive and negative hydrostatic pressure heads across Dubai and Northern Emirates projects.

Where Cementitious Systems Excel

• Elevator Pits & Sump Wells: Negative-side waterproofing preventing high groundwater from flooding subterranean machinery spaces.
• Potable Water Reservoirs & Tanks: Certified non-toxic and odorless coatings that preserve drinking water purity.
• Wet Rooms & Balconies: Direct tile-ready substrate compatible with all standard cement-based tile adhesives.
• Retaining Walls & Bridge Abutments: Resists dampness and salt migration through structural concrete.

Crystalline Catalytic Action & Polymer Mortar Engineering

Polymer-modified cementitious waterproofing slurries work through a combination of physical surface barrier protection and deep catalytic chemical crystallization. When applied to a sound, saturated concrete substrate, the active chemical ingredients in our crystalline formulations react with calcium hydroxide and free lime naturally present in the concrete pore water.

This catalytic reaction generates insoluble microscopic needle-like dendritic crystals that grow throughout the capillaries and micro-fissures of the concrete matrix. These crystals block the passage of liquid water while remaining permeable to air and vapor, allowing the concrete structure to breathe naturally. Even years after initial application, the dormant crystalline chemicals reactivate upon contact with new moisture, automatically self-healing new hairline micro-cracks up to 0.4mm wide.

Two-Component Flexible Elastomeric Slurries

For structures subject to thermal movement or dynamic structural vibration (such as elevated balconies, podium decks, and water retaining basins), rigid single-component slurries are insufficient. IZOMATE specifies advanced two-component flexible cementitious systems containing high proportions of synthetic acrylic polymer liquids (complying with EN 14891 Type CM O2P):

• High Flexibility & Crack Bridging: Bridges dynamic substrate cracks exceeding 1.0mm at sub-zero and elevated temperatures.
• Direct Tile Bonding: Provides an ideal mechanical and chemical bonding key for standard C2-grade cementitious tile adhesives without requiring intermediate bonding keys.
• Resists Positive & Negative Hydrostatic Heads: Withstands outward hydraulic pressure in swimming pools (up to 5 bar / 50m head) and inward soil water pressure in subterranean elevator pits (up to 2.5 bar).
• Certified Potable Water Safe: Completely non-toxic, odorless, and resistant to continuous immersion in treated potable water reservoirs.

Surface Pre-Wetting & Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) Protocol

The most common cause of debonding and dusting in cementitious waterproofing slurries is applying the material onto dry, thirsty concrete. Concrete in the UAE is often warm and dry; if a cementitious polymer slurry is applied directly, the dry substrate quickly sucks the mixing water out of the slurry before the Portland cement can achieve proper hydration, leaving an unbonded, powdery layer at the interface.

IZOMATE applicators strictly enforce the Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) preparation standard. Concrete surfaces are thoroughly soaked with clean freshwater for several hours prior to application. Immediately before brushing the slurry, all standing water, puddles, and surface glisten are removed. The concrete appears dark and moist, but has no free water on top. This ensures that the polymer-modified slurry retains 100% of its moisture for complete chemical hydration, achieving maximum tensile pull-off bond strength (>1.5 N/mm² per EN 1542).

Detailed Specification for Elevator Pits & Sump Pits

Elevator pits and sewage sump wells represent severe negative-side hydrostatic pressure challenges. When groundwater rises around the building foundation, water is forced through cold joints and porous concrete into the dry machinery pit. Our multi-stage treatment involves routing out all floor-wall perimeter cold joints (20x20mm), packing with rapid-hardening water-plug cement, injecting polyurethane foam to halt active ingress, and applying three heavy-duty cross-laid coats of flexible crystalline slurry reinforced with AR-glass mesh.