Unique Self-Sealing Ability

One of the unique traits of an integral crystalline waterproofing application is its ability to "self-seal". Only a small fraction of the chemicals are used to facilitate crystal growth when they are initially mixed or applied to concrete. The unused chemicals sit dormant. When future cracks occur, water acts as a catalyst to the crystalline chemicals, triggering additional crystal growth to seal the crack.

A Permanent and Sustainable Choice

Integral crystalline waterproofing is a permanent solution - it will not crack, peel, tear or wear away, even against high hydrostatic pressure, so it never needs replacing. It's non toxic, safe for potable water tanks and contains no volatile organic compounds. In comparison, external membranes are usually petroleum-based and can leach oil into the ground, contaminating drinking water. Membrane-coated concrete also goes straight to the landfill while crytalline waterproofed concrete can be safely recycle.

Easy Application

Crystalline chemicals come in powder form and can be conveniently added to new concrete at the time of batching or at the jobsite to create a powerful water barrier in slabs, walls and joints. There is no need for any type of surface application at the construction site.

Crystalline formulas can also be brushed or sprayed onto existing concrete in slurry form or broadcast onto fresh concrete flatwork by way of the "dry-shake" method. Products and application methods also exist for crack repair, construction joints, pipe penetrations and form-tie holes to protect against contamination and steel reinforcement corrosion. The best waterproofing systems can be applied to the positive or negative side of concrete, allowing the structure to be waterproofed or repaired without the costly process of digging up the perimeter landscaping.

When applied to existing concrete, crystalline chemicals are absorbed by natural capillary action and diffusion. Once inside, the chemicals begin growing crytals that fill the naturally occurring pores, capillaries and microscopic voids of concrete.

Time and Cost Savings

Using crystalline systems can actually accelerate project schedules by eliminating the need for conventional membrane application. Backfilling can begin right away and the cost of labor and surface membrane materials are reduced.

Reliability

Crystalline technology is impervious to physical damage or detorioration. While membranes are the best the day they are applied, crystalline waterproofing becomes better with time.

Crytalline Copycats - What's the Difference?

Kryton's flagship product is Krystol Internal Membranes, better known as KIM. KIM is an environmentally friendly admixture that is mixed directly into the concrete. It can be thrown into a ready-mix truck in a convenient dissolvable bag.

KIM is also the world's first and leading crystalline waterproofing admixture. Being 'the original' means there are plenty of copycats on the market. It's easy to confuse crystalline waterproofing with products that are simply concrete densifiers or pore blockers. It's important to stay away from stearates and sodium silicates and beware of hydrophobic products.

There are many crystalline products that claim permanent, in-depth waterproofing. However, the majority of these contain stearates and sodium silicates. Stearates and sodium silicates are often classified as dampproofers and not waterproofers since they are known to break down and leach out of concrete.

Silicate-based products react with compounds in concrete such as calcium hydroxide or free lime. The reaction binds the compounds into an insoluble solid and does not panetrate more than a few milimeters into the concrete. These products do not possess self- sealing capabilities and since they are insoluble, the presence of water in the future has no effect on them.

Stearate-based products are also hydrophobic, which means they repel water. These products have minimal penetrating ability and merely fill the initial surface pores of concrete. They are best when first applied and will not withstand hydrostatic pressure over time and cannot effectively provide long-term waterproofing.

Stick to the original: KIM

Kryton's KIM is a cementitious chemical admixture that contains no stearates, sodiums silicates or harmful chlorides. KIM works through a proprietary blend of chemicals, promoting crystal growth that counteracts water intrusion. Moreover, KIM and other Krystol products are hydrophilic - they use water to facilitate a chemical reaction that creates an impermeable concrete mass. More water equals more crystals, until no additional water can panetrate. KIM's self-sealing hydrophilic properties mean it's able to grow throughout the concrete, increasing resistance to hydrostatic pressure and allowing it to become stronger with age.

In short, KIM works. It is a true crystalline waterproofing admixture that has become the industry standard for new construction. Guaranteed.

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