Parts of a building under the terrain level are exposed to multiple effects from water such as moisture in the ground, leaching waters, and underground waters. Each of these effects has the aim of penetrating through the structure into the internal underground sections, resulting in detrimental action on the structural elements of the building and degrading the quality of life. To prevent water from entering the structure at all, waterproofing is best placed on the outside section.

Adequate waterproofing of the foundation slab

Bentonite membrane such as DRACO BENT 500 is a single-ply membrane with bentonite granules between two geotextile layers which can absorb water, i.e., in contact with water, it’s transformed into a thick water-impermeable gel that protects the structure at hydrostatic pressures of up to a depth of 70 meters. This property causing waterproofing to work with water under pressure is unique and the DRACO BENT membrane is in front of all other waterproofing methods.

The DRACO® BENT 500 is laid with the dark gray / woven side of the geotextile facing the concrete, which is insulated for both horizontal and vertical applications. The strips overlap min. 10.0 cm at all edges. The edges at the end of the roll are shifted to avoid triple folding. DRACO® BENT 120 mechanical fasteners or staples (industrial staples) are used during installation to fasten the straps (mainly on folds).

Wherever possible, the DRACO® BENT 500 is placed inside the formwork, before concreting, to achieve membrane embedding in the concrete. It is important to note that the substrate should be leveled and well compacted, and the underlying concrete may be required as part of the groundwater control at the construction site at, e.g. clay soils, but is not a necessary prerequisite for the installation of DRACO® BENT 500 membrane.

When installing on already concreted walls, the surfaces should be free of large cavities or protrusions. Cavities or pits, cracks and dilatations are filled with DRACO® FIX 130 cement mortar, DRACO® BENT 110 paste or bentonite mortar (DRACO® BENT 100 granules + water).

All penetrations through concrete, spacer holes, etc., must be filled on the outside with a suitable non-shrink mortar (such as DRACO® FIX 130) or bentonite mortar (DRACO® BENT 100 + water granules) before installing the DRACO® BENT 500.

The DRACO BENT system requires minimal preparation of surfaces, without the need for using lean or protective concrete, works under difficult conditions, and easily treats structural details. In reducing the layers, the amount of excavation is reduced as well as quickening construction. The DRACO BENT 100 granules and DRACO BENT 110 paste are essential components of systems on construction sites that seal properly every penetration, critical structural detail, or membrane end.

Concreting in segments results in concreting sections where small fissures appear, due to poorer binding between old and new concrete, and is an easy path for water. To prevent any possibility of the passing of water, the concreting section is additionally sealed using the DRACO WATERSTOP 500 strip which, when making contact with moisture, swells up and is injected into the small fissures.

Foundation waterproofing is an important part of the general construction work. The durability of the foundation and the building depends on the quality of the materials and the used technology.

Use only quality materials and pay the waterproofing the attention it deserves. DRACO waterproofing systems are designed precisely to make your homes, offices and premises safe and comfortable to live in.

If you need help or advice from our experts, reach out to us.

Although the rule that it is better to do something well and with quality, than to repair it later applies to all construction works, this rule may have the greatest significance in waterproofing. Good waterproofing protects the house, and every mistake in the building pays dearly.

Often, the buried walls of a building lean against the structural elements of the construction pit, resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of excavation and maximizing the utilized area. Larger pressure from underground water is transferred to the slab and walls of the building which should be waterproofed properly.

Properly executed waterproofing

The DRACO BENT 505 bentonite membranes can be inserted directly on protective elements in construction pits subject to prior preparation of the surface. The flexible and pliable membrane containing bentonite granules between two layers of geotextile adapts to various surfaces and can be fastened quickly and simply using the DRACO BENT 125 nails and washers. The bentonite membrane DRACO BENT 505 can be installed directly on the protection elements of the construction pit with the prior preparation of the substrate. The flexible and pliable membrane with bentonite granules between the two layers of geotextile adapts to different substrates, and the fastening is done quickly and easily with DRACO BENT 125 nails with a rondelle. The DRACO® BENT 505 is laid with the dark gray / woven side of the geotextile facing the concrete, which is insulated in both horizontal and vertical applications.

It is important to note that the substrate should be leveled and well compacted. When installing on already concreted walls, the surfaces should be free of large cavities or protrusions. Cavities or pits larger than 20 mm in diameter, cracks and dilatations are filled with DRACO® FIX 130 cement mortar, DRACO® BENT 110 paste or bentonite mortar (DRACO® BENT 100 granules + water).

All penetrations through concrete, spacer holes, etc., must be filled on the outside with a suitable non-shrinking mortar (such as DRACO® FIX 130) or plugs, covered with DRACO® BENT 110 paste or bentonite mortar (DRACO® BENT 100 + granules) before installing DRACO® BENT 505.

The construction of the AB wall is done in one-sided formwork, directly over the installed waterproofing membrane built into the formwork. The AB floor / foundation slab is also constructed directly over the membrane, and the adhesion of the bentonite fibers to the surface of the poured concrete prevents the underwatering of water between the structure and the waterproofing.

Consequences of poor waterproofing of the foundation

When building residential and other buildings, it is necessary to pay special attention to the waterproofing of burial walls and adhere to the regulations and recommendations of the profession in its implementation, because poor waterproofing of the foundation can cause many problems and  great difficulties which will lead to the repair of the foundation. Waterproofing, in most cases, comes before the concrete works, and if it is omitted or poorly made, the building is in great danger.

Use only quality materials and pay the waterproofing the attention it deserves. DRACO waterproofing systems are designed precisely to make your facilities safe and comfortable to live in.

If you have any questions, contact us without hesitation!

The quality of construction of waterproof concrete structures depends primarily on well-executed waterproof joints. To achieve the desired level of quality, special precautions must be taken at all stages of project implementation.

The choice of a suitable sealing method

The choice ultimately depends on a whole range of different factors, including water composition, the purpose of construction, amount and pressure of water, soil composition, climatic conditions, projected construction life, and many other important factors.

In our experience, deformations through time have been noticed on concrete and are the result of producing large concrete surfaces in operational sections. As much as the concreting joint is essential for the structure, so too is it a danger due to water penetration. Besides concreting in sections, continuity of the structure is interrupted by various penetrations, most often installations.

In structural terms, adequate reinforcement binding is achieved at each concreting section, whereas the binding of the new and old concrete is weakened due to micro-cracks. Micro-cracks, segregation spots, and penetrations are easy paths for water to enter the structure.

To seal each critical spot properly, the DRACO BENT products have been developed, such as the DRACO BENT 110 paste, the DRACO BENT 100 granules, and the DRACO WATERSTOP 500 waterstop strip.

• • DRACO® BENT 110 is a thick paste based on polymerized bentonite for surface preparation, processing of details, working joints and penetrations in waterproofing with DRACO® BENT bentonite membrane. In contact with water it swells forming an impermeable seal. DRACO® BENT 110 paste is easy to install and adheres to most materials (structural concrete, masonry, wood, most metal surfaces, etc.). It is easily installed on horizontal and vertical surfaces with a trowel.
• • DRACO® BENT 100 are granules of sodium bentonite treated with polymers that are used to process details in the DRACO® BENT waterproofing system. In contact with water, DRACO® BENT 100 granules form a dense impermeable seal which, in combination with sodium bentonite – based products from the DRACO® BENT system, forms a complete waterproofing system.
• • DRACO WATERSTOP 500 is a hydrophilic waterstop made of bentonite and butyl rubber. In contact with water it swells and seals construction joints in concrete by injecting into small cracks, it counteracts hydrostatic pressure and prevents water passage through the joint. It is used to replace conventional passive PVC or rubber waterstop strips, eliminating the requirement of split-forming, seam welding, and binding to the armature.

One of the most important prerequisites for good foundation waterproofing is quality waterproofing materials. In addition, the professional application of the same and the professional execution of waterproofing works should definitely be added. Whether it is to prevent the penetration of moisture from the soil or the pressure of groundwater on the foundations, these two parameters are a basic prerequisite for reliable and durable waterproofing of the foundation.

Choosing the right material for waterproofing the foundation and proper installation are extremely important for the protection of the foundation, because the subsequent repair of the foundation is very complex and causes high costs.

Use only quality materials and pay the waterproofing the attention it deserves. DRACO waterproofing systems are designed precisely to make your homes, offices and premises safe and comfortable to live in.

If you need help or advice from our experts, reach out to us.

The occurrence of penetration through the parts of the structure that are waterproofed is an everyday problem.

Sealing makes up only a small part of the financial value of a construction project and is often considered an unimportant detail. Nevertheless, sealing materials play an important role in keeping the building airtight and watertight and thus prevent potential damage in the future.

Choose the right solution for sealing details and penetrations

Water and moisture are silent killers and repairing damage is far more expensive and complicated than just investing in waterproofing. Therefore, carefully choose the right solution to ensure that the seal fulfills its function throughout the life of your facility

Joints and openings between building elements can be found in different parts of the building, e.g. between the concrete elements of the facade, around the windows and doors, at the joint between the floor and the wall, in the tanks, etc. The seal must meet different requirements, depending on the function and position of the joint in question.

The DRACO WATERSTOP 500 hydrophilic tape swells in contact with moisture from the concrete and fills all micro cracks, penetrations and segregation spots at concreting breaks or around details. It is used as a replacement for conventional passive PVC or rubber waterstop tapes while eliminating the requirement for separate formwork, welding of tape joints and bonding to reinforcement. The DRACO WATERSTOP 500 comes with a safety net and concrete nails. The product is free of organic impurities and its shelf life is unlimited.

The following are the steps for proper application of DRACO WATERSTOP 500 hydrophilic tape.

• Unroll the product and place the strip on the concrete with the exposed side facing the substrate without touching the protective paper. Press the tape against the concrete so that it fills in any irregularities.
• Remove the protective paper from the tape and place the protective mesh and nail it to the concrete.
• DRACO® WATERSTOP 500 is not a self-adhesive product. Tightly join the ends to create a continuous strip.
• Position it in the most practical lengths to minimize end joints. Where necessary, cut the ends of the threads with a knife or scalpel to connect them properly. Avoid overlapping strips at the joints.
• When processing the penetration, make a seal around the elements and tighten it with wire without placing the mesh and concrete it.

Various installation, sewer and other pipes interrupt the continuity of the waterproofing. When we know that 90% of all problems caused by water penetration occur through 1% of the total area, it is important to approach each penetration individually and with special care.

Proper waterproofing of buildings, protection from water and moisture, is one of the basic factors in the long-term and healthy life of the building, as well as the people who live in it.

If you need help or advice from our experts, reach out to us.

Working interruptions can be found on the concreting interruptions at the foundation slab, at the junction of the slab and the walls, or on the walls themselves. Effective sealing of working joints is very important to prevent possible damage caused by water penetration into the structure. Various waterstop tapes are in use to seal work breaks in concrete.

Effective sealing of working joints

Sodium bentonite is a non-toxic, chemically inert swelling clay of volcanic origin formed 200 million years ago. In contact with water, it has the property of swelling up to 15 times its volume in the dry state. By its swelling, it prevents the passage of water by creating a thick, impermeable gel. In contact with the water entering the joint, the waterstop tape will swell inside its enclosed space and create a tight compression seal that completely prevents water penetration. DRACO WATERSTOP 500 tape is a special tape made of a specially formulated compound of natural sodium bentonite (waterproof clay) and butyl rubber.

Installation of DRACO WATERSTOP 500 tape

• In order to properly place the WATERSTOP tape, you must first unroll it and place it on concrete with the exposed side facing the substrate without touching the protective paper.
• The tape should then be pressed against the concrete so that it fills all the irregularities.
• After that, a protective mesh is placed on the tape and nailed to the concrete.

Waterstop tape is used in horizontal and vertical work breaks in concreting. It is placed on the face of the existing concrete so that it is completely trapped in the joint after concreting the next section. The unique feature of sodium bentonite allows the strip to self-inject, sealing local nests and cracks in the concrete.

Working joints make up only a small part of the total construction cost, but without effective sealing they can cause significant remediation costs, often many times higher than the initial investment in sealing work breaks.

Use only quality materials and pay the waterproofing the attention it deserves. DRACO waterproofing systems are designed precisely to make your homes, offices and premises safe and comfortable to live in.

If you need help or advice from our experts, reach out to us.