Crystalline Capillary Waterproofing Material, more commonly referred to as crystalline waterproofing material or CWM, is a substance when applied to concrete walls, penetrates the concrete and changes the porous nature to an impenetrable water barrier. Use crystalline waterproofing material on basement walls where water seepage and leaks are a problem. Add it to new concrete or adhere it to existing concrete walls to prevent water damage.
You Will Need:
- Wire brush
- Cold chisel
- Hammer
- Shop vac
- Trowel
- Hydraulic cement
- Masonry Brush
- Water supply
Prepare Existing Concrete Walls
- Use a wire brush to scrape off loose concrete and remove old paint. Sandblast large areas of concrete or areas that have multiple layers of paint.
- Use a cold chisel and a hammer to remove large loose pieces.
Repair The Concrete Wall
- Clean out cracks and holes to remove dust, dirt and debris with a brush or shop vac.
- Use a trowel and hydraulic cement to fill in cracks larger than a hairline and fill in holes.
- Allow the patches to dry and set.
Apply CWM To Existing Concrete Walls
- Wet the wall thoroughly with plain water.
- Mix crystalline waterproofing material with water to form a thick, pliable paste referred to as a slurry. Crystalline waterproofing material heats as it is mixed and you may feel the trough getting warm, this is normal.
- Apply a thick and even coat of crystalline waterproofing material with a masonry brush.
- Keep wetting the crystalline waterproofing material coat often to keep it from drying out according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 48 hours. The coating needs to stay wet in order to penetrate the porous concrete wall.
How Does Crystalline Waterproofing Material Work?
As water comes in contact with the crystalline waterproofing material coat, a chemical reaction occurs and causes the material to form crystals, the crystals grow to fill in hairline cracks, holes and the porous surface. Even when cracks or holes develop in the future, crystalline waterproofing material acts to self seal the damage.
Crystalline waterproofing material, also mixed into new concrete pours or comes as a dry shake powder sprinkle over new pours, seals itself from water damage from the inside outside and extends the life of a concrete wall by being resistant to hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure refers to the outside water pressure on a wall which forces water through the concrete in what is called capillary action. Whether pouring a new foundation or repairing water leaks in an existing one, consider using crystalline waterproofing material.