Waterproofing of building surfaces
Sealing slurries are used in the construction sector to seal exterior surfaces or interior wet rooms. The mineral sealing slurry acts as a barrier against water penetration and remains breathable. A special plastic coating ensures the permanent flexibility of the barrier layer.
B.T. innovation alternatives
As an alternative to mineral sealing slurries, B.T. Innovation offers various products in the field of building waterproofing. Similar to a slurry, LiquidElast® is processed as a pressurised waterproof surface sealing system that can be easily applied with a roller. Depending on the situation at hand, the various waterproofing tapes as well as strip-shaped waterproofing are also suitable for safe protection against moisture, and always when a waterproofing slurry cannot be used.
If the sealing slurry fails, there is a risk of mould growth and damage to the building fabric. It is therefore advisable to always use high-quality products, to work carefully and accurately and to ensure that the work is carried out according to the current state of the art.
Also discover the alternatives to sealing slurry from B.T. innovation:
The mineral slurries can be used in different areas depending on their composition. Thus, they are suitable for the secure sealing of cellars and shafts as well as for base sealing in both new buildings and renovations. The material can also be used against pressurised water, as a salt brake and as a substrate for renovation plasters. If bituminous waterproofing is planned, the sealing slurry can be used to pre-treat the substrate in the valley zones. As a result, this area is safely protected from pressurised water.
The advantage of the product over waterproofing membranes is that the slurry is flexible and can be applied in several layers. The finished powder is mixed with water to produce a brushable mortar that hardens to form a waterproof barrier. Due to the polymer coating, the layer remains permanently flexible. The plastic additives also make the slurries suitable for crack bridging due to their flexibility.
The DIN standard generally describes the use and implementation of waterproofing measures; the revised standard also provides information on the use of sealing slurry to seal watertight basins against water pressing in from the inside. Another standard that provides information on mineral sealing slurries is DIN V 18 550 “Notes for the planning of plastering work”. In STLB Bau 2014-04 018 “Waterproofing work”, further information on mineral flexible sealing slurry (MDS) can be found.
The “Gemeinschaft Emissionskontrollierte Verlegewerkstoffe” (GEV), which was founded on the initiative of adhesive manufacturers, describes the emission behaviour of building products. The products are labelled by the so-called Emicode, which provides for three classifications:
- EC 1 plus: very low emission
- EC 1 very low emission
- EC 2 low emission
In addition to various other products from the field of installation materials, mineral sealing slurries can also be tested and certified as installation materials with predominantly inorganic binders. The total amounts of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds are tested in each case; the permissible values depend on the classification.
Before applying the sealing slurry, the substrate must be prepared accordingly. An even and clean surface is required for ideal adhesion. Before the waterproofing itself, the following work must be carried out:
- Non-adhering components of the substrate such as loose plaster or mortar are knocked off, the surface is dusted and cleaned.
- Holes and cracks are filled with mortar.
- Highly absorbent substrates are pre-sealed with deep primer.
Once the preparatory measures have been completed and the substrate has dried, the slurry can be applied. Painter’s trowel or smoothing trowel are ideal tools. The mortar is spread evenly. After a drying time of about three hours, another coat can be applied. When dry, the total thickness of all layers should not exceed 5 millimetres. Before the barrier layer is loaded, it should dry thoroughly over a period of three days. Before the barrier layer is loaded, it should dry thoroughly over a period of three days.
It may be necessary to rework the treated surface after application. The still moist slurry must be protected from the effects of weather such as frost, rain, direct sunlight or even draughts. This measure is recommended until the sealing slurry has hardened.