WATERPROOFING OF VERTICAL WALLS A NEGLECTED SUBJECT!

A very simple question Which surface areas of a concrete structure, requires waterproofing?
The obvious answer to this that makes sense to everyone is The surface that comes in contact
with Water.
The next question that is not being much contemplated upon by waterproofing professionals is
Do we actually consider and make a quantitative comparison of these areas in a building
structure so as analyze, identify and plan to protect large vulnerable areas from water ingress?
And if we delve deep into exploring this, we would realize that, a significant area that makes
direct contact with rain water, and is not much talked about by the experts, are the vertical walls.
In the urban living habitat today of high-rise structures, due to limiting build-up space, the
vertical area is much larger than the horizontals. The immediate countering argument is this that,
these surfaces do not experience standing or stagnant water like the horizontals; they see only
running water, which has a limited contact time with the substrate. Yes, but, is it not a fact that
most homes experience damp walls during the rainy season? Is it not that the beauty of painted
structures are marred as a result of fungus and algae development over the exteriors, much before
actually any structural damage has taken place?
We all know that repainting of high-rise structures is an extremely tedious task, especially when
it is occupied. Such projects are often delayed until there are habitability issues faced by the
residents. Till then, the occupants compromise and continue to live in aesthetically disfigured
buildings. It is also observed that in spite of reasonably well maintained exteriors, dampness
creeps in from the walls during monsoon causing difficulty for the tenants, and at the same time
also ruining expensive interiors. We have experienced that although there are no apparent
apertures visible on outer wall, but somehow water finds its place to seep in.

This happens because the silica present on surface substrates, which by nature is hydrophilic.
Silica particles exhibits a tendency of surface adsorption and the basic nature of concrete being
porous, makes way for water to gradually reach to the other side of the wall.
Waterproofing & Painting technologies are available in the market and has also seen reasonable
technological advancements in recent years. But most of these are based on the basic principle of
providing a surface coating in order to prevent the passage of water. These surface coatings,
whether waterproofing membranes applied over horizontal slabs or paints applied over vertical
walls, does not possess permanent impermeability. With time they allow water to pass across the

film cross-section, which spreads and gets absorbed by the base cementitious substrate and
subsequently gets these coatings detached (paint peel-off / membrane debondment).
Zydex's innovative nanotechnology Organosilane chemical transforms the original cementitious
substrate into a water resistant skin (just like a human skin), which does not allow water to pass
through, however, allows water vapour to travel, keeping it breathable. The technology has been
designed to be almost idiot-proof and the application is as simple as, diluting the Silane
chemical by 20 times its volume with potable water and then spraying this solution on the walls
to be treated till it stops absorbing any more water. This normally is achieved by spraying 3-4
rounds within a gap of 30-60 seconds, till we see the water dripping down over the surface. This
application needs to be followed by allowing complete drying of the substrate naturally, till all
the moisture gets fully evaporated out. Dilution with 20 parts of water makes it eco-friendly,
affordable and easy to apply (low labour cost). It keeps structures, aesthetically maintained (No
Fungus), well habitable (No Wall Dampness or Seepage) and long-lasting (Water Resistant). It is
essential to do pre-treatment of all vertical walls with Organosilane Chemical, before Painting
(or waterproofingin case of horizontals).

This revolutionary penetrative and reactive nanotechnology can redefine sustainability of

structures, construction materials, reduce C&D waste and extend the service life of valuable
natural resources, thus, preserving a more likeable earth for our future generations.
Authored by:

Anupam Shil M.Tech. MBA

(Technical Head Waterproofing & Paints Division)
Zydex Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Zydex House, 61, Gotri-Sevasi Road, Vadodara 390 021 GUJARAT, India
Cell. +91-84695 22233
Ph. +91-265-3312 444
E-mail: anupamshil@zydexindustries.com