CRYST-O-SEAL is a ready-for-use (merely add water) concentrated, high strength, cement-based waterproofing slurry which provides excellent water-proofing by crystallisation to both sides of the substrate. It consists of a blend of cements, graded quartz and active chemical constituents. It is supplied as a fine, grey powder. The material waterproofs sound concrete or cement surfaces against water ingress, dampness, ground water and hydrostatic pressure .

USES:

CRYST-O-SEAL is an economical, easily applied method of providing a permanent waterproof barrier on sound and stable concrete or cement based products such a cement filled block work. It may be used on both new and existing structures.

Crystoseal finds particular use on concrete structures where access is viable only on the negative side, i.e. retaining walls or damp concrete

Suitable Surfaces

CRYST-O-SEAL finds application in:

Foundations, Basements, Tunnels, Retaining Walls

Dams, Ponds, Pools, Silos, Sewage Plants

Underground structures

Specification

The information contained in this data sheet is general in nature and refers only to the usual use of the product and it should not be construed to be a complete specification. Site conditions vary which may require the use of the products and related products to vary. For specific projects a written specification should be sought from the Company

Limitations

CRYST -O- SEAL will not seal or bridge cracks. Cracks must be independently waterproofed by alternate means before applying CRYST- O -SEAL.

CRYST -O- SEAL will only work on concrete substrates or those containing a high level of concrete / cement.

CRYST -O- SEAL relies on the soundness and density of the substrate. If the substrate contains internal or external voids or is honeycombed then the effectiveness of the product may be negated or diminished.

CRYST -O- SEAL must not be exposed to water pressure, running water or rain until it has set.

CRYST -O- SEAL is not a vapour barrier. Floors may require additional sealing.

Benefits and Advantages

CRYST -O- SEAL has application where conventional membranes would be unsuitable such as:

On damp surfaces.

Only access is on the negative side of the structure, i.e. inside surface of a retaining wall.

CRYST -O- SEAL    acts by the conversion of free lime in the concrete to insoluble calcium compounds. These seal against capillary ingress of water into the dry slurry film. Compounds within Crystoseal penetrate in to the substrate where they in turn 'crystallise' on contact with moisture and create a waterproof barrier.

Precautions in Use

CRYST-O-SEAL must not be exposed to water pressure, running water or rain, until it has fully set. The treated surface must be protected from heat and wind and drying should be as slow as possible.

NB: Since the CRYST-O-SEAL system is based on a chemical reaction taking place inside the concrete, some moisture penetration can be expected until voids are sealed by the crystallisation process. Refer to Limitations above.

Priming and Preparation

Good preparation is essential. Surfaces must be sound, stable, dry, clean and free of dust, loose, flaking, friable material and substances that may diminish adhesion.

CRYST-O-SEAL is designed for use on porous, concrete or cementitious surfaces.

All surfaces must be clean and sound. They must be free of laitance, formwork release agents, paint, coatings, dust, loose particles and any other foreign matter including fungal growth. CRYST-O-SEAL must be applied directly to the clean concrete surface.

Large cracks and honeycombing should be given a thin coating of CRYST-O-SEAL mixed as described below. They should then be filled with a non-shrink mortar prior to applying the overall CRYST-O-SEAL treatment.

A fillet should be formed using CRYST-O-SEAL in a slightly stiffer version in all floor/wall joints prior to applying the CRYST-O-SEAL in the specified manner.

CRYST-O-SEAL only needs the addition of water to be ready for use. Mix CRYST-O-SEAL with water to produce a viscous, creamy consistency (1 part clean water to approximately 2.5 parts CRYST-O-SEAL). Mixing may be done by hand or mechanical mixer and should be continued until a homogenous, lump free product results. In manual mixing lumps may be broken down with a gloved hand. On completion of mixing, material must be used within 30 minutes.

Never attempt to reconstitute the mixed product by further dilution after mixed material has become too stiff to apply. Discard this product.

Application

Any surface to be treated with CRYST-O-SEAL must be fully saturated with water beforehand, preferably the day before. Surfaces such as floors must be free of ponded water or running water and verticals must be free of water running down the face.

Apply CRYST-O-SEAL using either a medium-hard block brush, trowel, broom or roller.

Treatment must be applied in a minimum of two or three coats as indicated below. A second coat must be applied as soon as the first coat can no longer be disturbed by brushing. If a third coat is required it must follow within 24 hours, with the surface having again been pre-dampened.

The final coat of a system, be it two or three coats, must be left as smooth as possible.

IMPORTANT: The applied CRYST-O-SEAL    must be protected from heat and wind and drying should be as slow as possible. Do not let the surface dry quickly and can be sprayed with water to dampen it.

Do not attempt to reconstitute the mixed product after it has become too stiff to apply by adding water. This product should be discarded.

Coverage

The stated average coverage rate may vary depending upon type, condition, porosity, texture of the surface and application technique.    

1. For waterproofing external surfaces against water ingress from damp earth and mist ground: Minimum of two coats applied at 1kg to 2 kg per sq.m. per coat.

2. Waterproofing internal surfaces against rising damp up to 1m head of water: Minimum two coats applied at 2kg to 4kg per sq.m. per coat.

3. Waterproofing water retaining structures internally: Minimum two coats applied at 2kg to 3kg sq.m. per coat.

4. Waterproofing externally against more than 1m head of water pressure: Minimum of 3 coats applied at 2.5kg per sq.m. per coat.

Colours

Product is natural 'cement' colour.

Drying and Curing

Drying and curing of the product is affected by type, dryness and porosity of the surface, temperature, humidity, ventilation, climate conditions and application technique and therefore drying and curing can only be given as a guide.

For best results drying should be as slow as practically possible. Post dampening is an advantage.

Storage

Stores in dry, cool areas. Damaged bags or material that is water or moisture effected should not be used.

Available in 20 kg bags.

Clean Up

Water, as for cement.

Tiling, Topping or Top Coating

Generally CRYST-O-SEAL is not topped. If area is to be topped, then adequate time should be given to ascertain that the desired effect has been achieved and then should be membraned using Primeseal (primer) and a selected Duram waterproofing membrane such as Durabit EF, Durabit REO, Multithane, Duram 195 or Crystoflex.

Safety & Precautions

The product is considered low risk if used properly as intended.

The product has fine cement- like dust and inhalation should be avoided. Until properly wetted, an adequate dust mask should be worn. If inhaled, remove person to fresh air and if required perform artificial respiration and seek urgent medical help.

The product contains cement and hence may burn or irritate skin. If contact occurs wash with soap and water.

Eye protection should be worn. If in eye, thoroughly wash holding eye lid open to remove any grit under the lid.

Rubber gloves should be worn.

If swallowed, give plenty of water to drink. Seek medical assistance.

For full safety data refer to the products Material Safety Data Sheet. Observe precautions as per label.