The document discusses Kryton's innovative approaches to concrete waterproofing, focusing on integral crystalline systems that provide reliable, long-lasting solutions. It highlights a project at the historic Royal Mills, which was transformed into residential lofts using Kryton's waterproofing technology, ensuring durability and sustainability. Additionally, it covers methods for concrete crack prevention and repair, emphasizing the importance of proper jointing and the use of quality materials.

1. Kryst l Magazine
®
®
www.kryton.com Leaders in Integral Crystalline Waterproofing Volume 14 | Issue 1
Restoring the Historic
Royal Mills
NEW:
Hydrostop Restore &
Protect System to extend
the life of your concrete
PLUS:
Spotlight on Mexico
Tips to protect your
concrete joints
Krystol® Magazine

2. Concrete Waterproofing
that Works!
WE KNOW WHAT WORKS
Stop using unreliable membranes to waterproof your
concrete. Since 1973 Kryton has helped architects,
engineers and builders create dry, waterproof concrete
® using Krystol technology.
Our waterproofing admixture, KIM®, is faster, more
reliable and costs 25% less than using traditional
waterproofing systems. KIM is backed by the industry’s
longest warranty.
For more information on the longest standing crystalline
waterproofing admixture jobs in the world, visit us online
at www.kryton.com or call us at
1-800-267-8280 or +1-604-324-8280.
®
At the Lab. In the Field. By Your Side.

3. Contents Volume 14 | Issue 1
4 Restoring the Historic Royal Mills
10
6 Effective Crack Prevention, Control and Repair
9 CEO Column
10 Protecting Your Concrete Joints
12 Kryton News — Kryton Launches Complete Product
System to Restore and Protect Concrete Structures
13 Ask a Kryton Expert
Krystol® Magazine is printed twice a year
14 Kryton in Mexico by Kryton International Inc.
1645 East Kent Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5P 2S8
Canada
www.kryton.com
6 For information about this publication or
about Kryton International Inc., write to the
above address, phone 604-324-8280 or
1-800-267-8280, or email info@kryton.com.
Copyright © 2011 Kryton International Inc.
All rights reserved.
Editors/Contributors
Jillian Work
Kari Yuers
Kevin Yuers
Alex Emlyn
Jeff Bowman
Sheila Dong
Design/Production
Yvonne Lee
Printed in Canada by
Rebel Communications Group
Krystol® Magazine

4. Restoring the
Historic
Royal Mills
More than 1,500 window sills and lintels were repaired in this building with Kryton products.
Built in 1890, Royal Mills near Mills required extensive renovation, the various conditions that plagued the
Providence, Rhode Island, USA, once restoration and waterproofing. restoration. The company found severe
operated one of the world’s busiest water intrusion, including wet stone and
hydro-powered cotton mills. In fact, it The developer invited a local distributor brick, inside some apartments as well
was the signature cotton mill for the of integral crystalline waterproofing as poor conditions in many sub-grade
clothing company, Fruit of the Loom. products – New England Dry Concrete suites. In all, 15 per cent of the suites
More than 100 years after its heyday, the – to conduct an extensive study assessing had water damage due to leaks in the
mill stood vacant and neglected on the foundation, windows or walls. Repairs
banks of the Pawtuxet River. would be needed to the interior and
exterior mortar work, floor slabs required
In 2004, developer Struever Bros. Eccles replacement and the exterior needed
Rouse purchased the mill, with the plan waterproofing over all.
to convert the degrading building into
trendy one- and two-bedroom and It was a significant project for the team
loft-style apartments with public and charged with waterproofing the mill.
retail spaces as well as a completely With no possibility of excavating around
revived riverfront with public walking the exterior of the building because of
paths. The 250 residential suites would its proximity to the river, the developer
feature the original soaring ceilings, needed to be confident the waterproofing
exposed brick, over-sized windows and system used would keep the building
exposed wood beams. dry for the rest of its life. It became clear
the best way to deal with the project
But making the building habitable would be to use an integral system that
was not a simple task. A major fire in would become part of the concrete
1919, more than a century of harsh matrix and waterproof the structure
wet weather, heavy industrial use and a from the inside out. The developer
decade of neglect had taken its toll. Royal Construction taking place on exterior of supported New England Dry Concrete’s
Royal Mills building. use of Kryton International Inc’s range
www.kryton.com

5. of integral crystalline waterproofing
products. In addition to providing
comprehensive waterproofing, this was
also the greenest choice.
For the Royal Mills team, sustainability
was an important factor. The project
included refinished original flooring in
most of the building and 50 per cent of all
construction debris was reused in signage
and other public areas. Using integral
crystalline waterproofing furthered
the developer’s green commitments
by extending the serviceable life of the
concrete structure, reducing jobsite
waste and enabling the future recycling
of concrete materials. It also eliminates
volatile organic compounds typically
associated with traditional membrane
application and it does not rely on tar or
petroleum based materials.
New England Dry Concrete first used Using Kryton’s Hydrostop Sealer allowed the team to maintain the original appearance
Kryton’s Krystol Internal Membrane of the structure.
(KIM) during the replacement
construction of the structure’s floor slabs Kryton’s Krystol Crack Repair System was brush-applied treatment – was used on
and elevator pits. It was also added to the also used extensively on the project. The the interior walls that were located below
mortar used to repair the historic stone advanced crack repair system provides the river level. Because Krystol T1 uses
veneer. KIM’s proprietary chemicals react both physical and chemical waterproofing Kryton’s crystalline formula, it can resist
with concrete and water to form millions barriers. It was used on more than 1,000 up to 460 feet of head pressure and is
of microscopic crystals. The crystals grow linear feet of cracks. Two of the system’s impervious to water exposure, salts
and fill the capillaries, pores and cracks products, waterproofing grout Krystol or other contaminants.
in concrete. Over time, if water enters the Bari-Cote and rapid-setting hydraulic
structure, the crystals reactivate and grow, cement Krystol Plug, were used to Finally, 250,000 square feet the original
blocking water flow. This continuous waterproof more than 1,500 window stone exterior was sealed with Hydrostop
waterproofing ability ensures the sills and lintels. A third product in the Sealer. Hydrostop Sealer is a polymer
structure remains dry over the long term. system, Krystol T1 – a cementitious state-of-the-art water repellent sealer
that maintains the original appearance of
a structure. For the historic Royal Mills
building, this was a key benefit.
The waterproofing work took more than
six months to complete. The project was
finished ahead of schedule in mid-2009
and was on budget. Equally important,
the developer had peace of mind
because the single source waterproofing
system was completely warranted from
the manufacturer.
Royal Mills is now listed on the U.S.
National Historic Register and was
recently named the 2010 New England
International Concrete Repair Institute
Project of the Year. Once a derelict
homage to time gone by, today it stands
as an elegant, historic and dry
development blending old stone walls
with modern luxury.
Crews work to apply Hydrostop Sealer to seal and protect the exterior of the building.
Krystol® Magazine

6. A leaking crack in a fish tank in Arizona, United States.
Effective Crack Prevention, Control and Repair
Concrete is a mixture of aggregate, bleeds out of the wet concrete while it’s be reduced to the minimum amount
cement and water. The water combines still soft. The remaining water evaporates required to still allow proper placement
with cement to create the glue that holds from the concrete over the next several and compaction of the concrete. Using
it all together. But there is nearly always weeks and months. As the concrete dries, chemical water reducers will allow
more water added than is needed to it shrinks and the resulting tensile stress quite a large reduction in water and still
hydrate the cement – usually about twice results in cracks. provide workable concrete. The gradation
as much. This is because extra water is of your aggregates has an influence as
necessary to make the concrete mixture There are three things that you can well because fine aggregates demand
workable during placing, consolidation or do about cracks: prevent, control or significantly more water than coarse
pumping. Some of this additional water, repair them. aggregates. Be cautious of concrete mixes
also known as water of convenience, with too much sand or a high cement
content that will demand more water.
Prevention Methods More cement may mean higher strength,
but it may also result in more shrinkage
You cannot expect to prevent all cracking; and additional cracks. An experienced
but it is possible to significantly reduce and knowledgeable concrete supplier can
the number of cracks by taking a few deliver you a well proportioned mix that
important measures. will minimize shrinkage.
The number one way to prevent concrete Heat generated by the hardening concrete
cracking is to reduce the amount of water (heat of hydration) will cause concrete to
added. Less water mixed into the concrete expand slightly. This can lead to cracking
means there will be less water to leave when the concrete cools and contracts
A pool and foundation that required the concrete when it dries and as a result, after it has hardened. Mass concrete
repair in Mexico. less shrinkage will occur. Water should and hot weather will contribute to this
www.kryton.com

7. condition. Controlling heat of hydration
can help to prevent these thermal
shrinkage cracks by reducing the initial
thermal expansion. You can also reduce
heat of hydration by using low-heat-
of-hydration cement or supplementary
cementing materials such as fly ash and
slag. Finally, if you start the concrete at a
lower initial temperature by using chilled
water and aggregates, you may be better
able to control the cracking.
After the concrete has hardened, the
less-water-is-better rule is reversed.
Freshly hardened concrete must be
protected from drying out too quickly.
The strengthening process requires
moisture and if the concrete dries out too
soon the concrete will be weak and likely
crack. The cement hydration process
continues long after hardening, but the
most critical time is in the first several
days. Proper wet curing or other measures This concrete mix used the proper proportion of cement, water and aggregates to minimize
to prevent moisture evaporation are shrinkage and cracking.
essential during this time.
between the control joints, their size or produce a foam that quickly sets within
Controlling Cracking width will be smaller. the crack to block water flow. Urethane
foam injection will normally remain
Crack size can further be reduced with flexible and tolerate a slight amount of
Controlling cracks is accomplished by
proper and adequate reinforcing steel movement in the concrete; however, this
designing your structure in a way that
design. Good reinforcement will result flexibility deteriorates with time.
predetermines the location and size
(width) of each crack. The location can in cracks that are very small. These small
be predetermined by creating intentional cracks will allow crystalline waterproofing An injection product that should never
planes of weakness within the concrete. admixtures to self-seal the cracks without be used for waterproofing is epoxy.
These locations are called control or any need for repair work. As an added Epoxy injection is designed and used
contraction joints. By encouraging a bonus, the concrete and structure will for restoring the strength and integrity
crack to form at that specific location, be much stronger. of cracked concrete structural elements.
they help to prevent random cracking, These cracks must be relatively dry for
the epoxy to achieve adhesion. Epoxy
which can be more difficult to repair. A Repairing Cracks will not displace or react with water
properly formed control joint can easily
be sealed later using an appropriate and therefore is largely ineffective at
If your efforts at prevention and control waterproofing a leaking crack.
waterproofing product. If cracks do occur are unsuccessful, you may be faced with
a leaking crack that needs to be repaired.
All injection products suffer from the
The most common repair method is
disadvantage of being somewhat hit
to inject a product into the crack in an
and miss because both the drilling of the
attempt to fill it and make the crack
holes and injection of the material is
waterproof. Typically, a series of holes
done blind. Although the success rate
are drilled along the crack length so
can be high, achieving 100 per cent
that they intersect the crack beneath
effectiveness is extremely difficult. Due
the surface. A port is then inserted into
to this, waterproofing and creating
each hole and a product is pumped into
a completely dry structure is equally
the crack. Common products include
challenging and unreliable. Attempting to
slurry mixtures of cement and/or clay
re-inject missed and still leaking areas can
with water, which can be cost effective
also be very difficult.
for situations of minimal water flow
and low-pressure. For more challenging
This control joint creates a purposeful repairs, hydrophilic urethane products are The only way to make certain a leaking
weakness in the concrete so that straight recommended. These react with water to crack is made completely waterproof is
line cracking will occur. to open the crack and repair it directly.
Krystol® Magazine

8. “In my five year
association with Kryton,
White Van Services has
been able to expand
its market share with a
product that is reliable,
consistent, and comes
with outstanding customer
support. We are able
to use Kryton’s Crack
Repair System with
minimal disturbance
to our customers and
their surroundings. We
have found no other
Filling a chiseled chase with crystalline waterproofing.
product with the ease of
use, quality, finish and Cracks can be quickly chiseled open using
longevity. Kryton has an electric chipping hammer. The most
common repair method involves chiseling
always provided us with the entire length of the crack to create a
a product that we can deep and narrow chase. The chase is then
filled with hydraulic grout and preferably
associate our name with.” with a crystalline waterproofing system.
Crystalline waterproofing systems
Al Polonuk, provide both a short-term physical
White Van Services Ltd. barrier to water and long-term chemical
waterproofing through the growth
of pore-blocking crystals. Crystalline
waterproofing is roughly equal to
injection in the skill and time required,
but is significantly cheaper and far more
reliable. The limitation of this repair
method is that it is not intended for
cracks or joints experiencing movement.
With quality products and proper
training, even badly cracked and leaking
concrete can be successfully repaired to
a dusty-dry state. Because repairs are
inconvenient and often expensive, your
best crack repair strategy is to focus on
prevention and control.
Failed epoxy injection repair
www.kryton.com

9. CEO Column
Kryton’s President CEO Kari Yuers
Social media continues to change how business could share their thoughts, course in tweeting, I was able to join a
businesses communicate with their ideas and opinions with customers and handful of industry leaders who live-
customers. The concrete construction concrete industry stakeholders. The tweeted from the conference. By tweeting
industry is no exception. Social blog addresses a wide variety of topics from my Blackberry, I was able to provide
technologies such as microblogging on related to issues surrounding the live minutes of the keynote speakers and
Twitter or networking on LinkedIn allow durability, longevity and waterproofing keep the industry up-to-speed on the
companies to reach their stakeholders of concrete. Regular postings also include conference. I again live tweeted from the
directly and in real time. In addition industry regulations in North America, recent ACI Fall Convention in Pittsburgh.
to instant digital connections, new such as the disposal of fly ash and changes
networks of influencers can be discovered to LEED certification. Integrating social media strategies
and invited to participate in industry into our overall marketing and public
dialogue. The social media revolution To talk with our industry peers and relations initiatives sets Kryton apart
enables unprecedented information customers we use Twitter. We join from our competitors that have yet to
sharing opportunities. conversations about concrete; we offer engage with their customers online. Our
tips on waterproofing, or provide links to active presence online will only grow in
Thought leadership and education have more resources. value as young construction industry
always been important to Kryton. We’ve professionals increasingly make use of
been working hard to pioneer new ways A crowning achievement for me was social media to learn about the latest
of sharing our experience about concrete my foray onto the Social Web during advances, trends and ideas surrounding
and waterproofing-related issues by using the American Concrete Institute (ACI) concrete waterproofing. I invite you to
some of the most popular Web 2.0 tools. Convention last spring. Thanks to a crash join us online and participate in the
industry conversation.
Kryton’s blog Concrete Thoughts was
launched in mid-March of this year. It Follow us on Twitter
was developed to be a forum where our @KrytonIntl
experts in the concrete waterproofing
Talk to us on our blog
– Concrete Thoughts
Nervous about entering the conversation on Twitter? www.waterproofconcrete.com
Start by listening to what’s being said.
Go to http://search.twitter.com and search keywords or phrases Connect with us on LinkedIn
based on current issues in the industry. http://www.linkedin.com/
companies/kryton-international-inc
Krystol® Magazine

10. Worker treats concrete joints with the Krystol Waterstop System.
Protecting Your Concrete Joints
It has been said that there are two Types of Joints
types of concrete – concrete that has
cracked and concrete that is about to A crack-inducement joint is commonly
crack. Early in its life, concrete dries, referred to as a control or contraction
shrinks and quite commonly cracks. In joint. These joints create a purposeful
addition, fluctuations in temperature weakness in the concrete so that straight
and moisture levels cause concrete to line cracking will occur at that desired,
shrink and expand throughout its life, pre-planned spot. Crack-inducement
eventually leading to cracking. Different joints are most often used in sidewalks,
applied load weights can cause shear or driveways, pavements, floors and walls.
bending, which increases the likelihood
of breaks. The resulting cracks represent
An isolation or expansion joint separates
an easy path for water and chemical
concrete slabs from structural elements Bentonite waterproofing membrane that
contaminants to enter the concrete and requires extra care and labour during
such as walls, footings or columns. They
corrode the steel reinforcement inside. application.
allow the slabs and touching surfaces
This is why preventive measures, such as
to move without causing cracks. These
proper jointing, are a crucial part of the as joints that “occur at the end of a day’s
joints are typically used when separating
construction process. work.” These joints can align with or
driveways and patios from sidewalks,
function as crack-inducement or
garage slabs or stairs.
Joints are pre-planned cracks. Unlike isolation joints.
random cracks that can lead to concrete
Construction joints, also called cold
deterioration, joints fortify structures by
joints, separate sections of concrete
Addressing Joint Vulnerability
controlling and minimizing cracking.
that have been placed at different times.
They provide stopping places during For joints to be effective in mitigating
construction and are often referred to uncontrolled cracks, they must be
0 www.kryton.com

11. correctly designed and built. Joint depths
should be appropriate for the thickness
of the concrete. For example, a crack-
inducement joint should have a depth
that is approximately one-quarter of
the concrete’s thickness while isolation
joints should extend the full depth of
the slab. Joints should also be spaced no
further apart than 30 times the concrete
thickness. Proper tools should be used
in forming joints, such as saws, hand-
finishing tools or pre-molded strips.
There are dozens of considerations that
should be followed in order to produce
reliable and successful joints. But there is
one that is the most important of them
A PVC joint with cracking.
all: waterproofing.
The most common, PVC, uses flat strips over time; they are at risk of premature
While joints go a long way in making of high quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) expansion if they are exposed to moisture
concrete stronger over the long run, they embedded in both sides of a joint to too early; and, they require proper
also represent the most vulnerable part create a watertight seal. PVC waterstops placement and extra care during pouring.
of the structure. The challenge lies in the are readily available in different
intrinsic design of joints – the physical thicknesses, widths and sizes and some Metallic waterstops are most frequently
separation between concrete slabs creates PVC manufacturers offer chemical or used on projects where extra strength
an exposed area where water ingress will oil resistant properties. These products is required or when chemical exposure
happen. So it’s not a matter of if the joint can be installed in wet conditions and is likely. They are made of steel, copper,
will leak, but when. have a long lifespan, unlike many other bronze or lead and are embedded in an
waterstop systems. However, PVC upright position across joints to form
Leaking concrete joints can not waterstops pose three main challenges: a continuous water barrier. The main
only result in expensive repairs and they’re time consuming to install, can drawback to these systems is their cost.
inconvenient renovations, but can also become easily damaged during concrete Because they are designed for specialized
lead to severe health hazards. From mold pouring and if they are damaged, there applications, the material and labour
and fungus growth triggered by incoming is virtually no way to tell until the joint costs are extremely high.
moisture to waterborne contaminants starts to leak.
entering the structure, leaking joints can Crystalline waterstops block the
be unsafe for structures and the people Bentonite is a swellable clay that is also movement of water through joints by
that use them. frequently used to waterproof joints. It is growing millions of crystals within the
glued or nailed in strips into joints and concrete matrix. When in contact with
Joint Waterproofing Options expands up to 16 times in size when in water, the crystals grow and expand,
contact with water. The expansion forms filling the joints, capillaries and
Traditionally, waterstop systems have a compression seal that keeps water out micro-cracks of the concrete. Because of
been used to waterproof joints. of joints. One common deterrent from the technology’s unique ability to
They act as physical barriers to block using bentonite is that it can dry out and self-seal new minor cracks even years
water penetration. deteriorate easily because the clay is a after the initial application, crystalline
natural material. Additionally, it must be waterstops provide a long term solution
kept completely dry prior to installation for joint waterproofing. As an
or it will expand prematurely. Bentonite affordable, effective and more reliable
systems are also easy to displace during alternative to other waterstop systems,
pouring and require extra care and labour crystalline joint waterproofing systems
during application. are growing in popularity.
Another joint waterproofer that is similar While concrete cracking will never be
to bentonite is a urethane waterstop. eliminated, it can be controlled and
These spongy, hydrophilic compounds managed with effective and proper
swell up to three and a half times their jointing practices. One of the best ways to
original volume when in contact with protect your structure over the long run
water. But urethane waterstops possess is to invest in a sound and reliable joint
The crystalline system provides both a the same drawbacks as bentonite systems waterproofing system.
physical (red) and chemical (yellow) – they dry up, crack and deteriorate
barrier to water.
Krystol® Magazine

12. Kryton News
Kryton International Inc. Launches Complete Product System to
Restore and Protect Concrete Structures
Hydrostop has become a well-known Step three is to impart a long-lasting government-supported infrastructure
name over many years as Kryton’s water repellent effect to the surface using improvement or restoration projects.
water repellent sealer. On September a high-quality blended silane-siloxane
1, 2010, the trusted Hydrostop brand sealer called Hydrostop Sealer. “Over the last year, governments around
will be expanded to include two new the world have been introducing
Hydrostop products: Hydrostop Grout “Replacing aging infrastructure can incentive programs to build and repair
and Hydrostop Coating. Together, the cost millions of dollars and be a infrastructure as a way of stimulating
three products make up a new 3-step significant, unacceptable disruption to local economies,” explains Yuers. “We
restoration and protection system for
above grade concrete structures called
the Hydrostop Restore Protect System.
The Hydrostop Restore Protect
System greatly extends the useful life of
deteriorating concrete infrastructure and
buildings, improves overall aesthetics and
offers a more environmentally sustainable
alternative to total replacement.
The first step in the system uses a non-
shrink waterproof grout to repair cracks
and defects at the concrete surface.
The product employs Kryton’s original
crystalline technology and is named
Hydrostop Grout. Once the substrate is Kryton’s Hydrostop Sealer resists water and stains.
made good, the entire concrete surface is
coated with a polymerized, cementitious your operations as well as to the general wanted to develop a restoration and
slurry called Hydrostop Coating. This public,” says Kevin Yuers, Vice President protection system that would make
layer provides a durable barrier against of Kryton. “The Hydrostop System is the engineers’ lives easier as they tackled
water and chemical intrusion and ideal solution. It makes the best use of these projects.”
improves the concrete’s overall aesthetics. resources, money and time.”
In addition to giving aging concrete
Yuers adds the new system will be infrastructure a new lease on life, the
welcome news for any engineers involved, Hydrostop System makes life easier for
or wanting to become involved, in maintenance engineers and specifiers
by offering a complete and compatible
system that has been developed to work
flawlessly together. There’s no need to
piece together a solution based on various
products. And there’s no need to resolve
conflicting application instructions,
which often occurs when different
manufacturers’ products are used.
The Hydrostop Restore Protect System
comes in standard concrete gray or
special order white color and is
Hydrostop Restore Protect System. available worldwide through Kryton’s
authorized dealers.
2 www.kryton.com

13. Ask a Kryton Expert!
Keeping concrete watertight is a Absorption tests are useful for concrete crystals that block the concrete pores.
challenge. As a porous material, concrete under non-hydrostatic conditions, such Integral systems have hydrophilic-like
can allow water to migrate through, as above ground concrete that primarily properties in that they soak in the
corroding steel reinforcement, bringing needs protection from rain. They are water in order to build impermeability
in harmful chemicals and creating applicable to hydrophobic products, over time.
general livability issues. This is why most which are designed to repel water from
construction industry professionals use the concrete surface. Some integral systems may actually
some sort of waterproofing product to have increased absorption in the early
protect their concrete structures. Permeability tests require specialized stages as the water is being consumed
equipment and cannot be done by for the waterproofing reaction. As a
So how do you know if your all testing agencies. Products that are result, the concrete will weigh more after
waterproofing product actually works? required to resist water under being submerged in water, producing
pressure must be evaluated using this a result that doesn’t properly reflect
There are two methods commonly used testing method. waterproofing ability.
to determine if concrete is waterproof:
absorption and permeability testing.
We asked Jeff Bowman, Kryton
International Inc.’s head chemist and
technical services representative to
explain the main differences between the
test methods and how best to effectively Permeability test showing the depth of water penetration of three samples.
test an integral waterproofing system’s
ability to resist water penetration. Described in detail in BS EN 12390-8 The most effective way to test an integral
and DIN 1048-5, water under constant system’s ability to resist water penetration
Q: What’s the difference high pressure is applied to one face of is through a permeability test. These
a concrete sample for a period of 72 tests take into account how integral
between absorption and hours. When the test is completed, the systems actually work. They allow you
permeability tests? specimens are split open and the depth to determine how deeply the water has
of water penetration is measured. This penetrated and whether crystal growth
Absorption tests are simple to perform test method is useful for structures has started to occur.
and can be done by any materials lab. such as basements, tunnels and water
The test measures the weight of water reservoirs because it recreates the pressure
absorbed into a concrete specimen over conditions that these structures are
time as a result of capillary absorption, subjected to in a realistic way.
or wicking. A full description of the test
method can be found in ASTM C1585 or Remember that each of these test
BS EN 1881. methods are comparative tests. No
matter which method you use, be sure to
test the waterproofing agent against an
identical plain concrete sample, using
the same proportions of cement,
aggregates and water.
Q: What is the best way to
test an integral system’s
ability to resist water
penetration?
Integral systems rely on the growth of
microscopic crystals within the concrete
to render it waterproof. When in contact
with water, chemicals added to the
Jeff Bowman, Head Chemist
Absorption test showing how much water concrete react and form millions of
Technical Services Representative
was absorbed into the concrete block.
Krystol® Magazine

14. Kryton in Mexico
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Mexican further. By 2012, they want Mexico to become an infrastructure
concrete construction industry is “one of the strongest, most leader in Latin America and by 2030, they want it to be ranked
efficient and most competitive in the world.” It currently 20th on the World Economic Forum’s infrastructure index.
generates more than 20,000 direct and 120,000 indirect jobs;
infrastructure and housing alone represent 90 per cent of the Kryton has been part of Mexico’s growing concrete industry
country’s total consumption. for more than 30 years. With cement and concrete predicted to
remain the country’s top building materials, Kryton will continue
The Mexican administration wants to take that success even to be a valuable partner for the industry.
ISSSTELEON Parking Garage, Monterrey
The Insituto de Seguridad Y Servicios Sociales de los
Trabajadores del Estado de Nuevo Leon (ISSSTELEON) provides
social and safety services to workers across the Mexican state
of Nuevo Leon. When its new building was constructed, a key
concern of the State was providing a structure that would be as
safe and reliable as the services they provide. Kryton’s product
warranty was the selling factor for bringing the company on
board. Kryton’s Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) was used
on all the concrete slabs in the parking structure to minimize
shrinkage and cracking. The project was successfully completed
in April 2010.
Edificio Tevo de Ucalli
Edificio Tevo de Ucalli is an office building located in San Pedro
Garza Garcia. San Pedro is one of Monterrey’s most affluent
suburbs. When construction began in 2008 waterproofing was
a concern for the developer. The developer used KIM on the
suspended slabs of the building and was very pleased that he was
able to save one month in construction time by incorporating
the waterproofing right in to the concrete. The building was
completed in 2010.
Conjunto Retama, Monterrey
In January 2010, Kryton was brought on board to waterproof
an apartment swimming pool at Retama – a new residential
development composed of four towers overlooking Monterrey,
in Northeastern Mexico. The development boasts a variety of
luxury amenities including a central garden, gym, banquet room,
jogging track and two infinity-edge swimming pools. Kryton’s
warranty program and ability to provide on-site supervision
during the application process process made it an attractive
choice for the developer. By March 2010, almost 2,500 kilograms
of Krystol Internal Membrane had been used to waterproof the
pool – keeping the water safely and securely in the pool for all
residents to enjoy.
www.kryton.com

15. Ensenada International Terminal Grain
Tunnel, Ensenada Baja California
The Ensenada International Terminal is a maritime terminal
that handles cargo and containers from around the world. It is
also responsible for loading, receiving and stockpiling grain. In
2008, the Ensenada Port Authority added a below grade concrete
tunnel to house a belt transportation system to the terminal as
well as a new grain silo to supplement its grain loading system.
Due to the terminal’s location on the Pacific Coast, withstanding
hydrostatic pressure and keeping the concrete – and grain – dry
was essential. Any water leakage could ruin entire containers
of grain, costing the Port Authority thousands of dollars. The
terminal’s owners turned to Kryton for help. Kryton used its
flagship product, Krystol Internal Membrane, to waterproof the
concrete as well as the Krystol Waterstop System for joints and
Krystol Crack Repair System for crack repair. The project was
completed in 2009.
Tanque Belenes, Guadalajara
A major concern for the government supplying potable water
to residents of Belenes was dependability. For years the area
had faced challenges with leaks in water lines and water tanks,
surface contamination and political wrangling. So when it came
to repairing the decade old Belenes water tank, the government
knew it needed to provide a reliable and safe solution. Even
though it was 10 years old, the water tank had never been put
into use due to major surface issues including cracks in the
walls and slab. Kryton recommended its Krystol Crack Repair
System, including Krystol T1/T2 and Krystol Bari-Cote, for use
throughout the project. The system was used on the cracks,
joints, tieholes, walls and slab. Together, the complete repair
system ensured a healthy source of drinking water for the
community the tank serves.
Kryton Distribution in Mexico
Kryton has distributors throughout Mexico. Contact any of them Check out www.kryton.com to see other areas where Kryton
to find out more about how Kryton’s waterproofing products can distributors are changing concrete construction for the better,
save you time and money. Or contact Alfonso Urquidi, Kryton’s including Europe, South East Asia and Africa.
Latin America territory manager, at alfonso@kryton.com
or by phone at +604-324-8280.
México (Norte) México (Central)
AUTHORIZED Comercial Kalte, S.A. de C.V.
Contact: Pepe Medellin Trevino
Comercializadora Tidal, S.A. de C.V.
Contact: Lic. Damaso Cuenca
DISTRIBUTOR Tel: +52-81-1292-5100
Website: www.kalte.com.mx
Tel:+52-55-1107-0697
Website: www.tidal.com.mx
Email: pepe@kalte.com.mx Email: damaso@tidal.com.mx
Krystol® Magazine

16. Concrete Waterproofing
that Works!
KIM® resists hydrostatic pressure up to 140m.
Using KIM® in your concrete can save you time and
money and replace the need to use costly and time
consuming surface applied membranes that can
often prove to be unreliable. Since 1973 Kryton has
helped architects, engineers and builders create dry,
waterproof concrete using Krystol Technology.
Our waterproofing admixture, KIM®, is faster, more
reliable and costs 25% less than using traditional
waterproofing systems. KIM® is backed by the
industry’s longest warranty.
For more information on the longest standing Custom bags for added quality control
crystalline waterproofing admixture jobs in the
world, visit us online at www.kryton.com or
call us at 1-800-267-8280 or
+1-604-324-8280.
Certified to CERTIFICATE No 05/4217
NSF/ANSI 61
®
At the Lab. In the Field. By Your Side.