4 Types of Concrete Water Stops and What They Do

Waterstops are embedded into, and continuously run through, concrete structures or slabs for the purpose of preventing water and other fluids from passing through. There are two main categories for concrete waterstops. The first includes waterstops for concrete joints in which the adjoint concrete sections do not move, while the second category includes waterstops for concrete joints in which the adjoint concrete sections do experience movement.

From there, more types of waterstops exist. Continue reading to learn the top 4 most common concrete waterstops.

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Indianapolis Commercial Concrete Contractors 317-549-1833

Extruded Plastic Waterstops

Extruded plastics and thermosets, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic vulcanized rubber (TPV), are common materials used to manufacture concrete waterstops. Other rubbers used to make waterstops include neoprene, styrene-butadiene, and even natural rubber.

Metal Waterstops

Metal waterstops come in coils as large as 50 m, and usually between 1.0 to 1.5 mm in thickness and 250 to 300 mm in width. Some metal waterstops are coated with polymeric or hydrophilic materials, or both in some cases. Such coatings form a tighter bond with concrete, and therefore, a second barrier against fluids.

Hydrophobic Polymer Waterstops

Hydrophobic polymer waterstops are made from the same kinds of extruded plastics mentioned before, like PVC and TPV. These kinds of waterstops are meant to do two jobs at once: allow direct interlocking into concrete, and prevent movement at the joints. They are generally applied to joints in secondary containment structures to prevent toxic or hazardous fluids from passing through.

Hydrophilic Waterstops

Also known as “water-loving” waterstops, hydrophilic waterstops are rubber strips that are enhanced with hydrophilic agents like bentonite. This modification causes the waterstops to swell when exposed to moisture or fluids. As a result, concrete joints are better sealed against leakage. However, such waterstops are not used in joints that move, such as expansion and contraction joints.

Commercial Concrete Contractors in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial concrete services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

Water Stops for Concrete Pavement

Novice pavement information seekers may not know what water stops are and what they are used for in the concrete paving industry. Simply put, they are intended to prohibit water and other fluids from seeping into existing cracks and joints within concrete pavement. For water stops to be truly effective, they must be able to provide a water-tight seal within these concrete joints.

Continue reading to learn about water stops and how they are used in the concrete paving industry.

Commercial Paving 317-549-1833
Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

Concrete Water Stops

There are two distinct categories of water stops that provide this water-tight seal: water stops for joints with movement (dilation joints), and ones for concrete joints without movement (cold construction joints). There are various materials being used to manufacture water stops for concrete on the market today, including the most popular, gasket hydrophilic water stops. Other water stops types and materials include extruded plastic devices, metal water stops, rubber, expansion joints, multipurpose water stops, customized water stops, and more.

Within the two primary categories of concrete water stops, there are several types specifically for concrete; all of which come with separate functions, features, and systems. The most widely bought and sold water stops for concrete paving use a delayed-timing process of swelling and expanding in order to obstruct water from seeping into concrete joints and crevices. When moisture is present, the water stops activate and swell, preventing fluid from permeating the concrete structure.

A concrete structure is only as water-tight as the water stops that bind them together. This delayed activation is helpful because it allows concrete structures to cure properly without any premature water stop swelling action. It is also helpful because it allows a concrete structure to reach its maximum stability and strength.

There are other considerations to think about for a concrete pavement project that concerns water stop installation and preparation. For example, it is important to determine if you are working with vertical or horizontal concrete joints, and the size of the concrete paving job overall. You must think about which features and systems for water stops is designed to do the job you need done for your concrete pavement project; as well as, which industrial products are best to use for long-lasting protection.

Do you require a delayed-reaction so that wet concrete can dry properly? There is more than you think when it comes to water stops for concrete. The best advice to take is to call a professional pavement repair and service technician for reliable guidance. They have the skill, knowledge, training, education, and experience to accurately answer any questions you have about concrete water stops, and more.

Indianapolis Concrete Pavers

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional advice regarding water drainage for commercial concrete pavements in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.