Last Updated on April 6, 2022 by Jose Villegas Jr.
The types of waterstops have their own set of benefits, uses, and drawbacks, resulting in a range of performance.
Waterstop is a waterproofing material that is often used in concrete construction joints and deformation joints. Plastic waterstop, rubber waterstop, and metal waterstop are the three types of waterstop available.
To help you quickly discover the best waterstop for your application, we’ve summarized the performance of waterstops made of various materials.
Plastic Waterstop
PVC and EVA waterstops are the most common types of plastic waterstops.
PVC waterstop
Advantages:
High tensile strength and elasticity, great impermeability, superior acid, and alkali resistance, and corrosion resistance are all characteristics of this material. When bonding, it’s simple to use; all you need is a hot welding knife.
Disadvantages:
PVC is easily fragile and breaks when the temperature is too low. It is less elastic than rubber.
EVA waterstop
Advantages:
Strong tensile strength and flexibility, as well as high hydrostatic pressure resistance, provide excellent corrosion resistance and waterproof performance. In most cases, it must be machine hot welded to the pipe or waterproof coil surface.
Disadvantages:
High cost and high hardness. Special projects usually necessitate the use of specific EVA materials. There are only two colors available: black and white.
Rubber Waterstop
Rubber waterstops are divided into two types: rubber and steel-edge waterstops.
Advantages:
High elasticity, elongation, corrosion resistance, durability, and terrain adaptability are all advantages.
Disadvantages:
It is easy to age and loses the original waterproof performance when used for a long time. Welding can also only be done at higher temperatures and pressures.
Waterstop with a Steel Edge
Advantages:
Strong adaptability to terrain changes, high elasticity, good corrosion resistance, and excellent bonding between steel plate and surrounding concrete.
Disadvantages:
When rubber and steel edges are bonded, more care is required.
Waterstop made of metal
Copper waterstops, stainless steel waterstops, and galvanized waterstops are the most common metal waterstops.
On the ground, a pile of copper waterstops is set.
Copper Waterstop
Advantages:
Strong corrosion resistance; high strength, water pressure resistance, anti-seepage ability, and deformation resistance; clear outline, no cracks, folds, or dents It’s a popular choice for towering dams.
Disadvantages:
Costly and easily damaged during construction, as well as a complicated joint welding technique. A copper electrode is required for double-sided welding when welding.
Stainless Steel Waterstop
Advantages:
It can be produced of various stainless steel grades depending on the application, and it has better corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, fire resistance, and rigidity than copper waterstop.
Disadvantages:
Complex welding usually necessitates the use of embedded steel components.
Galvanized Steel Waterstop
Advantages:
High corrosion resistance, permeability resistance, reduced displacement after installation, strong concrete bonding, high waterproof resistance, and low cost are all advantages.
Disadvantages:
Galvanized steel sheets are prone to corrosion and aging, resulting in a reduction in waterproof performance.
As can be observed, the performance characteristics of waterstops vary depending on the materials used. Waterstops that are ideal for your working environment may be readily and quickly selected based on their performance qualities.