Alchemco, a Henrico-based company has one of their main waterproofing products nominated for Most Innovative Product of 2020
Alchemco, a Henrico-based company has one of their main waterproofing products nominated for Most Innovative Product of 2020
Alchemco, a Henrico-based company, recently had it’s TechCrete 2500 Waterproofing Agent nominated for the Most Innovative Product of 2020 award, at the World of Concrete Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Used as part of the factory warranted TechCrete 2500 Waterproofing System, this cutting-edge, spray applied product is revolutionizing the concrete waterproofing world.
Concrete is the world’s most utilized construction material. Because of its cost effectiveness, and perceived durability, we use concrete to build most of our long-term infrastructure projects: from bridges, to dams, to ports, to buildings, to stadiums, to parking structures. “A common misconception among owners and facility managers, is that concrete will last forever … without needing any additional protection! However, concrete structures just like anything else, must be properly protected & maintained in order to survive for the full-term of their designed lifespan.” says Kerston Russell, Alchemco Technical Director.
Water and the damage that it causes, is concrete’s Achilles heel. There is no greater danger to the longevity of your concrete structure, than the damage that water can cause. This includes: cracking & spalling due to freeze/thaw issues … corrosion of steel reinforcement … chloride ion migration … etc. Repeatedly applying surface coatings or membranes to the concrete is only a temporary fix for a long-term problem. The correct long-term solution is to waterproof the concrete itself.
Effectively protecting any concrete structure against water, is the single most important step one can take to ensure that it lasts decades instead of years. The U.S. government is budgeting over $1 trillion dollars to repair our crumbling infrastructure (most of which was built using concrete), largely because the proper waterproofing steps were not taken when erecting these structures.
The ‘environmentally friendly’ TechCrete 2500 Waterproofing System is designed to replace traditional membrane coatings, and all of the maintenance challenges that go along with them. “Our product penetrates the structure’s surface and creates a gel in the pores and cracks that expands to form a waterproof barrier inside the concrete. In addition to sealing existing cracks of up to 2 mm wide at the time of application, it also seals future cracks as they form, creating a self-healing effect.” says Mario Baggio, Alchemco CEO. This ensures full protection for the design life of the concrete structure … a one-time application!
This very affordable waterproofing system is also completely biodegradable (non-toxic …VOC free) and approved for use with drinking water (potable), which helps protect the environment. The clear & colorless TechCrete 2500 Waterproofing Agent does not change the exterior appearance of the concrete surface. As a result, it is a great solution for historical structures.
You can vote for TechCrete 2500 Waterproofing Agent or see the other products that were nominee in this website: https://www.concreteconstruction.net/products/vote-mip-2020-materials-for-concrete-construction_o