Waterstop is a commonly used waterproof element placed in the construction joints and deformation joints of concrete structures. According to its raw material, it can be divided into plastic waterstop, rubber waterstop and metal waterstop. Each waterstop has its own advantages and disadvantages, thereby presenting different performances. Here we summarize the performance of waterstops made of different materials to help you find the right waterstop perfect for your application quickly.
Plastic Waterstop
Plastic waterstops mainly include PVC waterstops and EVA waterstop.
PVC waterstop
Advantages: High tensile strength and elasticity, excellent impermeability, good acid and alkali resistance and corrosion resistance. It is easy to operate when bonding, only a hot welding knife is required.
Disadvantages: When the temperature is too low, PVC is easy to become brittle and break. It has less elasticity than rubber.
EVA waterstop
Advantages: Great corrosion resistance and waterproof performance, high tensile strength and elasticity, and high hydrostatic pressure resistance. Generally, it needs to be hot welded to the surface of the pipe or waterproof coil by machine)
Disadvantages: High hardness and high cost. Generally, specified EVA materials are required for special projects. Only black and white colors are available.
Rubber Waterstop
Rubber waterstops mainly include rubber waterstops and steel-edge waterstops.
Rubber Waterstop
Advantages: High elasticity, high elongation, excellent corrosion resistance, good durability and great adaptability to terrain changes.
Disadvantages: When used for a long time, it is easy to aging and lose the original waterproof performance. Moreover, welding can only be conducted at a higher temperature and pressure.
Steel-edge Waterstop
Advantages: High elasticity, high corrosion resistance, great bonding between steel plate and surrounding concrete, and strong adaptability to terrain changes.
Disadvantages: Special attention is required when rubber and steel edges are bonded.
Metal Waterstop
Metal waterstops mainly include copper waterstops, stainless steel waterstops and galvanized waterstops.
Copper Waterstop
Advantages: Strong corrosion resistance; high strength, water pressure resistance, strong anti-seepage ability, great deformation resistance; clear outline, no cracks, folds or dents. Commonly used in high dams.
Disadvantages: High cost and easy to be damaged during construction, and complex joint welding process. When welding, copper electrode is required for double-sided welding.
Stainless Steel Waterstop
Advantages: It can be made of different stainless steel grades according to different applications, with high corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, good fire resistance, and greater rigidity than copper waterstop.
Disadvantages: Complex welding, generally need to be connected with embedded steel components.
Galvanized Steel Waterstop
Advantages: High corrosion resistance, high permeability resistance, less displacement after installation, good bonding with the concrete, high waterproof resistance and low cost.
Disadvantages: Galvanized steel sheets are prone to aging and rust, which will lead to reduced waterproof performance.
It can be seen that the performance characteristics of waterstops vary as they are made of different materials. You can choose waterstops suitable for your working environment easily and effectively according to their performance characteristics. If you still wonder how to choose waterstops, please contact us directly, we will recommend the most economical and suitable waterstops for you to choose from.
