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Smart Concrete

Krystol Internal Membrane
New Concrete Waterproofing

Permanent Waterproofing for Concrete

Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) is a hydrophilic crystalline admixture used to create permanently waterproof concrete.

KIM lowers the permeability of concrete, and is used in place of surface applied waterproofing membranes. KIM is recommended for all concrete that will be subject to water pressure and can be used in precast, cast-in-place and shotcrete applications.. By stopping the transmission of water through concrete, KIM adds durability and longevity to concrete by protecting it against chemical attack and corrosion of reinforcing steel.

Features & Benefits

Krystol Internal Membrane:

  • Waterproofs concrete – Lowers water penetration by reducing permeability of the concrete by 50-90%, even under extreme hydrostatic pressure
  • Self-seals cracks – Activates in the presence of moisture to seal micro-cracks that develop over the life span of the structure
  • Is environmentally friendly – Remains safe for potable water (certified to NSF/ANSI 61) and non-toxic
  • Protects reinforcing steel – Prevents the penetration of waterborne contaminants and chloride-laden water that cause reinforcing steel to corrode
  • Reduces shrinkage and cracking – Increases quality and longevity of concrete during the plastic and curing stages
  • Resists freeze-thaw damage – Mitigates the effect of expansion and contraction of freezing and thawing within concrete

How it Works

KIM contains Krystol® technology. When added to concrete, Krystol chemically reacts with water and unhydrated cement particles to form insoluble needle-shaped crystals that fill capillary pores and micro-cracks in the concrete, which block the pathways for water and waterborne contaminants. Any moisture introduced over the life span of the concrete will initiate crystallization, ensuring permanent waterproofing protection.

KIM versus Traditional Membranes

  • Replaces the need for surface-applied waterproofing membranes
  • Cannot be punctured
  • Shortens construction schedules
  • Lowers maintenance and repair costs
  • Improves reliability and quality control
  • Allows for a larger building footprint

Why Krystol Internal Membrane is the best performing crystalline waterproofing admixture

KIM is a true crystalline waterproofing admixture with decades of proven performance worldwide

KIM is a true Permeability Reducing Admixture - Hydrostatic Pressure (PRAH). PRAHs are to reduce permeability by 50-90% and have the ability to self seal micro cracks that form throughout the life of the concrete.

Other admixtures claim to be to PRAHs, but in reality they do not provide long-term protection against water.

  • Only KIM can provide the highest level of permeability reduction - it is chemically different from other admixtures on the market

  • KIM has the most dependable self-sealing performance (as shown in testing and real life applications) - even for cracks up to 0.5mm wide

  • KIM has the best shrinkage and restrained shrinkage cracking reduction

  • KIM is the only PRAH proven to protect steel reinforcing against corrosion


How do I specify KIM for my project?

Specifying Krystol Internal Membrane is easy. Instead of spending time detailing and incorporating traditional membranes into your project specifications, simply specify KIM to be added into the concrete. We will help with the project specification and provide the data and details needed for planing submission. And, because KIM is supplied through certified concrete suppliers, the quality of the concrete for waterproofing has to meet certain criteria, which results in better performing concrete overall for your project.

More information about KIM is available below. For a complete Product Technical Statement and guidance for your upcoming project, contact us.

BRANZ Appraised

Krystol Internal Membrane is BRANZ appraised (no. 661) as an alternative solution in terms of NZBC compliance for the requirements of:

B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1(a) not less than 50 years

E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2 and E2.3.3

Krystol Mortar Admixture

Krystol Mortar Admixture (KMA) is a hydrophilic crystalline admixture used to provide long-term protection of masonry mortars and concrete masonry units against water and waterborne contaminants by reducing permeability and absorption of the mortar.

KMA contains Krystol technology. When added to cementitious mortars or concrete masonry units, Krystol chemically reacts with water and un-hydrated cement particles to form insoluble needle-shaped crystals that fill capillary pores and micro-cracks in the concrete and block the pathways for water and waterborne contaminants. Any moisture introduced over the lifespan of the concrete will initiate crystallization, ensuring permanent waterproofing protection.

KMA is used for all masonry and plastering admixture applications. KIM is used for concrete applications.

Masonry and Plastering Admixture
Masonry and Plastering Admixture

Krystol Admixtures for New Concrete Technical Data

Click on a picture below to download the appropriate document