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Earth Shield Chemical Resistant Waterstop Versus Joint Sealant
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| Mar 20, 2015 |
When fluid-proofing a joint it is important to consider what fluids will potentially pass through the joint; the ramifications if they do; the hydrostatic pressure applied; and the life expectancy of the joint sealing system. The answers to the aforementioned questions should ultimately determine the type of joint sealing system used.
For example, if the primary concern is rainwater infiltrating the building envelope, a simple joint sealant or caulk will be adequate to waterproof the joint. A joint sealant functions by adhering to both sides of the joint. When sealant adhesion fails, so does the waterproofing function. Sealant is usually composed of silicone or urethane, and the manufacturer-listed lifecycle is usually 5 to 10 years, but because proper joint preparation procedures are often not followed, a more realistic lifecycle is 3 years.
However, if the joint is designed to prevent the passage of fluids other than water, such as fuel oils, solvent, acids, and other aggressive chemicals, only a chemical resistant waterstop such as Earth Shield® will block the fluids, resist degradation, and provide the necessary federal regulatory compliance. Earth Shield is manufactured from a fully cross-linked thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), which provides broad-spectrum resistance to a variety of aggressive chemicals, long life span (entire lifecycle of structure), and excellent physical properties (tensile strength, elongation, etc.).
Unlike sealant, TPV waterstop does not rely on adhesion to function, but instead is installed in the center of the joint, spanning the entire length of the joint, and acts as a dam to prevent the passage of fluids. Therefore, if care is taken during installation, TPV waterstop will provide a leak-proof barrier for the life of the structure.
Additionally, Earth Shield Chemical Resistant Waterstop provides the necessary federal regulatory compliance that sealant does not. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Title 40, CFR 265.193 states:
Secondary containment for tanks must include one or more of the following devices:
- A liner (external to the tank);
- A vault (constructed with chemical resistant waterstops in place at all joints);
- A double-walled tank; or
- An equivalent device as approved by the Regional Administrator.
Because sealant is a maintenance item, with separation or failure occurring generally within 3 years of installation, and requiring constant maintenance throughout the life of the structure, it should not be considered as a stand-alone barrier system when the criteria is containment of hazardous substances.
About JP Specialties
JP Specialties, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of chemical resistant waterstop and related concrete accessories. Our NSF 61 certified Earth Shield® line of chemical resistant waterstop is used throughout the world by major engineering firms and project owners for primary and secondary containment applications, as well as industrial wastewater treatment and ozone contactor structures. We invented and hold the patent on the technology used to mechanically weld thermoplastic waterstops. Services offered include free blueprint take-off and shop drawings, on-site welding certification, and individual corrosion resistance certification for the project owner.
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