Waterproofing ceiling expansion joints in parking garages is crucial to prevent water infiltration, which can lead to structural damage, corrosion, and deterioration of the building. These expansion joints are vulnerable areas prone to leaks, making proper waterproofing essential to ensure the longevity of the structure. One such project was completed this week at a high-rise residential building on Dupont St. in Toronto.
The Challenge
Injecting a ceiling joint from underneath, unlike filling it from the top, presents a significant challenge in ensuring the material's proper injection and retention within the joint. The difficulty lies in calculating the amount of material required to waterproof the joint and guaranteeing its complete injection to create a robust seal. These challenges have been addressed with our proven repair method and the use of specialised materials.
The Solution – a Proven Repair Method
In this case, the expansion joint injection was done over two days.
Day 1
As always, the first step is substrate preparation which began with the removal of the existing insulation. The joint was then thoroughly cleaned and dried to prepare it for repair. Sources of leaks were identified next, and patching was done using an industrial-strength adhesive and polymer cement, which provided an immediate remediation.
The expansion joint was then coated with adhesive, and the first backer rod was installed along the joint to create a secure base for injection. The second backer rod was installed all along the joint, two inches below the first one, thus creating an injection chamber. Injection ports were drilled next to the joint, to allow for a polyurea-based waterproofing material injection, and a fiberglass layer was installed under the second backer rod and coated with a polyurea-based material in order to seal the injection chamber.
Day 2
The integrity of the fiberglass sealing the injection chamber was checked to ensure there would be no leaks during the injection that was to follow. Since the result was satisfactory, our crew proceeded to inject the joint with a different polyurea-based material.
Once the injection was complete, all the holes (injection ports) were sealed and patched for a seamless finish. Finally, the joint was coated with another layer of a waterproofing material.
Advantages of Polyurea Materials for Expansion Joint Injection
Polyurea materials offer unparalleled advantages for expansion joint injection. Their fast-curing nature, exceptional flexibility, and high durability make them ideal for waterproofing applications. They create a seamless, impermeable barrier that effectively seals joints, ensuring long-term protection against leaks and structural damage.
Learn more about our vast array of concrete repair and waterproofing solutions by visiting this page: https://www.jointsealwaterproofing.com/garages
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