Are Permanent Modular Formwork Systems For Concrete Walls Waterproof?

Permanent Modular Formwork Systems For Concrete Walls – Are They Waterproof?

Concrete filled polymer-based Stay-In-Place (SIP) formwork creates load-bearing permanent walls and columns and provides a cost-effective construction system. By encapsulating the concrete fill, the interlocking snapping joints of concrete-filled walls are deemed to be waterproofed if installed correctly by an accredited installer.

The permanent polymer encapsulation of concrete claims to prevent water ingress, thus eliminating the root cause of corrosion of reinforcing steel caused by moisture absorption. One of the goals of SIP formwork is to seal and protect the concrete from the environment for the life of the building. However, appropriate waterproofing of the floor to wall joints is required to ensure watertightness.

Can panel joints in concrete walls constructed with polymer-based modular permanent formwork leak?

In the case of a high water table behind multi-story underground basement walls, where the hydrostatic pressure is strong, there is a potential for panel joints bending, which can create a passageway for water ingress. The possibility of damage to the panel joints or corner joints can occur during construction and may also be a cause to water ingress.

Waterstop Solutions has been engaged on multiple sites in Sydney and in the NSW area and we have successfully rectified problems with water seeping through permanent formwork systems from the positive side of the permanent polymer-based modular concrete wall, seeping through the concrete and exiting through the joint on the negative/reverse side of the wall.

We recommend waterproofing basements no matter which formwork system you choose to use with an appropriate waterproofing system that is suitable for PVC formwork and application.

The photo below shows leaking panel joints. This concrete wall in Sydney is constructed with polymer-based modular permanent formwork system for concrete walls.

Seepage successfully stopped with high-pressure leak sealing injections by the NSW Waterstop Solutions team.

Leaking panel joints in permanent formwork system – concrete wall

Whilst other remedial companies may average once a year (or at most once a month), our technicians perform quality high-pressure leak-sealing injection work several times a week. If you have any issues with moisture, seepage and/or high-flow active leaks in concrete structures, we would be happy to assist you. You are welcome to contact us with any questions that you may have.  

Brisbane office: (07) 3205 1899    Email: [email protected]

Sydney office: 02 9346 8308   Email: [email protected]

Remember that seepage/water ingress into areas such as balconies, basements, concrete roofs, car parks and retaining walls, should not be ignored – call a remedial waterproofing professional today for an assessment to provide you with the best solution for your situation.

At Waterstop Solutions, we carry out a wide range of remedial works to concrete structures post construction stage in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney and outlying areas in Queensland and New South Wales.

Equipped with major civil works experience, we can quickly determine the best approach to rectify all seepage and concrete deterioration issues.