While both waterproofing and damp proofing are used to protect structures from moisture, they serve different purposes and offer different levels of protection.
Waterproofing stops water, while damp proofing slows or resists moisture. For areas exposed to water pressure or continuous moisture, waterproofing is the more reliable and durable solution.

• Non-invasive (no need to excavate or expose structure)
• Effective for both dry and wet cracks
• Quick to apply with minimal disruption
• Long-lasting when correctly specified

While mostly used in commercial and industrial applications, PU injection can be used in residential basements or retaining walls, especially where retrofitting is needed.

When correctly applied with the right material for the condition, injection systems can provide long-term waterproofing and structural stability. Regular inspection may still be needed for high-movement areas.

The process typically involves:

• Drilling holes at strategic intervals
• Installing injection packers
• Injecting resin under pressure
• Monitoring for proper material flow and seal

Key factors include:

• Crack width and movement potential
• Presence of water (active or passive leaks)
• Structural vs non-structural repair
• Type of substrate (concrete, masonry, etc.)
• Environmental exposure (chemicals, temperature, etc.)

Rigid (like epoxy): Used for structural crack repairs where movement is not expected.

Flexible (like PU or acrylic gel): Used in dynamic structures or where ongoing movement or water exposure is expected.

The most common are:

• Polyurethane (PU) – expands on contact with water to seal leaks
• Acrylic gels – flexible and long-lasting for sealing joints and porous substrates
• Epoxy – used for structural crack repair where high strength is required
• Silicates or cement-based slurries – for curtain injection behind retaining walls

They are typically used for:

• Sealing cracks in concrete walls and slabs
• Repairing leaking joints or construction defects
• Waterproofing basements, tunnels, reservoirs, and lift pits post-construction remediation of water leaks

Yes. Polyurethane foams are especially effective at sealing actively leaking cracks, as they expand upon contact with water, forming a watertight seal.

Common reasons include:

• Poor surface preparation
• Incorrect product selection for joint movement
• Inadequate installation detailing
• Ageing or UV degradation of exposed materials
• Movement beyond the product’s flexibility limit

Yes. Injection hoses, PU injection, or external joint bandages/tapes can be used for post-construction or remedial joint waterproofing without demolishing structures.

Absolutely. For basements, tunnels, lift pits, and water-retaining structures, joint waterproofing is critical. Products like hydrophilic waterbars, injection hoses, or internal joint tapes are often used in these conditions.

Consider the following factors:

• Type and location of the joint
• Expected movement (static or dynamic)
• Water exposure (submerged, intermittent, or occasional)
• Chemical exposure or aggressive environments
• Compatibility with adjacent waterproofing systems

Key types include:

• Construction joints (cold joints between two concrete pours)
• Expansion or movement joints (accommodate movement due to thermal or structural shifts) 
• Control joints (placed to control cracking)
• Pipe penetrations and service entries

Waterbars are the most common waterproof jointsealing solution for construction joints and are mandatory for expansion joints. The appropriate profile can be chosen from the wide range of Sika Waterbar® based on various materials, depending on project requirements.

Cementitious slurry products, like Sika® Cemflex® or SikaTop® Seal-107 ZA,  are used to waterproof basements, foundations, tunnels, retaining walls, brickwalls and other underground structures. The silane systems are used to prevent water penetration of brick and natural stone.

Wateproofing admixtures are additives mixed directly into concrete or mortar to reduce water permeability. They work by creating a hydrophobic barrier or forming crystals that block micro-pores and capillaries in the concrete.

Sika®-1 is a normal setting liquid waterproofing admixture for mortar and concrete. Sika®-1 blocks the capillaries and pores in the applied cementitious system to provide an effective water barrier against the transmission of liquid water.

Waterproofing should be integrated during the construction phase—before backfilling, tiling, or plastering. Areas such as foundations, basements, slabs, and wet rooms should be treated early in the building process.