Founded in 1942, Chryso provides its customers with admixtures and additives for concrete, cement, and gypsum. With four manufacturing plants and R&D facilities in India, Chryso under its construction systems business vertical, offers a range of solutions covering high-end waterproofing solutions, floorings, expansion and construction joint treatment systems, grouts, repair and retrofitting solutions and protective coatings.

Talking about the current market status Rajeev Gupta, Business Head – Construction System Business Unit, Chryso India says, “With the 0development of modern construction material and technology, the concept of waterproofing is changing fast in India but industry is still in premature stage. Waterproofing products which are green in nature and helps in protection of environment are more in demand.”

Commenting on the current trends in procurement of waterproofing materials, Gupta said that the latest trend in waterproofing is ‘prevention is better than cure’. He adds, “With high emphasis on durability, the thought process is turning towards preventing water ingress through the concrete, either by provision of an external membrane or by making concrete itself waterproof by using effective integral waterproofing compounds.”

The conventional waterproofing systems are slowly becoming outdated due to their inherent disadvantages and integral waterproofing compounds and membrane waterproofing especially liquid applied coatings, are gaining popularity. In the recent times, waterproofing specifications are being reworked and modifications are being incorporated to replace the old systems with the modern materials.

Buying factors
Speaking about the major buying factors for waterproofing, Rajeev Gupta says, “When we refer waterproofing, it is not about just products rather it is about complete system. A system approach is the best practice for applying waterproofing solutions. Ideally, waterproofing and suitable maintenance system should be considered at the design stage itself. Understanding the structure is very important including the substrate on which the waterproofing solution is to be applied. Selection of right materials as per the usage conditions and correct application by specialised agencies is the right approach towards waterproofing. An effective waterproofing system depends largely on right design of WP system, right selection of materials for WP and workmanship.”

Rajeev Gupta suggests few key points which should be considered before buying waterproofing are:
• Waterproofing should preferably be applied as positive side barrier system. This will ensure that both the reinforced concrete structural components and the basement interior and finishes are protected from the water.
• Negative side barrier system sometimes could be used for remedial applications. In special cases where the basement walls are cast in the ground, e.g. diaphragm walls and continuous bored pile walls.
• The type and thickness of the waterproofing membrane used would depend on the depth of the basement, the hydrostatic pressure expected, the loading effects of adjoining structures.
• Considerations should be given to possible chemical attacks if the ground water is found to be aggressive.
• For basements where the dryness of the interior is critical, a secondary waterproofing system could be provided in addition to the main system.
• Adequate slope should be provided in roof slab or terrace garden so that excess water can easily flow to drain.
• Adequate surface preparation is very important and the waterproofing system should be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Industry at premature stage
The waterproofing market has grown rapidly in India over the last decade but it is still in premature stage and facing a few challenges as the majority of construction projects are still using traditional waterproofing techniques like brick bat coba, Kota stone, mud fuska type of waterproofing systems which have their own limitations. Focussing on Indian industry’s maturity to use advanced waterproofing optimally, Gupta says, “Lack of quality standards for waterproofing products, lack of awareness on efficient use and inadequate availability of skilled application agencies are the major challenges.”

The success of waterproofing system depends not only on the materials alone but also more on application and understanding limitations of the materials as well. Durability and life of the structure is largely affected by effective and adequate waterproofing system which relies on three key elements – design, choice of system and workmanship.  The waterproofing system is susceptible to failure, if either of the elements mentioned above is defective.

“Generally in India, specifiers do not specify waterproofing details in depth and leave this aspect to ignorant client to choose whatever waterproofing system he likes. Also many structural designers give least importance to the control joints which eventually results in failure of waterproofing systems. There is a need for the architects and the structural designers to understand the various systems available and specify them correctly and with sufficient details, taking into consideration the in-service conditions of the structure,” Gupta observed.

He also said, “As India is a very price conscious market and customers prefer to use cheaper solutions without caring much about associated long term repair and maintenance costs over the life of structures and buildings. High initial costs of high performance solutions are a major deterrent. Green and high value products still have limited demand and are used only in premium projects and demanding situations.”

Why Chryso?
Stressing on Chryso’s USP, Gupta says, “Our focus and consistent efforts are on offering green solutions that ensures durability of structures and sustainability of environment. We are pioneers in promoting high performance polyurethane coatings and PVC membrane systems to protect critical structures from water damage under demanding situations. Chryso with its wide range of product portfolio supported with technical services provides one stop solution for construction industry.”

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With high emphasis on durability, the thought process is turning towards preventing water ingress through the concrete.

Rajeev Gupta, Business Head – Construction System Business Unit, Chryso India