5 Must-Have Features in a Rubber Water Stopper

A water stop is a crucial construction element used in every building made of concrete. Some of us may need to become more familiar with its working principle. What does it do? As the name suggests, its purpose is to stop water. So, people use this material to prevent water from entering a space. Yes, these water stoppers avoid the passage of water through joints or gaps in concrete structures. There are various types of water stoppers, where rubber & plastics are most popular. 'Rubber waterstop vs PVC waterstop' shows the fundamental differences between these materials.

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Both rubber and PVC water stops are popular in construction applications. They have similar structures and are divided into back-mounted and middle-buried types. What sets them apart is their distinct materials.

Understanding the differences between these two products can help you make informed decisions. It allows you to choose suitable materials for your construction project. We will begin with the difference table so that you can quickly identify the fundamental differences. In the subsequent sections, we will learn more about their types, advantages, and limitations. Moreover, we will talk about some crucial factors you need in the selection process.

Rubber Waterstop vs PVC Waterstop

As mentioned earlier, rubber water stop & PVC water stop come with similar structures. What sets them apart is their construction material. Therefore, the following table mainly focuses on the primary material characteristics. When you compare the properties, you will find appropriate the water-stop material suitable for your project.

Rubber Waterstop

A rubber water stop is a popular type of construction material. Its primary function is to prevent the passage of water through joints in concrete structures.

Rubber water stops are used more often than PVC water stops. Popular manufacturing processes include plasticization, mixing, extrusion, compression molding, and vulcanization.

There are different types of Rubber water stops. We have categorized them into two main sections.

Based on usage

• A buried water stop is the standard type of rubber waterproofing material. It is commonly used to construct underground concrete structures.
• The back stick-type water stop is made of a combination of natural rubber & synthetic rubber. Its composition also includes many additives & fillers. It mainly comes from plasticization, mixing, and compression molding.

Based on the form

• CB-type water stop: They are the middle hole of the buried water stop.
• CP-type water stop: They are in the middle of nonporous buried water.
• EP-type water stops are also known as 'externally bonded water stops' or 'backing water stops.' This designation indicates that water stops are marked outside the center of the no-pass.
• EB-type water stop: They are also known as posted outside water stop or backing with water stop.

Advantages

1. Rubber water stop provides excellent flexibility.
2. They provide excellent water-tightness.
3. They exhibit good chemical resistance.
4. Durable & efficient
5. Rubber Water Stops can accommodate irregular surfaces.

Limitations

1. Rubber water stops may be suitable for flexibility, but they are not ideal for low-temperature applications.
2. Unlike PVC water stops, they can't promise excellent corrosion resistance.

PVC Waterstop

PVC is another popular material for making water stops. It also has extensive applications as a joint filler in concrete structures.

PVC water stoppers accommodate movement and settlements in concrete structures. They are also used to prevent the passage of water. PVC water stops come in various types.

• The Dumbell water stop is the largest and thickest profile. It is ideal for construction and contraction joints.
• Dumbell with a center bulb can withstand large-scale movements. They are also the largest & thickest water stop profiles.
• Ribbed flats are designed to enhance the bond strength between the water stop & surrounding concrete.
• Ribbed with center bulbs are designed to absorb the shear movements. It can be lateral or transversal direction.
• Ribbed with a torn web, it has a U-shaped center bulb. Its primary function is to pull when being subjected to large movements. Typical situations include joint expansion or differential settlements.
• The base seal is the simplest & easiest to install. You can use a regular splicing iron to perform heat welding.
• Split water stops have features similar to those of dumbbell water stops. What sets them apart is their structure and features. They are also ideal for construction joints with little or no movement.
• The cap water-stops have a cap that ensures a fluid-tight internal seal. They are ideal for expansion joints with expansion boards.

Advantages

1. It provides excellent corrosion resistance.
2. PVC water stops are ideal for low-temperature applications.
3. It is 3-4 times more durable than rubber water stops.
4. It is cheaper than a rubber water stop.

Limitations

1. It is not as flexible as a rubber water stop.
2. It is not suitable for use on irregular surfaces.

4 Main Considerations to Consider While Choosing a Waterstop (Rubber Waterstop vs PVC Waterstop)

In the preceding sections, we have briefly described the rubber water stop & PVC water stop. Now, you can distinguish their differences. Let's recap our discussion & evaluate how to choose the right product for your project. To do this, we can consider four important Factors.

Factor#1 Material

The material of a water stop is a critical determinant of its performance. You know, rubber & PVC each offer distinct properties. Consequently, these material properties affect the durability, flexibility, and resistivity. Therefore, the selection must align with the specific demands of the project. As a result, you or your engineer can ensure that the chosen water stop can withstand certain environmental conditions.

Factor#2 Installation method

The installation method also significantly influences the functionality of the water. Two types of installation methods are often used in construction applications. These are internal & external installations. Moreover, proper installation ensures a secure & watertight seal. It prevents leaks & ensures long-term effectiveness. The method may vary depending on the chosen water-stop material.

Factor#3 Size

Size considerations are also paramount in achieving an optimal seal. Your chosen water stop must be appropriately sized to accommodate concrete joint movement. It also prevents displacement. Oversized or undersized water stops can compromise the overall effectiveness of the seal. Therefore, it is necessary to go for precise sizing.

Factor#4 Application Environment

Finally, evaluating the application environment parameters is necessary when choosing the right type. Rubber water stops may be excellent in certain conditions, while PVC water stops might be more suitable in others.

FAQ

What are the different types of water stops?

There are four types of water stops that you can use in your construction. These are rubber water stops, PVC water stops, metal water stops, and bentonite water stops. Rubber and PVC water stops are considered the most popular in this case.

Which is better, rubber water stop or PVC water stop?

The choice between rubber & PVC water stops depends on specific project requirements. For example, rubber waters are ideal for flexibility & adaptability in construction joints. Conversely, PVC water stops are known for their corrosion resistance & low-temperature resistance.

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How long does PVC rubber water stop last?

Usually, plastic water stops last 3-5 times longer than rubber water stops. However, PVC rubber water stops last more than 40 years. The lifespan typically depends on adequately selecting the water stops during the installation.

What is the difference between TPV & PVC water stop?

TPV is a combination of rubber and plastic, providing both characteristics. The main difference between TPV and PVC water stops is their flexibility. TPV is more flexible than traditional PVC. It typically allows for greater movement accommodation in construction joints.

Summary

Let's wrap up everything! Rubber water stops & PVC water stops are both popular in construction applications. They reveal different characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications. Rubber water stops offer enhanced flexibility & adaptability.

PVC water stops are very good at withstanding low temperatures and rust. Remember that rubber and PVC water stops might not work in all situations. Because of this, you need to pick the suitable material for the job based on the application's needs.

There are four things you need to think about when picking a water-stop material. The four are material, installation method, size, and use context. Whether the water stop is made of rubber or PVC affects how well it works and how long it lasts.

Also, size is a crucial thing to think about for accurate fitting. After that, the other two factors decide how long the water stoppers last and how well they work.

Above all, if you have any questions about rubber water stops vs. PVC water stops, don't hesitate to get in touch with our customer support team.

by Stacy Byrd, GRP, LEED AP
Joints formed between adjacent concrete pours and where mechanical elements penetrate the concrete are the most likely points of water ingress into below-grade concrete structures. To prevent this from occurring, waterstops are commonly specified and installed at every joint in the concrete below-grade.

A waterstop installed in concrete joints is an important component of an overall waterproofing design to protect below-grade portions of a concrete structure. These products' use in construction joints (i.e. 'cold joints') is a good design practice for building foundations, with or without a positive-side waterproofing membrane. In other words, the waterstop can be a belt-and-suspenders approach to provide a dry structure for the occupants and owner.

Below-grade structures present conditions making it very likely water, which is present under intermittent or constant hydrostatic pressure, can infiltrate through the concrete joints. Therefore, waterstops are used as part of the overall waterproofing protection on a variety of concrete structures including:

• basement walls and slabs;
• subway, vehicle, and pedestrian tunnels;
• parking structures;
• water and sewage treatment facilities; and
• canals, locks, and dams.

Material basics
When most construction professionals think of a 'waterstop,' they generally refer to a dumbbell or ribbed profile extrusion of thermoplastic or rubber material, 102 to 305 mm (4 to 12 in.) wide, installed in a concrete joint. Since the s, the most widely used waterstop is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Strong and flexible, these products have been used due to ease of welding and inherent resistance to groundwater and common waste water treatment chemicals. There are now myriad metal, plastic, asphaltic, and hydrophilic materials, with differing compositions and profiles, utilized to stop water ingress through joints in concrete structures.

A waterstop is a material embedded in the concrete, with the singular purpose to obstruct the passage of water through the joint. In other words, it is not an elastomeric sealant adhered to the exposed surface of 'a joint. Beyond the joint, waterstops cannot prevent migration of water vapor or capillary moisture potential through a concrete slab to protect the flooring system (e.g. hardwood or tile) from adhesion failure or deterioration. Similarly, waterstops are unable to prevent water ingress through cracks that develop in the concrete due to building settlement or live load deflection'waterproofing membrane systems, vapor retarders, and other construction products are available to the specifier and contractor for these issues.

It is important the waterstop be manufactured with quality raw materials, without defects. Many material types and profiles are available for different applications and conditions so the specifier must choose waterstops, preferably with manufacture consultation, appropriate for all the joint conditions.

The three general concrete joint types are:

• 'construction (i.e. cold) joint'intentional interfaces between adjacent concrete placements created to facilitate construction;
• 'expansion (i.e. isolation) joint'separates adjacent concrete pours (e.g. walls, slabs, footings, and columns) protecting them from compressive stresses developed by thermal expansion, seismic events, or live load deflection; and
• 'contraction (i.e. control) joints'intentional grooves to create a weakened plane to control the location of cracks resulting from shrinkage of concrete while curing.

To choose a waterstop suitable for the project's joint-sealing needs, it is important to know the various product types and material compositions. Most types are manufactured exclusively for use in cast-in-place concrete construction joints, while some varieties can also be used with expansion joints. Selected waterstops must accommodate the expected lateral, transverse, and shear joint movements, as well as, the expected hydrostatic pressure.

If used for primary or secondary containment structures, the waterstop must be resistant to the fluids or chemicals contained within the structure. Manufactured in various types, shapes (profiles), 'and sizes, they come in diverse material compositions such as:

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