Volclay® Waterproofing FAQs
Will Volclay® dry out after being hydrated?
No. Volclay does not dry out after being hydrated in a below-grade waterproofing application. Volclay, once wetted, will remain hydrated even when the moisture content in the adjacent soils decrease. This is because Volclay has been forced-dried at 650°F (330°C) to an 8% bonded moisture content from its natural 25-30%. Therefore, Volclay has a great affinity for water, and once mechanically bonded, doesn't let it go.
Will Volclay® work in the high saline soils of coastal regions?
Yes. A special Volclay bentonite, Volclay CR (Contaminate-Resistant), has been designed to work in soils with high concentrations of salts found in coastal regions. Volclay CR is also resistant to other industrial chemicals that may be in the soils. A simple test of the groundwater from the construction site will produce results indicating whether standard Volclay or Volclay CR is required for that specific project.
Why should I register my project?
Waterproofing in new construction is typically one percent or less of the building cost, but it is the leading cause for construction defect litigation.
By registering your project you can be assured that what you specify is what you get.
Does Volclay® have to be immediately hydrated after backfilling?
No. Volclay does not have to be fully hydrated upon installation. Like most other waterproofing membranes, Volclay will remain dormant until water comes in contact with the waterproofing. When water does contact Volclay, the Volclay immediately hydrates, forming a low permeable barrier.
For underslab applications, does Volclay® require a working mud slab or site concrete?
No. Volclay, in most cases, does not require a working mud slab or site concrete to be installed over. The reason for this is that Volclay does not rely on adhesion to function as a waterproofing membrane. Remember, a mud slab traditionally is made of weak concrete mix and usually cracks. Therefore, you are not adhering the waterproofing to the structural slab, but waterproofing the mud slab, which is typically made of a weak concrete mix and is susceptible to cracking.
Will Volclay® work with property line construction/precast panels?
Yes. Volclay waterproofing systems are ideal for blind-side property line construction. Simply install Volclay to the retaining wall and pour the concrete in a single-sided form. Typical applications include soldier pile and wood lagging, metal sheet piling, earth and shotcrete retention walls, and concrete caisson construction.
For precast panels simply place the Volclay in the precast panel form at the precast yard or shoot Volclay onto the panels on site. For more information, please see the Precast Panel Presentation.
How soon after the concrete pour can Volclay® be installed?
Volclay waterproofing systems can be installed to concrete as soon as the forms are removed. There is no seven to 28-day waiting period. Therefore, the work can be completed sooner and the project can proceed on time.
Can Volclay® be installed in freezing temperatures?
Yes. Unlike most peel-in-stick and fluid-applied waterproofing membranes, Volclay can be installed when temperatures are below freezing. This allows work to proceed in the winter months on time, as scheduled.
What is the difference between Hydrostatic and Non-Hydrostatic?
Early during design development, the engineer or architect should determine whether the basement foundation will be within, or anticipated to be within, the water table or hydrostatic conditions. Most basements, even those perceived to be in dry areas, will be subjected to hydrostatic pressure, especially during when water cannot drain away fast enough or from blocked drains.
One metre of water on a wall is equivalent to one ton of force per square centimetre (making damp-proof membranes unsuitable). If a hydrostatic condition is present or anticipated, then a full enveloping system should be utilised in the structure.
Does Volclay® offer a warranty?
Yes. Allco offers a System Warranty covering both labour and material on projects when Volclay bentonite waterproofing systems are installed by one of Allco's Approved Applicators. The warranty is issued directly to the owner of the project. The typical warranty period is ten to fifteen years depending on the level of encapsulation. Issuance of the System Warranty requires that a manufacturer's Approved Applicator install the Volclay waterproofing and that Waterstop-Rx be installed in all applicable concrete construction joints. Additionally, if a prefabricated drainage system is required, Aquadrain would be installed to complete the single-source responsibility. For full details and availability please contact Allco, qa@allco.co.nz.
