FAQs
About Protocol Products & InnerCrete™ Membrane Technology
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What are Protocol Products?
What is InnerCrete™ Membrane Technology?
InnerCrete™ Membrane Technology is the revolutionary method of permanently waterproofing and protecting concrete and cement-based materials. It chemically modifies the concrete to create a consistent, consolidated barrier membrane within the substrate. This InnerCrete™ Membrane becomes an integral part of the concrete mass and is impermeable to water and moisture yet maintains breathability.
Which Protocol Products are based on InnerCrete™ Membrane Technology?
All of Protocol’s Waterproofing and General Protection Products are based on variations of our proprietary InnerCrete™ Membrane Technology – each for different applications. These products include; VersaGuard, DualGuard and GraffitiGuard.
How are Protocol Waterproofing Products with InnerCrete™ Membrane Technology different from other waterproofing and protection products?
Protocol’s Products were developed to eliminate the issues associated with traditional concrete waterproofing and protection products;
INTERNAL DENSIFIERS / CRYSTALLINE PRODUCTS
Protocol’s Waterproofing Products are different from internal densifiers / crystalline technology products because of the nature of the chemical reaction. These other technologies “grow” soluble and insoluble crystals to plug voids and prevent water infiltration and migration throughout the substrate. These products provide inconsistent results as not every void is “plugged” so not all the water is stopped. Over the long-term, it has also been proven that excessive insoluble crystal growth can actually cause cracking to occur. Protocol’s Products DO NOT grow crystals which can encourage cracking, rather through an extension of the normal reaction of concrete, chemically modify it, to create a totally consistent concrete membrane within the concrete – totally stopping water migration and improving long term durability and quality.
COATINGS and TOPICAL BARRIER PRODUCTS
Protocol’s Waterproofing Products are different because they DO NOT rely on surface adhesion like traditional coating and barrier products. These products are affected by conditions at the surface and are therefore subject to deterioration caused by exposure to the environment, hydrostatic pressure, puncturing, delamination, chemical erosion, and abrasion. Protocol’s Products are not affected by environmental or external factors.
How long do Protocol Waterproofing Products last?
Protocol’s Waterproofing Products – with on InnerCrete™ Membrane Technology, ARE PERMANENT. They chemically modify the concrete to create an internal concrete membrane that becomes part of the concrete.
Are Protocol Products harmful to the environment?
NO! All Protocol Products were developed to exceed normal environmental standards all are eco-friendly and sustainable. All Products contain no regulated VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) and are fully biodegradable.
Will treatment with Protocol Waterproofing Products change the appearance of the concrete surface?
No.
Where to use Protocol Products
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Where can I use Protocol Products?
Protocol Products with InnerCrete™ Membrane Technology are for use on new and existing concrete and cement-based surfaces. They can be used for indoor / outdoor and vertical and horizontal applications. The Remover Products (DeBond, GraffitiGone and TagGone) can also be used on most wood and metal surfaces.
What are some typical applications?
Protocol Products can be used in some of the following applications; dams and reservoirs, sewage and water treatment tanks, bridges and infrastructure, subways, tunnels, underground vaults, manholes, secondary containment structures, precast, tilt-ups, concrete pipe, pumping stations, building envelopes, foundations and flooring, elevators and equipment pits, pools, roofs, parking structures, below grade construction, marine structures, stadiums and public facilities, commercial/industrial facilities and chemical/fertilizer plants.
Can Protocol Waterproofing Products be used against extreme hydrostatic pressure?
Do Protocol Waterproofing Products protect against spalling and freeze/thaw damage?
Do Protocol Waterproofing Products protect reinforcing steel?
Yes. By preventing the intrusion of water, salt water, sewage, and most chemicals, Protocol Waterproofing Products, (VersaGuard and DualGuard) help protect reinforcing steel against oxidation and deterioration.
How else are Protocol Waterproofing Products beneficial to use on concrete?
- Reducing hairline cracking
- Increases resistance to surface abrasion and erosion
- Protects against oil, stains and odors (reduces maintenance)
- Increases adhesion ability of paint and coatings
- Controls and prevents efflorescence
- Eliminates dusting
- Controls mold and mildew growth
- Minimizes the impact of salt and chemical attack
- Minimizes the impact of environmental factors
Will Protocol Waterproofing Products fix any problem with concrete?
Protocol Products are designed to control many problems with concrete, such as water penetration. When used as a preventative treatment, certain common problems and related expense can be avoided from occurring at all. Protocol Products are not designed to fill large voids or cracks in concrete.
Are Protocol Products affected by temperature, UV or other factors?
Once surfaces have been treated, extreme hot and cold temperatures, UV, humidity and other factors do not affect the performance Protocol Products. Temperature should be above 50C when applying. Products should be kept from freezing when stored.
How to use Protocol Products
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Are Protocol Waterproofing Products easy to use?
Protocol Waterproofing Products are very easy to apply; using only a garden sprayer until surface has been saturated. Unlike some internal densifiers or powder crystalline / cementitious products which require mixing and ongoing hydration with water, Protocol Products are used directly from the container, without mixing or diluting with water. Once surfaces have been treated, continuous watering or hydration is not necessary. Unlike coatings, paint and surface membranes, no special surface profile is required; however, surfaces must be free of any sealant etc. which would block the penetration of the product into the substrate.
Can I treat wet concrete surfaces?
Surfaces to be treated can be wet or dry. Wetting surfaces first will assist in penetration of the product into the substrate. Any significant pooling of water on the surface should be removed before treating as this will dilute the product.
Can I use Protocol Products on surfaces other than concrete?
Protocol Waterproofing Products are only for use on concrete and cement-based materials since they are reactive with concrete to modify it and form the InnerCrete™ Membrane. Protocol Remover Products; DeBond, GraffitiGone and TagGone, can be used on a variety of surfaces such as concrete, wood and metals. Please refer to the individual product pages for full instructions on usage and capabilities.
Should I treat the positive or negative side of the concrete?
Protocol Waterproofing Products can be applied to either the positive (water side) or the negative side of the concrete, depending on available surface in each application. The product migrates through the capillary tracts within the concrete by means of diffusion and chemically reacts with the substrate, modifying it to form the totally consistent, internal, waterproofing InnerCrete™ Membrane.
Can I paint or coat surfaces after being treated with Protocol Waterproofing Products?
Surfaces treated with VersaGuard can be painted or treated since the surface profile remains unaffected. In fact, it is advisable to use VersaGuard to first treat surfaces that will be painted or coated since delamination due to moisture transmission within the slab is eliminated.
What are the limitations of Protocol Waterproofing Products?
There are no limitations to these products as long as they are applied to concrete or cement-based surfaces in temperatures above 50C.
