Waterproof concrete

Tarmac's TopProof waterproof concrete has played a key role in a £17.6 million mixed-use redevelopment of Waterfront Wakefield in West Yorkshire.

We supplied 700 cubic metres of TopProof for the construction of a new underground car park designed for the Waterfront Wakefield project, which serves two office buildings and 58 apartments. As the car park is four metres below ground and surrounded by water on two sides, there was a clear need for a watertight concrete system.

TopProof waterproof concrete contains two specially formulated admixtures. The first reduces the water/cement ratio, increasing the density of the mix and minimising the size of the pores. This helps the concrete hold water. The second fills the remaining pores ensuring a 100% watertight finish. By contrast, ordinary concrete has fine pores that allow moisture to penetrate the surface.

TopProof provides an attractive surface that is a simple, cost-effective alternative to traditional watertight construction methods. As there is no need for additional finishes or external membranes, it’s easy to install, reducing cost and labour. The product needs minimal maintenance owing to its reliability, will not leak and is less susceptible to cracking. It is not only quality-assured and water resistant, but also 100% recyclable.

Waterproof concrete has many practical applications in a variety of settings, from basements, car parks and swimming pools, to waterside buildings, retail storage and lift pits. It’s a better solution for the environment compared to conventional waterproofing methods as membranes often contain oil-based chemicals and synthetic materials.