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ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST
How can concrete be waterproofed from the inside instead of relying on a membrane attached to the surface?
Seth is joined by Nick Karam, PE, Business Development Manager at Xypex, to explain how crystalline waterproofing works, where it is commonly used, and how it compares with traditional membranes and coatings. Nick explains how the chemistry reacts inside concrete, how it can help seal hairline cracks when water is present, and what contractors and engineers should consider when comparing products, testing performance, scheduling leak tests, and weighing upfront cost against long-term maintenance.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Why hardened concrete can still allow water to move through pores and capillaries
• How crystalline waterproofing reacts with water and cement-hydration byproducts
• The difference between an integral crystalline admixture and a surface membrane or liner
• How crystalline products can also be applied as a slurry coating to existing concrete
• Why water exposure can reactivate crystalline chemistry around a new crack
• What Nick says contractors should expect during an initial leak test
• Why a two-to-two-and-a-half-week healing period may need to be considered in the project schedule
• Where crystalline waterproofing is commonly used, including tanks, foundations, elevator pits, tunnels, and wastewater structures
• What permeability and hydrostatic-pressure tests can reveal about product performance
• How loss-on-ignition testing can be used to compare the active material in crystalline products
• Why Nick recommends comparing long-term maintenance and labor costs, not only the admixture cost per cubic yard
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Introduction, podcast support, and Concrete Logic Academy
(04:20) Nick Karam’s background and role at Xypex
(05:43) What crystalline waterproofing actually does
(07:54) How the crystalline reaction works inside concrete
(09:50) Using crystalline coatings on existing concrete
(11:46) How to compare crystalline waterproofing products
(12:05) Permeability and hydrostatic-pressure testing
(15:02) Loss-on-ignition testing and active ingredients
(17:18) Where crystalline waterproofing is commonly used
(18:48) Mix design, dosage, workability, and admixture compatibility
(20:17) When does crystalline waterproofing become active?
(23:09) Leak testing and crack-healing time
(24:58) Scheduling around tank leak tests
(26:09) Cost versus membranes and traditional waterproofing
(26:52) Nick’s final takeaway on long-term performance
(27:49) How to contact Nick Karam
GUEST INFO
Nick Karam, PE
Business Development Manager
Xypex
Guest link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/nick-karam-pe/
Email: nick.karam@xypex.com
Phone: 216-956-1105
CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY
Waterproofing concrete is not just about choosing a product. It is about understanding how water moves through concrete, how the system performs over time, and what the testing actually tells you.
Concrete Logic Academy helps you understand the “why” behind decisions like these so you can make better calls in the field and in the specifications.
Start learning here:
https://concreteschool.co
(https://concreteschool.co/)
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back.
Support the show here:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/
KUIU affiliate link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu
Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?
Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com
CREDITS
Producers: Ken Tiffany, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media
Music by: Mike Dunton
https://www.mdunton.com/
WHERE TO FIND SETH
Concrete Logic Podcast:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/
Concrete Logic Academy:
https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/
Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.
