What Is Integral Waterproofing?A Smarter Approach to Concrete Protection

Integral waterproofing transforms concrete into a self-protecting structure by eliminating external membranes. Learn how crystalline technology enables long-term durability and automatic crack sealing.

Forget fragile membranes. Modern integral waterproofing starts inside the concrete.

The Problem with Traditional Waterproofing

For decades, waterproofing has relied on surface-applied barriers: membranes, coatings, and sealants. These systems are often labor-intensive, vulnerable to poor workmanship, and prone to aging, blistering, or tearing. Once water finds its way past the surface, the structure becomes exposed to deterioration—especially in critical areas like basements, tunnels, and foundations.

This has led to a shift in engineering philosophy: what if waterproofing could be built into the structure itself?

Defining Integral Waterproofing

Integral waterproofing refers to technologies that transform concrete into a water-resistant, self-protecting structure from within—eliminating the need for separate waterproofing layers.

This is achieved by adding a specialized crystalline waterproofing admixture directly into the concrete mix. Once inside the matrix, these active compounds react with water and cement particles to generate microscopic crystals that grow into pores and capillaries, sealing the internal pathways through which water typically travels.

This mechanism is permanent and reactivates in the presence of moisture, giving concrete the remarkable ability to self-seal microcracks over time.

How It Works: Crystallization Waterproofing

The core of this technology is crystallization waterproofing, where crystalline admixtures form insoluble crystal structures inside the concrete:

• The crystals block capillaries and microvoids

• When water is present, crystal growth reactivates

• This process can automatically seal cracks up to 0.4–1.0 mm wide

• The result: a dense, durable, self-healing concrete structure

This internal sealing is not a surface patch—it’s a chemical transformation that integrates waterproofing at the structural level.

Benefits Over Surface Waterproofing

Applications That Demand Integral Waterproofing

Integral waterproofing is ideal for any concrete structure exposed to moisture or requiring long service life with minimal maintenance, such as:

• Basements, foundations & retaining walls

• Water tanks, reservoirs & treatment plants

• Subway stations, utility tunnels & civil infrastructure

• Coastal or marine structures

• Green buildings seeking LEED points

• High-performance buildings with low lifecycle costs

Richlam®: Self-Healing from the Inside Out

At Richlam®, we’ve advanced integral waterproofing by combining it with bio-inspired self-healing technology. Our Richlam® 100 and 200 crystalline waterproofing admixtures are powered by high-activity growth factors that pursue moisture within the concrete, forming dense crystal networks that repair cracks as they form.

This means the structure doesn’t just resist water—it responds to it, offering next-generation durability, efficiency, and long-term value.

Build smarter, Waterproof from within

Discover how Richlam® helps engineers and contractors eliminate membrane failures, simplify construction, and create concrete that lasts.