Facade Injection, Iceland
Sealing below 6°C with elastic, swellable resin
Initial Situation
A private residential building in Iceland developed cracks as a result of seismic activity and differential settlement. These cracks created pathways for water ingress, allowing moisture to penetrate the structure and increasing the risk of long-term damage.
Due to the ongoing movement potential within the structure, a conventional rigid repair system was not suitable. A flexible waterproofing solution was required to provide permanent sealing while accommodating future movement.
Project Challenge
Cracks caused by earthquakes and settlement are subject to continuous changes in width and geometry. The waterproofing system therefore had to remain permanently flexible and capable of adapting to future structural movement.
In addition, the harsh Icelandic climate required a material that could be applied reliably even at low temperatures.
ARCAN Solution
The cracks were sealed using HydroBloc Inject 583, a low-viscosity, water-swellable acrylic resin specifically developed for permanent waterproofing of cracks and joints.
Due to its very low viscosity, the resin penetrated deeply into fine cracks and fissures, creating a continuous waterproof barrier throughout the structure.
A key advantage of HydroBloc Inject 583 is its adaptive swelling behavior. The material can respond to moisture and slight movements within the structure, maintaining its sealing performance over the long term while remaining permanently elastic.
The product also offers significant practical advantages on site. Injection equipment can be cleaned simply with water, eliminating the need for aggressive cleaning agents. In addition, HydroBloc Inject 583 can be processed at temperatures below 6°C, making it particularly suitable for projects in cold climates such as Iceland.
Result
The water-bearing cracks were successfully sealed, preventing further water ingress into the building. The adaptive swelling properties and permanent elasticity of HydroBloc Inject 583 provide long-term protection even in structures exposed to movement caused by seismic activity and settlement.
Special Features
This project demonstrates the advantages of HydroBloc Inject 583 in demanding environments where structural movement and low temperatures must be considered. The combination of low viscosity, adaptive swelling behavior, permanent flexibility, and water-based cleaning makes the system particularly effective for crack injection works in residential and commercial buildings located in challenging climatic regions.
The successful application in Iceland confirms the suitability of HydroBloc Inject 583 for long-term waterproofing of moving cracks under demanding environmental conditions.
Materials Used on This Project
Project Photos
