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Kryton launches concrete preservation system

Construction Week Online – Sep 2, 2010

Kryton International, the Vancouver-based concrete product manufacturer, yesterday launched a restoration and protection system for above-grade concrete structures.

The company claims the Hydrostop Restore & Protect System extends the useful life of concrete infrastructure and buildings, as well as improving the look and avoids the environmental impact of replacing the concrete.

“Replacing aging infrastructure can cost millions of dollars and be a significant, unacceptable disruption to your operations as well as to the general public,” says Kevin Yuers, Kryton vice president. “The Hydrostop System is the ideal solution.”

The new product follows a growing initiative among some parts of the GCC construction sector to build structures that will last longer and preserve existing buildings as the rate of new development remain slower than in previous years.

The first step in the system uses a non-shrink waterproof grout to repair cracks and defects at the concrete surface using crystalline technology named Hydrostop Grout.

Once the substrate is repaired, the entire concrete surface is coated with a slurry called Hydrostop Coating. This layer makes it water and chemical proof and improves the look of ageing concrete.

The third step creates a long-lasting water protector using a high quality blended silane-siloxane sealer called Hydrostop Sealer.

“Replacing aging infrastructure can cost millions of dollars and be a significant, unacceptable disruption to your operations as well as to the general public,” says Yuers, Kryton vice president. “The Hydrostop System is the ideal solution.”

The Hydrostop System, the company says, makes life easier for maintenance engineers and specifiers by offering a complete and compatible system that work well together. This resolves conflicts of application instructions, which often occurs when different manufacturers’ products are used.

Kryton distributes through Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Qatar.

Producers of advanced materials say parts of the GCC are becoming more familiar with the need to build structures that are both more energy efficient buildings that will require less maintenance.

Marco Thomas Vincenz, general manager for the buildings side of Foamglas, the cellular glass insulation manufacturer, says many international consultants that will recommend building products to contractors have an eye on upholding green credentials.

“We largely work with the top international consultants in the UAE and KSA that have a high-level reputation and work at an international standard [for building sustainability] and do not just work to the minimum of any one country’s regulation.”

The price difference between the newest products and standard materials that were not specifically designed for longevity or sustainability is, however, still an issue, he told CW. “Most contractors don’t use more expensive products,” he said.