Earth Shield® TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizate) (aka TPE-R) Waterstop is the world's leading chemical-resistant waterstop, with renowned physical properties and broad-spectrum resistance to hazmat, deleterious fluids, and concentrated ozone. NSF 61 certified and GreenSpec listed. Earth Shield® Thermoplastic Vulcanizate Waterstop (TPV) (aka TPE-R), by J P Specialties, dramatically expands the scope of conventional waterstop by offering unmatched chemical resistance to a broad spectrum of aggressive chemicals, solvents, and hot petroleum oils. EPA-compliant waterstop profiles are available for new construction and retrofit, and the necessary tools and accessories for proper installation.

MSI Process for Waterstops

Waterstop has a singular purpose: To prevent the passage of fluids across and along concrete joints. Waterstop does all of its work at the joint. Because concrete joints are frequently open and subject to hydrostatic loads, waterstop has the most critical role in fluid-proofing a concrete structure. A pinhole or imperfection in a vapor barrier will have little to no noticeable effect. Still, even the slightest defect in the waterstop product or its installation can be truly catastrophic to the fluid-tight integrity of the building envelope. For this reason, a great deal of care must go into what I call the MSI Process: Manufacturing, Selection, and Installation.

Waterstop MSI Process

1. Waterstop MANUFACTURING, history, and types of products commercially available. The manufactured waterstop must be of the highest quality from a manufacturer offering specification, detailing, and installation assistance.
2. Waterstop product SELECTION is the second most important consideration. Profiles are available for myriad applications and conditions. The designer must choose correctly, preferably with manufacturer consultation.
3. Waterstop INSTALLATION. Most waterstop failures occur because the material incorrectly installed.

Concrete Joints Defined

Contraction Joints - Used to divide large pours of concrete into smaller structural units, contraction joints create a man-made plane of weakness to regulate and control (another name for a contraction joint is a control joint) the location of a crack formed by moisture loss of concrete. Without this formed contraction joint, the concrete would freely crack in unexpected and unattractive locations.

Construction Joints - an interruption of the concrete pour 30 minutes or greater creates a construction joint.

Expansion Joints - Designed to negate the compressive forces from abutting concrete structures that may occur as a result of expansion, loads, or differential movement from settlement. Expansion joints require an actual gap between the concrete pours, which is frequently filled with a compressible joint filler material such as foam, rubber, cork, or cane fiber board.