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Sealing Cracks and Joints with Waterproofing Tapes

by Constro Facilitator
162.8K views
Sealing Cracks and Joints
Mr. Maruthu Pandi, 
Business Head, PRONIL, India & South-East Asia

Waterproofing failures remain one of the primary causes of premature deterioration in buildings. Whether in new construction or remedial projects, proper sealing of joints, cracks, and surface transitions is important for  ensuring long-term structural integrity.  One solution gaining significant traction is the use of specialized waterproofing tapes.

Waterproofing tapes are adhesive-backed or weldable flexible strips engineered to provide watertight sealing over gaps, seams, and surface discontinuities. These tapes form a durable barrier that prevents water ingress, protects reinforcement, and sustains performance under varying environmental conditions. They are especially useful in construction joints, expansion joints, basements, wet rooms, terraces, and tunnel applications.

Waterproofing tapes are increasingly being adopted across construction and infrastructure projects due to their versatile performance and ease of use. Their growing preference can be attributed to the following key benefits:

  • Leak Prevention Ability – Ideal for stopping active or potential seepage through joints and cracks.
  • Structural Safeguarding – Prevents moisture-induced corrosion and deterioration in concrete structures.
  • Adaptability – Performs well on irregular or deformed surfaces without requiring special surface preparation.
  • Movement Accommodation – Absorbs expansion, contraction, and mechanical vibration.
  • Ease of Application – Requires minimal tools, often ready for installation without curing delays.
  • Durability Under Exposure – Withstands UV rays, chemicals, and water pressure over extended periods.

When selecting a joint sealing tape, it is essential to choose a product that is compatible with the substrate materials and the specific environmental conditions in which it will be applied. Proper surface preparation and application are also important  to ensure the tape forms a durable, watertight seal that effectively prevents air and moisture infiltration.

PRONIL has established itself as a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-performance sealing tapes. With over two decades of expertise, the company specialises in producing flexible waterproofing joint sealing tapes engineered for demanding construction applications. These tapes are composed of non-woven fabric and polyester polymer fabric, designed specifically for sealing concrete joints. They act as a robust barrier to prevent water ingress, ensuring long-term protection for concrete structures and buildings. 

A new-generation acrylic polymer-based waterproofing tape designed for concrete joint sealing. PRONIL ACR conforms to irregular surfaces and swells upon water contact to create an impermeable barrier—eliminating the need for curing or welding. It is especially effective in saline environments, expanding up to 900% in contact with water.

Advantages

  • Adheres to a wide range of irregular surfaces
  • Swells significantly, including in saltwater conditions
  • No welding or curing time required
  • Easy overlap jointing during installation
  • Reduces installation time and labor
  • Creates an effective barrier against water ingress

Applications

Ideal for concrete construction joints including wall-to-base interfaces, pipe entries, structural openings, and joints between old and new concrete elements.

A high-performance thermoplastic elastomer sealing tape for movement joints and cracks. Its elastic structure accommodates both longitudinal and lateral extension, ensuring sealing performance under dynamic conditions. PROSEAL allows thermal welding for a watertight seal and is safe for users, with long-term resistance to bacterization.

Advantages

  • High flexibility and elasticity
  • Excellent tensile properties
  • UV and weather-resistant
  • Safe, non-hazardous for users
  • Thermal weldable for secure joints
  • Simple and fast installation
  • Resistant to bacterial growth

Applications

Suitable for construction joints, cracks, basements, tunnels, swimming pools, pipe and cable penetrations, and sewage treatment plants.

A flexible sealing tape featuring a durable elastic core that accommodates irregular and high joint movements. PROFLEX bonds well with diverse materials and resists UV, weather, and chemical exposure. Available in both Non-woven and Polyester fabric options.

Advantages

  • High elasticity in both directions
  • Strong adhesion to multiple surfaces
  • Excellent UV, weather, and chemical resistance
  • Accommodates structural movements
  • Durable sealing and surface protection

Applications

Used for expansion joints, balconies, sunken slabs, terraces, kitchens, tunnels, and wet areas prone to movement and leakage.

A 3-ply TPE-based sealing tape reinforced with PES non-woven fabric on both sides. Designed for high hydrostatic pressure and vapour permeability, it offers robust adhesion and tear resistance for use in pivotal zones.

Advantages

  • Compatible with tile adhesives, epoxy, PU, and acrylic systems
  • Excellent bonding to concrete substrates
  • Withstands movement in precast joints
  • High cross-directional elongation with dimensional stability

Applications

Used in wall and floor joints, junctions under tiles and stones, bathrooms, balconies, terraces, kitchens, and other moisture-exposed zones—both indoors and outdoors.

PRONIL PROBUTYL
PRONIL PROBUTYL

A versatile butyl rubber-based sealing tape laminated with non-woven fabric. PROBUTYL offers strong adhesion, flexibility, and excellent waterproofing performance across a wide range of surfaces. Available in multiple sizes and colors to suit various installation needs.

Advantages

  • High resistance to hydrostatic pressure
  • Conforms to irregular joint shapes
  • Fast and simple installation
  • Expands to effectively seal leaks
  • Non-toxic and safe for handling

Applications

Ideal for roofing, underground waterproofing, tunnels, structural joints, windows, doors, pipes, marine environments, and precast panel sealing. Ensures air and watertight sealing, shock absorption, and compatibility with polycarbonate sheets and contour plates.

Waterproofing tapes must be chosen based on the material compatibility, movement demands, environmental exposure, and joint conditions. It is recommended to consult the manufacturer to ensure optimal selection and performance across all application scenarios.

Waterproofing tapes are proving to be an effective and practical solution for sealing construction joints and structural cracks. With options like PRONIL’s specialised range, builders and engineers can achieve reliable protection against water ingress while accommodating movement, surface irregularities, and environmental stress.

Headquartered in Chennai, PRONIL develops and supplies sealing tapes, swellable waterstops, and joint protection systems for concrete infrastructure. Their product line spans active sealing tapes, elastomeric tapes, and hydrophilic bars suitable for a wide range of applications—from foundational sealing to elevated wet area waterproofing. 

About the Author

The author is the Director at PRONIL, overseeing operations across India and South-East Asia. With over two decades of experience in the construction chemicals and waterproofing industry, he plays a key role in leading the company’s business division. His responsibilities include strategic planning, sales, marketing, product development, and customer relationship management.

Pronil India
Pronil Building Products, Plot XII, Aringar Anna Street, Co-operative nagar, Thiruverkadu, Chennai – 600077
Website: www.pronil.com

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