For complex issues in the field of waterproofing and concrete remediation, the Belgian company Special Industrial Repair (SIR) is the place to be. SIR has been combining a strong product and solid craftsmanship for decades which ensures excellent results time and time again. "We fight moisture that can cause major damage," says Arno van Balen, operations manager at SIR. "From underground structures and tunnels to leaking cable penetrations."
"And with the acquisition of the company Polyproof-the applicator and founder of the hot spray coating product Polyurea-we want to minimize leaks and structural problems. Because prevention is still better than cure," says Arno. "In doing so, we did in fact become a competitor to ourselves, because that may reduce the need for SIR's waterproofing work." Arno sees a lot of misery on the yards that he knows could have been prevented in many cases. "And we can offer exactly that with Polyproof. By taking preventive measures, SIR with sister company Polyproof helps our customers improve the lifespan and performance of objects, which in turn leads to less maintenance and repair work in the future." Arno therefore sees it as an absolute added value that in this way SIR can offer customers an optimal, preventive and widely applicable solution.
In addition to the client's best interests, quality is central to SIR. "Our commitment to delivering high-quality results is at the heart of every project," continues Arno. "Thanks to the exceptional chemical properties of the ultimate fast-curing hot-spray Polyurea combined with the professional way the Polyurea coating is applied by certified applicators according to strict procedures, a strong bond is created. If necessary, Polyproof provides interim reports and an application guarantee upon completion of the project."
"Polyurea protects concrete and metal from water, acids, salts and chemicals, making it terribly versatile," Arno emphasizes. "The waterproof layer is walkable after 13 seconds and after 24 hours it can be driven over with large equipment. So it's ideal in the infra. But the hot spray technique is also ideally applicable in the civil sector and industry because the chemical and mechanical properties of the Polyurea coatings are at a particularly high level." Polyurea is very strong, up to 400% permanently elastic so that settlements are accommodated, impact resistant, shock resistant and crack bridging. "Wherever you apply it, the result is a seamless, waterproof coating, without any harmful effects to the environment." This also makes the Polyurea hot spray coating an advanced and sustainable option for roofing. Especially for green or sedum roofs: it remains flexible, adheres to various substrates and because of its waterproof protection against root growth.
A great project where the quality, specialist experience and flexibility of SIR and Polyproof are combined is the A24 Blankenburg connection, where construction consortium BAAK is carrying out the work on behalf of the Department of Public Works. "During this project, BAAK urgently needed to find an alternative for waterproofing around 7,000 m2 of tunnel deck. BAAK had worked with SIR as a subcontractor before (for making waterproofing injections) and we suggested Polyurea from Polyproof. A very quick and decisive approach was then taken, as a result of which this mega job was completed within the specified time frame."
According to Arno, the synergy between SIR and Polyproof leads to more efficient project execution. "Whereas SIR has years of experience in concrete remediation and waterproofing, Polyproof is known for its special precision and craftsmanship in applying Polyurea coatings. As a result, we offer a seamless integration of concrete remediation, waterproofing and preventive Polyurea coating, ensuring uniform and durable protection of surfaces against corrosion, water infiltration and other influences."