The problem with veiling (veil injection)

Veil injection or veiling sounds tempting at first: material is injected into the adjacent soil from the inside to form a kind of barrier. Veil injection creates a thin sealing veil between the soil and the wall, which effectively prevents moisture from penetrating. This method is used as an internal sealing method to combat moisture from the inside of the building, particularly in areas that are difficult to access. The injection is carried out specifically via injection channels and so-called injection packers, which inject the injection material into the ground. This method was originally developed for use in large-scale sealing measures in tunnel construction. However, the reality for homeowners is often different.

Industrial process for industrial problems

It is important to understand that curtain injection was originally developed for tunnel construction and mining. Deutsche Bahn uses this technology to stop massive water ingress in tunnels - and in an industrial context also in canals - in a flash; this often involves hundreds or thousands of liters of water per minute. In these dimensions, where rapid emergency measures against dramatic water masses are required, the process makes perfect sense.

The problem: the requirements in tunnel construction have nothing to do with the needs of homeowners. While railroads are concerned with quickly stopping enormous amounts of water, homeowners need a permanent, sustainable solution to combat comparatively small amounts of moisture in their basementsand other building components.

Incalculable costs for concealment

The biggest problem with veil injection for homeowners is the unpredictable material consumption. This can significantly increase the technical and financial costs, as it is not possible to predict how much material will actually be needed. Depending on the soil conditions, the expensive material can simply disappear into the ground without forming an effective seal. In gravelly or sandy soils, the material drains away uncontrollably - homeowners then pay for quantities of material that never reach their building components.

A practical example: While 500 liters of material were originally calculated for a 20-meter-long basement wall, 2000 liters or more can quickly become necessary in permeable soil. These additional costs are borne solely by the homeowner, especially if additional cracks appear in the floor slab or other building components.

Unreliable results of concealment

The concealment does not create a uniform seal like a professional external seal. Instead, irregular lumps are created in the soil, which can leave gaps and do not reliably seal cracks. Even Deutsche Bahn admits in its guideline 804.6102 that veil injections require regular reworking - which may be acceptable in tunnel construction, but is frustrating and expensive for homeowners. Although the building fabric is only minimally affected by veil injection, the other disadvantages do not outweigh this protection.

For homeowners, this means that moisture can continue to penetrate even after an expensive veil injection. Subsequent injections are then sold as "normal reworking" - at additional cost, often requiring further measures to seal the affected components and cracks.

Dependence on uncontrollable factors

Concealment only works under ideal conditions. The method often fails completely in loam or clay soils, with existing drainage or cavities. However, homeowners cannot fully assess these soil conditions before renovation - a risk that is calculable in tunnel construction with appropriate preliminary exploration, but unreasonable for private individuals. In some cases, preparatory measures such as felling trees or removing existing structures are necessary before sealing can take place. It becomes particularly problematic if the floor slab is already cracked or other components are damaged.

The problem with locking

Sealing is often advertised as a modern solution for horizontal barriers. Acrylic-based injection materials are often used for sealing. This method is used specifically to protect the masonry by sealing the pores. The pores of the masonryare blocked in the process. Gels, injection gels and their flow behavior play a decisive role in sealing, as they can be optimally distributed into fine cracks and cavities. However, this technology, which was originally developed for mining, also has serious disadvantages for residential buildings.

Mining technology for emergencies, not for living comfort

Like curtain injection, this technology also originates from mining and tunnel construction. It is used there as an emergency measure to quickly stop acute water ingress - long-term durability and structural protection do not play a role, as tunnels are regularly maintained and have different requirements to residential buildings.

In mining, nobody is interested in whether the material used disintegrates after three years or whether salts attack the components. The main thing is that the water ingress is stopped for the time being. For homeowners who want to live in their building for decades, these short-term solutions are completely unsuitable.

Structural damage due to glazing

This method produces salts in the masonry that are harmful to the building. Salt solutions can also be formed in the process, which place additional strain on the building components. Sodium carbonate (soda) forms large crystals that can destroy the mortar through crystal pressure and cause cracks. Potassium carbonate has a hygroscopic effect and attracts moisture from the air - making the wall even damper than before the renovation.

Homeowners must then not only have a new horizontal barrier installed after 2-3 years, but also replace the plaster damaged by salts and possibly carry out crack repair.

Loss of thermal insulation

As this technique leaves the pores filled with water-containing substances (90-95% water), these are liquids that impair the natural thermal insulation of the masonry. This leads to thermal bridges and permanently higher heating costs - a problem that is irrelevant in mining, but means considerable consequential costs for homeowners.

Short shelf life

This method only lasts for 2-3 years, as the aqueous substances gradually break down again and the condition deteriorates significantly after a few years. In tunnel construction, such measures are renewed regularly - for homeowners, however, this means that the entire horizontal barrier has to be rebuilt every few years, especially if new cracks appear in the floor slab or other building components.

High workload

Due to the poor distribution of aqueous systems, this technique requires borehole spacing of only 10-15 cm, with the boreholes arranged in a tight grid. The material is injected through a uniform grid of staggered drill holes to ensure reliable and comprehensive sealing. This means twice to three times as many drill holes as with other methods and significantly increases the work involved.

What homeowners really need: A permanent solution

In view of these problems with concealment and the methods described, the question arises: What do homeowners really need for a reliable horizontal barrier? A professional renovation concept is crucial in order to selectthe right waterproofingand ensure a durable waterproofing of the building. It is particularly important to consider all building components, including the floor slab, basement wallsand any cracks in the concrete.

The requirements differ fundamentally from those in tunnel construction or mining:

• Plannable costs without nasty surprises
• Long-term durability of decades, not just years
• Preservation of components and thermal insulation for permanently low operating costs
• Possibility of personal contribution for cost-conscious refurbishment
• Scientifically sound method with proven effect in residential construction
• Effective crack repair and crack injection where necessary

The solution: hydrophobization with Isofin

This is where the hydrophobic horizontal barrier with Isofin comes into play - a method that has been specially developed for the requirements of residential buildings and systematically solves the problems of concealment and other techniques. The advantages of the Isofin solution over conventional methods lie in its fast, cost-effective and long-lasting effect, which effectively prevents water damage and increases the service life and load-bearing capacity of the structure. In contrast to other methods, Isofin does not require surface injection; instead, the material is applied specifically to the relevant areas to create a continuous sealing layer.

The functional principle of Isofin

Instead of clogging pores or creating external barriers, Isofin makes the pore walls water-repellent. A wafer-thin polymer film (approx. 1 molecule thick) creates a contact angle of approx. 135° to water. The result: water is actively repelled instead of just blocked.

Specially developed for residential buildings

In contrast to concealment and other technologies, Isofin was designed from the outset for the specific requirements of residential buildings and specifically improves building protection in residential buildings. For over 50 years, the system has been continuously developed for homeowners - not for industrial emergency measures, but for permanent solutions in occupied buildings. The system works reliably on all building components, whether masonry, concrete or floor slab.

Plannable costs and material consumption

In contrast to concealment, the amount of Isofin required can be calculated exactly. A 36 cm thick wall requires exactly 500 ml of Isofin per drill hole - regardless of the ground conditions. Homeowners know from the outset what the horizontal barrier will cost, even if additional crack grouting is required on the floor slab.

Superior distribution even in wet masonry

While other methods have problems with damp masonry, Isofin works particularly well here. The low surface tension and low viscosity ensure that the material is optimally distributed in the masonry and displaces any water present. This means that drill hole spacings of 25 cm are sufficient - half as many drill holes as with other techniques. At the same time, cracks in building components can be treated in a targeted manner.

Direct comparison: Why Isofin is superior

Concealment vs. Isofin

Development purpose: Veil injection was developed for tunnel emergencies with enormous amounts of water. Isofin especially for controlled conditions in residential buildings.

Material consumption: With curtain injection, the material quantities are unpredictable and can amount to 3-5 times the calculation, as the material is injected under high pressure. With Isofin, consumption can be calculated exactly according to wall thickness - whether for masonry, concrete or floor slabs.

Effectiveness: Concealment creates irregular lumps with gaps and cannotreliably seal cracks. Isofin creates a uniform hydrophobic zone across the entire width of the wall and all components.

Durability: Veil injections often require reworking and have uncertain long-term durability. Isofin has been working reliably for over 50 years.

Other methods vs. Isofin

Development purpose: Other techniques are mining emergency techniques for short-term water stops. Isofin was developed for long-term residential building refurbishment.

Building substance: Other methods introduce building-damaging salts into the masonry and destroy the mortar; various substances are often used that can cause cracks in building components. Isofin reacts chemically with the pore wall to form an insoluble, harmless film.

Thermal insulation: With other methods, the pores remain filled with water-containing substances and the thermal insulation is lost. With Isofin, the pores contain air again after drying out - the natural thermal insulation is completely retained.

Durability: Other techniques disintegrate after 2-3 years. Isofin horizontal barriers from the 1960s still work today.

Application: Other methods require special machines and twice as many drill holes. Homeowners can inject Isofin themselves using simple bottles, even for crack grouting on the floor slab.

Long-term experience confirms the superiority

While concealment and other techniques are relatively new methods with limited long-term experience in residential construction, Isofin is based on over 50 years of development and practice specifically for residential buildings. The first objects from the 1960s are still working perfectly today - proof of the sustainability of the method, especially in the long-term sealing of various building components.

Scientific foundation

Isofin uses the natural laws of capillary physics: After analyzing the physical reasons, in particular the law of capillary ascension, which states that water can only rise in capillaries if the surface tension of the liquid is higher than that of the solid, Isofin reverses this relationship and creates capillary depression - water is made physically impossible.

Obfuscation and other techniques ignore these physical fundamentals and rely on mechanical blocking, which is always susceptible to circumvention.

Conclusion: The right choice for homeowners

For homeowners who need a reliable horizontal barrier, concealment andother techniques are associated with considerable risks. Especially in areas that are difficult to access, professional waterproofing is crucial to prevent moisture from penetrating and to protect building components in the long term. Often, cracks in the floor slab or other concrete components that require crack repair must also be taken into account. These emergency techniques, which originate from tunnel construction and mining, are unsuitable for the completely different requirements of residential buildings for various reasons. Incalculable costs, unreliable results and short durability make these methods a risky investment.

Isofin, on the other hand, offers everything that homeowners expectfrom a modern horizontal waterproofingsystem: predictable costs, proven long-term durability, preservation of the building components and the possibility of cost-saving DIY work. The superiority of the system is particularly evident in complex renovation cases where, in addition to waterproofing, crack grouting of the floor slab or other concrete components is also required.

If you want to solve your moisture problem permanently and without any nasty surprises, you should rely on tried-and-tested hydrophobization instead of relying on industrial emergency techniques such as concealment. Especially if a comprehensive waterproofing of the buildingis required, which includes various components from the floor slab to the cellar.

Calculate the required quantity of Isofin for your project now and benefit from over 50 years of experience in sustainable masonry waterproofing. With our free online calculator, you will receive an exact material calculation for your horizontal barrier within minutes - without incalculable additional costs. Whether for sealing the floor slab, crack repair or comprehensive waterproofing of all building components.

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