Understanding Waterproofing Admixtures in Concrete: Stop Thinking The Old Way Is The Only Way

Understanding Waterproofing Admixtures in Concrete: Stop Thinking The Old Way Is The Only Way

by | May 29, 2025 | Waterproofing, Specification

Attention Builders, Architects, Estimators, Construction Companies, and Concreters:

You are the people who need to appreciate why understanding waterproofing admixtures in concrete matters.

We are asking three things of you:

  1. Think about the person who’s going to use what you’re being paid to help build.
  2. Rethink what you consider is “the bottom line.”
  3. Talk to CLEVA CRETE before you decide our waterproofing admixtures aren’t necessary.

How It Plays Out

You’ve got the plans.
You’ve won the tender.
You’re focused on budget, money, costs, profits; and fair enough. You’re running a business. We get it.

What we don’t get is why so many people in this industry still believe that just because something has always been done a certain way, it should always be done that way.

What About Your Mindset? It’s Costing People, And Not Just Financially

Just Google the list of building failures caused by poor waterproofing, weak concrete, and outdated construction “methods.” You’ll find lawsuits, bankruptcies, and a whole lot of regret. Companies folded. Projects ruined. And worst of all, the people paying the costs, stuck living or working in those buildings & left to deal with the remediation.

We care about the people who actually use the structures — long after the contractors, consultants, and stakeholders have been paid and moved on.
The people driving on those roads and bridges, passing through tunnels, parking in basements, and walking on podiums.
The ones living in those apartments, visiting those hospitals, working in those offices, drinking in those pubs, relaxing at those golf clubs, and shopping in those retail centres.

Whether it’s a pier, a public building, or a piece of infrastructure..

They are the reason it needs to last.

This is why we do what we do

You Have Seen Us In the Specs. Here’s What That Means.

If CLEVA CRETE WP, CLEVA CRETE MVRA, or MVRA has been specified in your project, you will see lines likes this in the architectural and engineering documents and drawings:

Provide moisture vapour reduction admixture (MVRA) as required for moisture control and relative humidity to comply with AS 1884:2021 and AS 2455.1:2019.

 

CONCRETE TO CLEVA-CRETE MVRA ADDITIVE MIXTURE. REFER TO CLEVACRETE FOR INSTRUCTION AND RECOMMENDATION.

 

PROVIDE CONCRETE ADDITIVE, CLEVA-CRETE 842-MVRA TO RAFT FOOTING AS PER ARCHITECTS REQUIREMENTS.

 

Curing compound in conjunction with Cleva-Crete 842-WP admixture, to be approved by the structural engineer and project superintendent.

 

DENOTES PROVIDE ‘CLEVACRETE 842 WP‘ ADDITIVE INTO CONCRETE MIX, IN ACCORDANCE TO SUPPLIER’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
And then what usually happens after the tender has been awarded or the agreements entered into?
Someone asks?
  • Do we really need it?
  • Can we just use a membrane like we always do?
  • We’ve never used this stuff before – what does it do and is it really worth it?
  • Can we find something cheaper to add in at the batch plant?
  • What even is it?

Understanding Waterproofing Admixtures in Concrete

Let’s be clear: Yes, you need it. Yes, we are worth it. Yes, it’s inane to even consider not using our product in your concrete mix.

Here’s why CLEVA CRETE Is In Your Spec, And Why We Need To Stay There

We are not just another supplier. We are problem solvers, and we are here to help you do the job right the first time.

Our Admixtures:

  • are introduced directly into the concrete mix, right before you pump and start working the concrete into place
  • are VOC-free, invisible, and non-disruptive to your workflow
  • 100% Australian made, from scientifically formulated Australian components to create a permanent waterproofing system inside the concrete without harmful and destructive chemicals
  • prevent internal moisture and excess water in the concrete from creating destructive moisture pathways through the concrete that compromise durability, create cracks and damage to flooring and living environments
  • don’t rely on surface membranes: which crack, peel, fail, or wear off
  • create a permanent, internal barrier to moisture, chemicals, and vapour. Improving performance, curing, and durability from the inside out.

CLEVA CRETE is a hydrogel admixture that also protects rebar by permanently blocking the ingress of external water, chlorides, and other corrosive agents that cause rust, spalling, and structural failure. It never goes dormant, never degrades, and doesn’t require reactivation, because it never stops working.

Concrete Waterproofing Admixture | Protect Rebar & Improve Durability with CLEVA CRETE

Let’s Break It Down

A builder wins the tender 😁

The estimator sends out quote requests to trusted contractors 🧐

A concreter gets the job and starts reviewing the documentation 🏆

They notice CLEVA CRETE admixtures in the spec and ask the usual questions: 🤔

“Do we really need it?”

“Can we just do what we always do?”

Stop. Talk To Us First. 🛑

We care about the people who use the structures, long after the contractors, consultants, and stakeholders have been paid and moved on.

The people driving on those roads and bridges, passing through tunnels, parking in basements, and walking on podiums.
The ones living in those apartments, visiting those hospitals, working in those offices, drinking in those pubs, relaxing at those golf clubs, and shopping in those retail centres.
Whether it’s a pier, a public building, or a piece of infrastructure — they are the reason it needs to last.

It’s time to stop thinking short-term and start challenging how you think about and use concrete 

Reach out. Ask questions. Learn how CLEVA CRETE fits into your project, and the reason why we are in the specifications.

We are always up for a lunch meeting to talk all things concrete. You just have to be open to the conversation.

A simple email goes a long way – info@clevacrete.com.au