PVC Waterstop

PVC Waterstop

Flexible PVC Waterstops for Concrete Joint Waterproofing

Sika Greenstreak PVC Waterstops are flexible polyvinyl chloride profiles engineered to seal construction joints, expansion joints, contraction joints, and isolation joints in cast-in-place concrete structures. Embedded in concrete across and along the joint, PVC waterstops form a continuous watertight diaphragm that prevents the passage of water, wastewater, and other liquids through the joint. PVC is the industry standard for flexible waterstops because of its inherent elasticity, exceptional chemical resistance, durability, and proven long-term performance in concrete waterproofing applications. Sika Greenstreak PVC waterstops will not discolor concrete, will not produce electrolytic action, and are manufactured from prime virgin PVC to meet or exceed the most demanding industry specifications.

How PVC Waterstops Work

A PVC waterstop is positioned in the formwork prior to concrete placement so that half of the profile is embedded in the first concrete pour and the other half projects into the adjoining pour. Once the concrete is placed and consolidated around the waterstop, the embedded ribs, dumbbell ends, or anchor flanges lock the waterstop into the concrete, creating a watertight barrier across the joint. For movement joints, a centerbulb or tear web allows the waterstop to flex and accommodate lateral, transverse, and shear movement without compromising the seal. Transitions, intersections, and field splices are heat welded with a Sika Greenstreak splicing iron to maintain a continuous, watertight diaphragm throughout the structure.

PVC Waterstop Profiles: Ribbed Centerbulb and Dumbbell

Sika Greenstreak offers a comprehensive range of PVC waterstop profiles to match the joint movement, hydrostatic pressure, and dimensional requirements of any project. Ribbed centerbulb PVC waterstops are the most versatile and best-sealing profile available and are ideal for movement joints. The lineup includes the 701, 702, 703, 705, 709, 717, 732, and 735, available in widths from 4″ to 9″ and thicknesses from 3/16″ to 3/8″, with roll lengths of 50 ft and 100 ft to suit projects of any size. The centerbulb accommodates joint movement while the ribs lock into the surrounding concrete for superior sealing performance. Dumbbell PVC waterstops, including the 741 (4″ x 3/16″) and 746 (6″ x 3/16″) in 100 ft rolls, are designed for non-moving joints in foundation walls, slabs-on-grade, and retaining walls where joint movement is minimal and continuous reinforcement carries through the joint.

Common Applications for PVC Waterstops

Sika Greenstreak PVC Waterstops are specified across a wide range of infrastructure, water containment, and below-grade construction projects, including water treatment plants, wastewater treatment facilities, potable water tanks, reservoirs, aqueducts, lock and dam systems, flood walls, retaining walls, foundations, basements, tunnels, culverts, bridge abutments, secondary containment structures, chemical containment tanks, and slabs-on-ground. Wherever a watertight concrete joint is required, a properly specified and installed PVC waterstop is the proven solution.

Technical Performance and Industry Compliance

All Sika Greenstreak PVC waterstops are manufactured from prime virgin PVC and engineered to deliver consistent, long-term performance. Standard physical properties include a Shore A hardness of 79 ± 3 (ASTM D2240), tensile strength of 2,000 psi minimum (ASTM D638), ultimate elongation of 350% minimum (ASTM D638), tear strength of 300 lb/in minimum (ASTM D624), and low-temperature brittleness performance passing at -35°F (-37°C) per ASTM D746. Water absorption is held to a maximum of 0.15% (ASTM D570). Every Sika Greenstreak PVC waterstop meets or exceeds the physical property requirements of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers PVC Waterstop Specification CRD-C 572-74 and is NSF/ANSI Standard 61 certified for potable water contact, making them suitable for the most demanding drinking water and water treatment applications.

Installation, Splicing, and Factory Fabrications

PVC waterstops must be securely positioned in the forms to prevent deflection or misalignment during concrete placement. Sika offers punched flanges, brass grommets, and hog rings with pliers to anchor PVC waterstop to adjacent reinforcing steel. Heat welding is the only recognized method for splicing PVC waterstop, and Sika Greenstreak supplies a full range of splicing irons and replacement covers to complete every project. Because waterstop failures are most often the result of improper field-fabricated transitions and intersections, Sika strongly recommends factory-fabricated fittings for all changes in direction, tees, crosses, and complex intersections. Sika also offers a Waterstop Welding Certification Program to train and certify contractors and installation crews on proper PVC waterstop splicing techniques.

Why Choose Sika Greenstreak PVC Waterstops

When you specify Sika Greenstreak, you are specifying the first name in waterstops and the trusted source for superior technical and customer service. With a complete range of ribbed centerbulb and dumbbell profiles, NSF-61 certification, Army Corps of Engineers compliance, factory-fabricated fittings, and decades of proven performance in the most demanding concrete waterproofing applications, Sika Greenstreak PVC Waterstops give engineers, specifiers, and contractors a reliable, code-compliant solution for sealing every concrete joint.