Here are some frequently asked questions that have been sent into David Ball. Please feel free to ask a question about any concrete or sand subject and we will endeavour to answer you. Alternatively contact our Technical Department on 01954 780687 for an answer straight away.
- What is concrete?
- How does PUDLO differ from the other "admixtures" available today?
- In mild conditions with no wind and sun, do we require a curing agent?
- Do we require extra reinforcement for re-entrant corners?
- What is Type B structurally integral protection?
- Is the PUDLO warranty a product warranty or does the warranty cover the completed cast structure?
What is concrete?
Concrete is a building material composed of cement, crushed rock or gravel, sand and water, often with chemical admixtures and other materials.
How does PUDLO differ from the other "admixtures" available today?
PUDLO is a hydrophobic and pore blocking admixture which additionally alters the microstructure of the concrete. This fundamental alteration to the microstructure of the concrete goes beyond conventional pore lining and blocking techniques to further reduce water transport mechanisms, thus giving a greater level of performance and an increased level of long term durability.
Couple this increased level of performance with the fact that PUDLO is supplied with a 20 year company warranty that covers not only the product but also covers the completed section of works containing the waterproofed concrete against ingress of moisture.
In addition to the Manufacturers Warranty, the option of an Independent Insurance backed premium based guarantee is also available. All parties involved in the project can be assured that a leak-free structure will be achieved. No other product or company can match this level of service or performance.
In mild conditions with no wind and sun, do we require a curing agent?
Use of a curing agent in any weather conditions will automatically improve surface hardness and abrasion resistance and we recommend its use at all times.
Do we require extra reinforcement for re-entrant corners?
Yes, diagonal reinforcement eliminates cracking occurring from the corners of manholes or service pipe voids.
What is Type B structurally integral protection?
This type of structure is designed to be an integral waterproof shell without the need for additional waterproofing protection. The classification guide is set out below;
| GRADE | BASEMENT NATURE | BASEMENT USE | WATERPROOF PERFORMANCE | SIZE (mm) |
| 1 | Basic Utility | Car Parking; Plant room (excluding equipment); workshops | Some seepage and damp patches tolerable | 150 |
| 2 | Better Utility | Workshops and plant rooms requiring drier environment; retail storage areas | No water penetration but moisture vapour tolerable | 200 |
| 3 | Habitable | Ventilated residential areas including offices, restaurant, leisure centres etc | Dry environment | 250 |
| 4 | Special | Archives and stores requiring controlled environment | Total dry environment | 300* |
Note 1
The wall sizes are recommendations only - Technical manager can advise on each project individually.
Note 2*
Can achieve Grade 4 at 270 (this allows enough concrete cover to act as a vapour membrane)
Note 3
Grades 3 & 4 need ventilation
Is the PUDLO warranty a product warranty or does the warranty cover the completed cast structure?
Provided the quality assured User Guide which gives comprehensive details on how to correctly use and install PUDLO modified concrete is followed, David Ball Group plc will issue a 20 year company warranty covering products used, installation, AND the completed cast structure that includes the PUDLO modified concrete.
An independent, insurance-backed guarantee is also available on request. Unmatched guarantee and customer protection ensuring peace of mind to Contractors, Engineers, Architects, and Clients.





