FAQ's
Active WaterBars
Waterproof concrete creates a waterproof barrier within the mass of the concrete; however, this is not likely to seal the day / construction joints, therefore, something needs to be done at this intersection.
- Bentonite is a tried and tested method that has been used with the Xypex waterproofing system.
- Bentonite becomes fibrous as it swells, it can "reach out" and fill fissures and bleed tracks in the concrete aiding the waterproofing
- It is physically bigger and therefore it provides a natural physical barrier prior to the swelling being activated.
- More options in the way it is installed.
- It is significantly lighter making it easier to:
- install overhead
- hold its form - it will not sag under its own weight in heat.
- ship - it's 83% lighter
- It is more malleable, making it easier to thread between rebar etc.
- The pressure it places on the concrete internally is more.
Fixing Glue - Please refer to the Technical Data Sheet.
Static WaterBars
Waterproof concrete creates a waterproof barrier within the mass of the concrete; however, this is not likely to seal the day / construction joints, therefore, something needs to be done at this intersection.
No. All waterbar products need to be fixed securely to stop them moving or becoming dislodged when concrete is placed.
Yes, but you must use the correct element in the correct place. Please refer to product pages.
Tie-Bolt System
FormPlug
As standard, it will fit an internal diameter of 22 mm.
FormPlug is used for the watertight sealing of hollow formwork spacers after the removal of formwork tie bolts. It completes the waterproofing of concrete structures by preventing water ingress through spacer holes.
Our FormPlug is suitable for both PVC and steel formwork spacers with a diameter of 22 mm.
Manorteq FormPlug consists of:
- an impact-proof, pressure-resistant core that secures the FormPlug in place, and
- a hydrophilic swellable polymer cap that expands when in contact with water, creating a permanent watertight seal
Yes, our Manorteq FormPlug provides 100% waterproof sealing and is resistant to hydrostatic pressure up to 6 bar (limit of the test).
No. Once installed, no finishing, sealing mortar, or after-treatment is required.
Installation is quick and simple:
- Remove the formwork bolt and associated components from the spacer hole
- Clean any other debris from the hole
- Install the Manorteq FormPlug into the spacer/sleeve manually
- Hammer FormPlug into place, ensuring the FormPlug is secured firmly in the tie-bolt sleeve
Only a hammer is required.
Manorteq FormPlug is pressure resistant up to 6 bar, making it suitable for basements, retaining walls, tunnels, and other water-exposed concrete structures.
The swelling capacity depends on the water type:
- Fresh water: up to 500%
- Concrete water: up to 400%
- Salt water: approximately 150%
Yes. The product is resistant to contact with a wide range of chemicals. For specific chemical exposure, please contact your local Manorteq representative.
- Store in a dry location, protected from moisture and rain
- Keep clear of the ground
- Protect from frost
Yes. FormPlug is commonly used alongside Manorteq systems such as FormRing, HydroBar, Original WaterBar, and WaterBar Rigid System, as part of a complete waterproofing solution.
FormRing
As standard, it will fit an external diameter of 24 mm to 30 mm. The ring stretches.
FormRing is an external watertight sealing ring used to prevent water ingress along the outside of formwork spacers or tie bolt sleeves in concrete structures.
Manorteq FormRing seals water on the outside of the spacer or sleeve, while FormPlug seals the inside of hollow spacers. For full protection, FormRing and FormPlug are recommended together as a complete waterproofing solution.
Our FormRing is manufactured from hydrophilic, water-swellable synthetic rubber, the same material as the Manorteq HydroBar Evo, which expands when in contact with water to create a permanent seal.
When water comes into contact with the FormRing, the synthetic rubber swells and closes any gaps around the spacer or sleeve created be concrete shrinkage, preventing water from passing through the concrete.
FormRing should be installed:
- In the middle and over the outside of the formwork spacer, and
- With a minimum concrete cover of 100 mm.
Correct positioning is essential for effective waterproofing.
Manorteq FormRing is compatible with spacers with an external diameter of 24–30 mm.
Due to its soft and elastic composition, one FormRing size can accommodate multiple spacer diameters.
- Slide the FormRing onto the spacer/sleeve before concreting
- Position it centrally on the outside of the spacer (wetting the spacer can make installation easier)
- No special tools are required.
Swelling capacity depends on the type of water:
- Rainwater: up to 500%
- Concrete water: up to 400%
- Salt water: up to 200%
FormRing has a service temperature range of –50 °C to +70 °C, making it suitable for a wide range of climatic conditions.
- Inside diameter: 24 mm
- Outside diameter: 53.5 mm
- Width: 15 mm
- Store in a dry place, protected from rain and moisture
- Keep clear of the ground
- Protect from frost
Other products
SynMastic
- as a bed to fix HydroBar Original.
- to even out undulating concrete, so it fills all the gaps beneath the Hydrobar.
- to fill gaps behind HydroBar Original and HydroBar Evo, when it is needed in situations such as 90o bends.
Fixing Glue
- the primary fixing solution for HydroBar Evo.
- an alternative solution for HydroBar Original on concrete.
- the primary solution for HydroBar Original on steel.
All Manorteq NonShrink grouts are waterproof and help with the continuity of crystalline waterproofing due to the Xypex Technology Inside, dealing with small voids such as anchors holes etc.
For use in restricted-access areas NonShrink Flow should be used on a horizontal application where the material needs to be applied as a liquid, such as under column plates or under machinery etc.
Manorteq NonShrink Thix should be used where the grout needs to hold its own weight or where access is easy.
NonShrink Flow and Thix have a compressive strength of 60 MPa @ 28 days when mixed in accordance with the relevant Technical Data Sheet.
The workability for both NonShrink Thix and Flow is 50 - 60 minutes when mixed in accordance with the relevant Technical Data Sheet.
ReadyProof
Freezteq Original
Freezteq Original is a damp proofing system for existing structures, consisting of pre-packed frozen sticks containing active ingredients. These are inserted into drilled holes in the mortar line, where they gently release the active components to treat rising damp within the masonry.
Once installed, the frozen sticks slowly thaw and disperse active chemicals through the capillary structure of the masonry. This process prevents capillary action and creates a long-term barrier against rising damp.
Freezing the product allows for precise placement and a controlled release of the active ingredients. It ensures a direct and gradual release of the treatment into the wall once installed, improving accuracy and effectiveness, whist minimising any damage to the parent structure.
Freezteq Original offers several technical and practical benefits, including:
- Non-pressurised application, reducing risk of wall damage
- Accurate dosage control for each installation
- Uses water as a natural delivery medium
- Allows the structure to remain breathable
- Simple and fast installation process
- No specialist equipment required
- Odourless and non-flammable
The system is suitable for a wide range of masonry structures, including:
- Solid brick walls
- Stone masonry
- Mixed masonry construction
- Varying wall thicknesses
It can be used in both residential and commercial buildings.
Yes, either or both. The system can be installed from either the internal or external side of the wall, depending on access and site conditions.
No, specialist injection pumps or machinery are not required. A masonry drill is sufficient for installation, making it a simple and practical solution for contractors.
Installation is relatively quick. It involves drilling holes along the mortar line, inserting the frozen Freezteq Original, and allowing them to thaw naturally within the wall structure.
No, Freezteq Original stops further rising damp, but existing moisture and salts within the wall will take time to dissipate naturally. Drying time depends on wall thickness, materials, and environmental conditions.
Moisture and salts above the treatment line will remain in the wall and must be managed carefully. Breathable finishing systems should be used to allow natural drying and prevent trapped moisture.
Manorteq recommends the use of the Freezteq Breathable Render System for reinstating internal finishes.
Yes. Because it is non-pressurised and minimally invasive, Freezteq Original is suitable for historic and sensitive structures where traditional damp proofing methods may not be appropriate.
Yes. Freezteq Original allows the masonry to maintain its natural breathability, which is essential for long-term moisture management and structural health.
Yes. The product is odourless and non-flammable. When installed correctly according to guidelines, it is safe for use in both occupied and unoccupied buildings.
Yes, when used in conjunction with Manorteq mortars when waterproofing a basement, Freezteq Original can be used to terminate moisture creep into other elements of the structure.
No, in fact when Manorteq mortars are used to prevent water ingress into the basement, Freezteq Original is ideally used just above ground level to prevent moisture rising.
Prior to the installation of the Manorteq mortars may not have been present. However once the basement has been waterproofed, the below ground masonry wall can become saturated and therefore rising damp can occur as the only passage left for the water to “breathe” is via capillary action.
The Freezteq Breathable Render System is a range of specialist restoration mortars designed to be used after the application of Freezteq Original. It allows internal and external wall finishes to be immediately reinstated while still permitting moisture and salts to escape safely from the masonry.
After Freezteq Original is installed, moisture and salts remain above the treatment line within the wall. These naturally migrate towards the surface as the wall dries. The Breathable Render system allows the damaging salts out of the structure and traps them in the mortar matrix, not allowing the hydroscopic salts to make the finishes wet.
If gypsum-based or other non-breathable finishes are applied prior to the wall becoming completely dry, trapped moisture and salts can lead to:
- Debonding of finish
- Reappearance of salt contamination in walls
- Surface deterioration and staining
- Premature failure of the finish
This is why correct material selection and timing are critical.
The system is designed to allow controlled moisture movement, laterally through the wall while managing salt migration. It enables the wall to continue drying naturally without damaging the new finish.
The base layer is structured to create voids that allow salts to migrate out of the masonry, while the finishing layer permits moisture vapour to pass through while retaining salts within the render system.
The system consists of two key layers:
BR-Base
- Forms the primary restoration layer
- Creates pathways for salts to move out of the wall
- Works as a controlled sacrificial layer for salt management
BR-Finish
- Provides a breathable surface finish
- Allows moisture vapour to escape
- Retains salts within the render structure
- Is smooth and paintable.
Both products are hydrophobic, meaning they cannot absorb moisture, helping to keep the surface dry to the touch.
Yes, it can be applied as soon as is practically appropriate after Freezteq Original installation. However, each project should be assessed individually depending on wall condition, salt levels, and moisture content.
Breathability is essential because walls continue to release moisture and salts long after rising damp treatment. A breathable damp proofing system ensures:
- Ongoing evaporation of trapped moisture
- Safe migration of salts
- Reduced risk of surface damage
- Long-term durability of finishes
Yes. The Freezteq Breathable Render System can be supplied in a heritage version if a lime based solution is specified for heritage and older buildings where traditional rigid plasters would trap moisture and accelerate deterioration.
The render system does not “dry” the wall instantly. Instead, it allows the natural drying process to continue safely by managing moisture and salt movement until equilibrium is reached.
However the hydrophobic nature of the mortar means, that once cured, it is always dry to touch.
Unlike gypsum or standard cement-based plasters, Freezteq renders are:
- Highly breathable
- Hydrophobic (do not retain moisture)
- Designed for salt management
- Engineered for long-term compatibility with damp-proofed walls
Using unsuitable finishes can result in:
- Moisture entrapment within the wall
- Accelerated salt crystallisation damage
- Loss of adhesion between wall and render
- Recurrent damp-related issues