Waterproofing 101: How UNISIL Products Protect Infrastructure
By Mane Grigoryan
Waterproofing often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. It’s not flashy. It’s not something you show off. But ask anyone who’s dealt with a leaking foundation, a crumbling bridge deck, or moisture-laden walls, and they’ll tell you—waterproofing is everything. It’s the quiet layer of protection that determines whether a structure weathers decades or falls apart in years.
Let’s take a moment to unpack how this works, and more importantly, how silicone-based systems—like the ones we develop at UNISIL in Hungary and the USA—play a vital role in protecting infrastructure around the world.
To start, it helps to understand the enemy. Water doesn’t just seep. It infiltrates, reacts, erodes, expands, corrodes, and often sets off a chain of failures beneath the surface. And infrastructure—whether it's a road tunnel, rooftop, or industrial facility—is constantly under siege. Concrete is porous. Bricks absorb. Steel corrodes. Even so-called “water-resistant” materials can degrade over time without the right barrier in place.
That’s where smart waterproofing systems come in. And for us at UNISIL, it begins with silicone chemistry. Unlike traditional sealants or films that try to block water with sheer thickness, silicone-based waterproofers work differently. They bond at the molecular level, penetrating the surface and forming a flexible yet durable network that repels water while allowing the structure to breathe.
That breathability matters. A lot. Because when moisture is trapped inside—say, by an overly rigid membrane—it can’t escape. Eventually, that leads to blistering, mold growth, or structural weakening from within. But silicone-based solutions strike a balance. They block out rain, snow, and humidity, yet still allow internal vapors to escape outward. It's like putting a raincoat on your infrastructure that also happens to ventilate itself.
Take our SL-11K waterproofing concentrate, for example. It’s been used on rooftops, bridge decks, and even basement retaining walls. In one case—an industrial warehouse in a flood-prone part of Hungary—the product helped reduce visible efflorescence and cracking in the exterior wall system within just one season. The client didn’t change the substrate or layout. They just switched to a higher-performing barrier. Sometimes, it’s really that simple.
But there’s more to it than just the chemical formulation. We think about how products are applied in the real world—by hand, roller, or sprayer. We think about surfaces that might be hot or dusty or slightly uneven. That’s why formulation flexibility is key. Some clients want a fast-curing system for field work. Others need a low-VOC solution for enclosed or environmentally sensitive zones. And sometimes, it's both.
Waterproofing also isn’t a one-size-fits-all discipline. Different environments create different challenges. A tunnel system in the Pacific Northwest deals with persistent damp and fungal growth. A parking garage in Arizona contends with extreme heat and UV degradation. The needs are different. But silicone technologies can be tailored, and we’re constantly working to improve those adaptations.
Of course, no discussion about infrastructure would be complete without touching on sustainability. And here's where things overlap in surprising ways. Longer-lasting coatings and sealants reduce the frequency of maintenance cycles. That means less material waste, fewer repair trips, lower energy consumption. It’s the kind of “quiet sustainability” that doesn’t show up in marketing brochures but adds up, year over year.
That same spirit of forward-thinking is what brought us to the Go Global Awards. UNISIL is a nominee for the 2025 event in London, hosted by the International Trade Council. Now, I know what you’re thinking—another award ceremony. But this one is different. It brings together business leaders, trade experts, and innovators who are shaping what global commerce looks like in a rapidly evolving world. It’s not just about trophies; it’s about connections. Ideas. Fresh momentum. Being part of that space matters, and we’re proud to represent both Hungary and the USA in the process.
Maybe the most rewarding part of our work in waterproofing isn’t the chemistry itself, but the impact. The homes that stay dry. The bridges that hold firm. The public infrastructure that lasts just a little longer because something invisible is doing its job.
And maybe that’s the whole point of waterproofing—it’s not there to be seen. It’s there to protect. Quietly, relentlessly, without drawing attention.
That’s what we build for.