Rubber Waterstops
EPDM & natural rubber waterstop for concrete expansion joints in bridges, tunnels, dams. Embedded center-bulb type. High elasticity, water sealing, ASTM compliant. Factory direct.
Rubber Waterstop – EPDM & Natural Rubber for Concrete Expansion Joints
Our rubber waterstop (also known as concrete expansion joint waterstop or waterstop for concrete joints) is a high-performance sealing solution designed to prevent water leakage in bridges, tunnels, dams, swimming pools, and basement structures. Made from premium EPDM or natural rubber, it accommodates joint movement while providing durable, flexible waterproofing.
What is a Rubber Waterstop?
A rubber waterstop is a flexible strip installed in concrete joints to block the passage of water. When concrete expands or contracts due to temperature changes or loads, the waterstop stretches or compresses to maintain a watertight seal. Our waterstops feature a center bulb for movement accommodation and ribs for strong anchorage into the concrete.
Compared to PVC waterstops, rubber waterstops (especially EPDM) offer superior elasticity, weather resistance, and long-term durability, making them ideal for critical infrastructure projects.
Key Features
- Excellent water sealing – Prevents water penetration under hydrostatic pressure.
- High elasticity – Accommodates joint movement up to ±50% of nominal width.
- Strong anchorage – Ribbed design ensures bonding with concrete.
- Chemical & weather resistance – EPDM rubber resists ozone, UV, and aging.
- Wide temperature range – Operates from -45°C to +120°C (EPDM).
- Compliant with international standards – ASTM D6134, EN 681-1, GB 18173.2.
Types of Rubber Waterstops We Supply
We offer a complete range of rubber waterstops to suit different joint designs and project requirements:
- Embedded (Center-Bulb) Waterstop – The most common type, installed in the middle of the concrete joint. The central bulb allows expansion/compression while ribs lock into concrete.
- Hydrophilic (Water Swelling) Waterstop – Expands upon contact with water, automatically sealing gaps. Ideal for repair works or where high water pressure is expected.
- External / Surface-Mounted Waterstop – Applied on the concrete surface, often used for secondary sealing or when embedded installation is not possible.
- Corner Waterstop – Pre-formed L-shaped or T-shaped waterstops for construction joints at corners and intersections.
- Dumbbell Waterstop – Simple symmetrical profile for smaller joints or light-duty applications.
Technical Specifications of Rubber Waterstop
| Item | Value 1 | Value 2 | Value 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Shore A), degree | 60±5 | 60±5 | 60±5 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 15 | 12 | 10 |
| Ultimate Elongation (%) | 380 | 380 | 300 |
| Brittleness Temperature (°C) | -45 | -40 | -40 |
| Compression Set 70°C×24h (%) | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Tear Strength (kN/m) | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Ozone Resistance (50pphm, 20% strain, 48h) | Grade 2 | Grade 2 | Grade 0 |
| Heat Aging 70°C×168h (change in tensile strength, %) | +8 | +8 | – |
| Heat Aging 100°C×168h – Tensile Strength (MPa) | 12 | 10 | – |
| Rubber-to-Metal Bond – Hardness Change (Shore A) | 300 | 300 | +8 |
| Rubber-to-Metal Bond – Tensile Strength (MPa) | – | – | 9 |
| Rubber-to-Metal Bond – Elongation (%) | 250 | 250 | – |
Applications
Our rubber waterstops are widely used in the following structures:
- Bridges – Expansion joints of highway and railway bridges.
- Tunnels & Subways – Construction joints, settlement joints.
- Dams & Reservoirs – Sealing of concrete joints against water seepage.
- Swimming Pools – Expansion joints in pool walls and floors.
- Basements & Underground Structures – Preventing groundwater ingress.
- Water Treatment Plants – Joints in tanks and channels.
Installation Guide
- Surface preparation: Clean the joint area, remove debris and oil. Ensure concrete surfaces are dry and sound.
- Positioning: Place the waterstop so that the center bulb aligns exactly with the joint line. The ribs must be fully embedded into the concrete on both sides.
- Fixing: Use tie wires or rebar supports to hold the waterstop in place during concrete pouring. Avoid piercing the waterstop.
- Joints: Overlap waterstop ends by at least 100 mm and bond using cold adhesive (for rubber) or vulcanized splicing for maximum strength.
- Concrete pouring: Pour concrete carefully to avoid displacement. Ensure concrete fully surrounds the ribs and center bulb without voids.
- Curing: Cure concrete properly to prevent cracking near the waterstop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How to install a rubber waterstop in concrete joints?
A: Please refer to our installation guide above. The key steps are: align center bulb with joint, fix with tie wires, splice ends properly, and pour concrete without shifting the waterstop.
Q: What is the difference between EPDM and natural rubber waterstop?
A: EPDM rubber offers superior weather, ozone, and UV resistance, making it ideal for outdoor or exposed applications. Natural rubber has higher tensile strength and tear resistance but is less resistant to oils and long-term UV exposure. Choose based on your project environment.
Q: What is the price of rubber waterstop per meter?
A: Price depends on type, size, and quantity. Please contact us for a quote with your specification (profile drawing, length, material). We offer factory-direct pricing.
Q: How to solve waterstop leakage problems?
A: Leakage often results from improper installation or damaged splices. Solutions include injecting epoxy or polyurethane grout into the leak path, or using hydrophilic waterstop strips as a secondary seal.
Q: Do you offer custom rubber waterstop profiles?
A: Yes, we can manufacture custom shapes and sizes based on your drawings. Minimum order quantity applies. Send your specification for a quotation.
Why Choose Guchen Rubber Waterstops?
As a professional rubber waterstop manufacturer and supplier with over 15 years of experience, we offer:
- Premium materials (EPDM, natural rubber, Neoprene, PVC).
- Strict quality control – each batch tested for hardness, tensile strength, elongation.
- Compliance with ASTM, EN, GB standards.
- Factory direct prices with fast delivery.
- Technical support and installation guidance.
📞 Get a rubber waterstop quote – Send your joint details (width, movement, water pressure) and we will reply within 24 hours.