The Advantages of PVC Waterstop Blade Heaters
A PVC waterstop is a material that is commonly used in a wide range of construction environments to prevent water or other fluids from penetrating structures and to protect concrete joints and seams.
Usually, a blade heater or hot knife will be used to join PVC sheets together when manufacturing waterstops, melting the PVC and creating a reinforced sheet that can be used for protection in these environments.
At Hedin Heaters, we manufacture made-to-order waterstop blade heaters that can be tailored specifically to the needs of our clients.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages of PVC waterstop blade heaters and how they can be used.
PVC waterstop blade heaters: what are they used for?
As mentioned above, in general, PVC waterstop is a material that is designed to act as a watertight tool within construction joints that stops the flow of liquids from compromising the integrity of the structure. They are also built to withstand the, sometimes, intense levels of hydrostatic pressure that may be common in certain environments.
With this in mind, a PVC waterstop blade heater, also known as a hot knife, is a type of heater that is used to connect PVC sheets together so they can then be used as an effective barrier against water infiltration.
The blade heaters manufactured by Hedin Heaters are always made to suit the requirements of our clients and are made 22’’ and 27’’ in length with voltages of 110V and 240V.
They can also reach a temperature of up to 320°C, and can come with UK or European plugs depending on your needs.
Waterstop types
There are several different types of waterstops depending on the specific requirements of the application.
This includes:
PVC waterstops
The most popular option, these waterstops are resistant to chemicals and perfect for structures that require a high level of flexibility.
Swellable waterstops
These waterstops are great for sealing even the smallest cracks or gaps and can even accommodate joint movement within the structure.
Rubber waterstops
Made from either natural or synthetic rubber, these waterstops are often used in structures where high temperatures are common.
Metal waterstops
If a structure is exposed to particularly high levels of hydrostatic pressure, then metal waterstops are often favoured.
Hot blade knife advantages
Hot knives are available in a vast array of shapes, sizes and types and they offer a great range of advantages.
These include:
Enhanced cutting efficiency
Often, hot knives offer cleaner cuts with minimal effort, especially when using materials that are not often cut. The heat will also reduce friction in the blade making cutting smoother and easier.
Consistent performance
A blade knife is an extremely effective tool, and can be heated to a consistent temperature that offers uniform performance.
Versatility
At Hedin Heaters, we can tailor our products to the specific needs of our customers including different plugs, voltages and moulded handles. As well as this, our knives can be used to cut a diverse range of materials including PVC, rubber and other synthetics.
For more than 80 years, the team at Hedin Heaters has provided quality electrical heating elements and components to customers around the world. This includes leading PVC waterstop blade heaters and hot knives. And, until 30th August 2024, all customers will receive 10% off orders on these products.