We caught up with Danilo Bonazza world famous mosaic tile artist on one of his latest projects. He was there on site with the President of Basecrete, Vito Mariano – one of the leading experts in concrete engineering and cement technology. Danilo and Vito have known each other for years, as Basecrete often comes into play on many of the pool remodeling projects Danilo has worked on.

Danilo is a huge proponent of using Basecrete’s products. While he was working on a recent project, we noticed that he was using Basecrete Intercept. Danilo stopped to give a demonstration on the application of the product. We asked him why Basecrete is so vital to his preparation process and why this product is so instrumental in helping him achieve a monolithic end result.

Basecrete makes the ideal waterproofing barrier. The colloidal silicate in combination with their fibermesh system helps makes the structure even stronger as one whole solid piece.

Danilo Bonazza – Art & Mosaics

What is Basecrete?

To the layman without a finer understanding of Basecrete and Colloidal Silica, (SiO2) it is a densifier. Typically, Danilo applies it in a liquid form as a spray to cement / concerete structures. Its purpose is to densify the molecules of the cement based material. In fact it reacts with the useless calcium hydroxide (contained in the cement of the gunite or shotcrete pool shell) and chemically alters it into useful CSH.

The material is intermingled into the hardened cement paste. A chemical reaction occurs which creates additional paste inside the pores of the existing structure. The paste gets denser becoming almost like a gel. This makes it harder and much less porous. Consequently, this gives the pool shell an extra barrier to humidity and water. It is for this reason above all others that Danilo insists on incorporating Basecrete Intercept.

Why is Basecrete so often used in Inground Pools?

To better understand why Basecrete Intercept is becoming so popular in the industry, we spoke with President – Vito Mariano more about the product. He explained the important role that Basecrete is playing in pool construction today.

Vito, who first got his start in the concrete industry in the late 80’s, has numerous patents to his credit. He’s known as one of the foremost experts in concrete engineering and manufacturing. His company Basecrete’s products have been involved in the construction of well over 90,000 inground pools. Basecrete, although well known in the construction trades – is however still largely unknown to consumers – namely homeowners. We asked Vito to initiate those without a prior knowledge of Basecrete as to what his product is truly all about.

Basecrete itself is known throughout the industry as a high performance, flexible waterproofing membrane and bond coating. The proprietary blend of polymers and additives provide unmatched strength and superior adhesion.

Vito mariano – president of basecrete

“Basecretes flexibility however, allows it to absorb movement from the underlying concrete structure. Pool contractors find it the ideal solution for waterproofing. Particularly for the products ability to protect and repair concrete structures. Already incredibly popular in the pool industry, you’ll find Basecrete applied in pool shells, spas, and fountains.” continued Mariano.

Why Pool Contractors Swear by Basecrete

Danilo Bonazza, who is one of the leading mosaic tile artists today, swears by Basecrete and summarized why. “I love the product because it preserves the integrity of the cement structure. Over time humidity and water can penetrate and cause damage. Basecrete provides extra strength that prevents this from occuring”. Danilo has become a champion for the product and brand ambassador of sorts. He explained that it goes far beyond the guarantee that comes on the label. “The quality is not only in the product,” said Danilo “it is in the people that are supporting it.”

Vito Mariano couldn’t agree more. His firm Basecrete now consults all over the world. “We’re providing training and certifications in the application of our product. We’re supporting the industry and have trainers in the United States, Canada, Italy, France, Africa, Australia, and are committed to growing and expanding that.”

Key Take Away Advantages of Basecrete

High performance: PSI, Adhesion, Tensile Strength, Shear Bond and Flexibility
Easy Application: Roll It, Trowel It, Spray It, Squeegee It

• Impact Strength: 19 LB
• Compressive Strength: 7050 PSI
• Tensile Strength: 732 PSI
• Flexular Strength: 2380 PSI

What Basecrete Does

Basecrete is a waterproofing bondcoat / underlayment / micro topping. Primarily, it is used in applications where a solid and durable waterproof barrier is needed. Adhesive to nearly all surfaces, it is highly resistant to most chemicals and corrosive agents. Basecrete is able to withstand high degrees of movement while still maintaining its structural integrity. The product essentially makes pools waterproof and creates a bond for the pool’s final decorative finish of your choice, such as plaster or tiles.

It is interesting to note that Basecrete acts as an antifracture membrane. Use it in conjunction with fibermesh to transition areas and pipe penetrations to create truly monolothic structures. For more information about Basecrete watch the Ask The Masters Podcast or visit them on the web: https://basecreteusa.com

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