Penetron Repairs Torre Valaria Water Cistern

Penetron repaired and waterproofed a damaged drinking water cistern serving Torre Valaria, a 20-floor, 230-foot residential tower in Guanajuato, Mexico. The 125-apartment development, which welcomed its first residents in October 2025, is the city’s tallest building. General contractor ICREAR contacted Penetron after water penetration caused leaks, structural damage, and water loss in the below-grade concrete cistern. The project used the Penetron System to prepare the cistern for water storage.

Repairs As Construction Neared Completion

The cistern was intended to store drinking water for Torre Valaria’s residents. Penetron had to act fast, as construction work was nearing completion.

Rodrigo Monterrubio Solis, Country Manager at PENETRON México, explained:

“Penetron was contacted by ICREAR, the general contractor, about a severely deteriorated concrete water cistern where drinking water was to be stored for the residences. We found significant leaks, structural damage, and water loss. We had to act fast, as construction work was nearing completion.”

Three Step Waterproofing Treatment

The repair began with PENEPLUG, a rapid-setting cementitious repair grout, to seal remaining active leaks. Crews then used PENECRETE MORTAR to fill and seal visible cracks. A final layer of PENETRON was applied to outer concrete surfaces and tie holes.

The project sits in Guanajuato, a city of fewer than 200,000 people and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Torre Valaria includes one- to three-bedroom apartments ranging from 770 to 1,990 square feet.

Concrete Protection For Water Storage

The crystalline treatment is intended to make the cistern concrete impermeable while addressing conditions associated with large water cisterns, including high hydrostatic pressure.

Rodrigo Monterrubio Solis, Country Manager at PENETRON México, concluded:

“Once treated with the Penetron System, concrete becomes impermeable. The insoluble crystalline network generated by the active ingredients in Penetron's crystalline waterproofing products stops water, harmful chemicals, and any moisture from entering the concrete, even under high hydrostatic pressure common in large water cisterns. Also, the ability of the treated concrete matrix to permanently self-heal any microcracks will minimize any deterioration and extend the service life of the concrete.”