Established in 2006, Kalmatron Georgia has since become a key player in the waterproofing materials market by undertaking complex and large-scale waterproofing projects. In 2011 the company shifted from importing products to manufacturing its own, carving out a significant niche for itself. Today, Kalmatron Georgia is recognized for its quality and reliability in providing waterproofing solutions.
The company has undertaken numerous successful projects throughout the country, showcasing its prowess in a variety of challenging environments. Further underscoring its dedication to quality, the company highlights the biocidal properties of Kalmatron, making it suitable for use in sensitive environments such as food industries and drinking water reservoirs. This unique feature not only enhances the durability of construction but also extends the lifespan of concrete, especially in aggressive conditions.
With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, the company produces eco-friendly materials that significantly improve the structural integrity of concrete. “Our products address issues like dampness and fungus while increasing strength and frost resistance by up to 50%,” founder and Director Soso Chkhapelia explained.
Looking ahead, the company has plans for expansion. Currently exporting to Armenia, the growing demand highlights the increasing trust in their brand. “Our goal is to continue satisfying market demand while broadening our reach to new international markets,” Chkhapelia added.
Q. The company was founded in 2006 and initially focused on importing Kalmatron waterproofing materials. In 2011, you started producing various types of Kalmatron products. Can you tell us about these and the level of market demand?
A. Yes, since February 3, 2011 we have been manufacturing various Kalmatron products in Georgia. Before that, with the permission of the brand owner, I personally registered the Kalmatron trademark in my name with the Georgian National Intellectual Property Center. Since then I have had the exclusive right to produce and import Kalmatron products in Georgia.
Following this, our products received a quality mark after passing relevant laboratory tests and inspections.
From that moment on, our company has prioritized meeting market demand by providing high-quality products. As you may know, many brands from different countries are available on the market, and every product comes with an expiration date. We ensure that when our products are sold in supermarkets throughout Georgia (excluding the Russian-occupied regions) such as Nova, Gorgia, and Domino, so we can easily recall any expired product and exchange it for a new one. Most importantly, we maintain consistent communication with trade networks.
We have successfully completed waterproofing projects in numerous locations, leaving very few regions untouched. Our work includes the Gudauri Hotel Reservoir, the Palace of the President of Georgia, and the House of Justice in Ozurgeti, Zugdidi, and Kutaisi. We have undertaken many projects in Batumi and Kobuleti, as well as around 20 churches, including those in Tsageri and Lentekhi, the Dadiani Palace in Salkhino, the Abasha Cathedral, the Martvili Cathedral, the Baptismal Church of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, the Youth Center, and the Shavnabadi Monastery. We have also worked on Armenian churches in Avlabari and near Bread Square.
Our company produces a variety of Kalmatron products, handles sales, and performs waterproofing work of any complexity. This includes challenging projects such as elevator shafts, underground garages, basements, bathrooms, roofs, and irrigation canals.
Q. How important is it for your company to be environmentally responsible, considering you produce environmentally-friendly materials?
A. Kalmatron has biocidal properties, making it suitable for use in the food industry and in drinking water reservoirs. For example, Kalmatron is utilized in Borjomi (2,000 m³), Bakuriani (2,000 m³), Telavi (2,000 m³), Lagodekhi (2,000 m³), Kobuleti (25,000 m³), and other reservoirs. It is particularly effective in aggressive environments, as it can at least double the lifespan of concrete in such conditions. Using Kalmatron as an additive in concrete is essential to reinforcement from harsh waters.
Q. What advice would you give to consumers to prevent dampness, fungus, and other similar issues in their residential or commercial spaces?
A. Typically, during construction people focus on creating comfort, which requires significant attention to both the exterior and interior. It’s unfortunate when expensive renovations are damaged within months due to dampness, fungus, and water ingress. The solution, however, is simple and cost-effective.
Using environmentally-friendly Kalmatron-D as an additive in concrete and screed will help you eliminate problems related to dampness, fungus, and water ingress for good. Moreover, Kalmatron not only addresses these issues but also increases the strength and durability of concrete and screed by 30-50%. It enhances frost resistance, prolongs performance in aggressive environments, and has no contraindications.
Q. Why is it necessary to waterproof before finishing a build, and do consumers in Georgia follow this rule?
A. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of awareness in Georgia regarding construction practices that comply with internationally accepted standards. This oversight leads to issues such as dampness, fungus growth, water infiltration, and condensation.
For example, in 2014 our company treated the dome of a church under construction on Mount Sarpi, near the Turkish border. When I revisited the site about four years later, the construction remained incomplete, and the dome treated with Kalmatron was shining while moss had started to grow on the walls due to high humidity.
It’s important to note that Kalmatron is also safe for health.
Q. What are the key areas of our homes that are affected by moisture in high humidity conditions, and which Kalmatron materials do you offer to address these issues? And how much does treatment cost?
A. The most straightforward solution is to use Kalmatron-D as an additive in concrete, screeds, and other construction processes.
Now, let’s break down the costs associated with using Kalmatron-D as an additive in screeding. A 20 kg package of Kalmatron-D costs 190.00 GEL, which means the price per kg is 9.50 GEL (190 GEL / 20 kg).
To achieve optimal results, it is recommended to mix 1.5 kg of Kalmatron-D with 50 kg of cement and 150 kg of sand. After mixing, this solution can be used to plaster walls, making them permanently resistant to water, frost, fungus, and moss. The cost for Kalmatron-D in this mixture would be 9.50 GEL * 1.5 kg = 14.25 GEL.
Considering that 200 kg of screed can cover an area of 6-8 m² depending on thickness, the cost of screeding per m² is approximately 2.00-2.40 GEL. Naturally, this expense is minimal when compared to the potential problems it can help prevent, making it well worth the investment.
Here are some properties of various materials produced by our company:
● Kalmatron-D: used as an additive in concrete, mortar, and screed; frost resistance up to -55 degrees.
● Kalmatron-E: penetrates porous materials and is suitable for restoration work; frost resistance up to -55 degrees.
● Kalmatron-N: self-expanding with high adhesion properties, effective at closing pores at the micron level; frost resistance up to -55 degrees.
● Kalmatron-K: a two-component material with a tensile strength of up to 65% and frost-resistant to -35 degrees; suitable for both internal and external applications and safe for foot and vehicle traffic on treated surfaces.
● Kalmatron-C: a two-component material with a tensile strength of 30%, intended for internal use.
● Ultralit Grount: a primer that can be applied to any surface to improve adhesion for subsequent materials; works well with Kalmatron-K and Kalmatron-C.
● Seed: a hardening accelerator with high frost resistance, also used as an antifreeze in winter conditions.
● Vinmix: a liquid added to mixing water to enhance concrete, plaster, and mortar with high elasticity and crack resistance.
Q. What are the company’s future plans?
A. Our primary goal as a manufacturer is to satisfy market demand by producing high-quality products. Currently we are exporting our products to Armenia, and we are pleased to see a growing demand, which indicates an increasing level of trust in our brand. Naturally, we aspire to expand our reach to new markets in the future.
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