A
system for preventing water leaks in concrete roof slabs by controlling
capillary action, wherein the
system comprises the following: a variety of capillary barrier inserts configured to be embedded in a concrete slab during
casting, each insert comprising the following: a vapor-permeable, liquid-impermeable lower membrane made of a polymeric
microporous material, configured to allow vapor
diffusion while resisting the penetration of
liquid water; a hydrophobic capillary interruption matrix arranged above the lower membrane and consisting of a discontinuous aggregate mixture bonded with a surface-modified hydrophobic
silane-
siloxane treatment, wherein the matrix has irregular cavities to interrupt continuous
capillary water pathways; a multitude of passively swelling gel capsules arranged within the matrix and encapsulated in semi-permeable
polymer bags, the capsules being configured to expand volumetrically upon contact with water in order to physically block the migration pathways of
moisture; an upper sacrificial
porosity zone consisting of a layer of lightweight concrete or aerated
mortar with high pore
connectivity and
moisture buffering capacity, arranged above the capillary interruption matrix and in direct contact with the structural concrete above; a rigid, chemically
inert structural frame made of high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) enclosing the
layers, the frame having mechanical interlocks and lateral seals adapted to form a continuous, mosaic-like sealing field across the panel when installed in a tiled configuration; When embedded in the plate, the
system forms a multi-layered, capillary-breaking and vapor-permeable
assembly that passively prevents water leaks by interrupting, hindering and redirecting water migration through
capillary action.