Various Techniques Used For Concrete Waterproofing

Construction & Contractors Blog

Concrete is a popular construction material due to its durability and longevity. As such, it will be used in an array of applications in and around your home such as the basement, balcony, patios, flooring and more. However, it should be noted that at the end of the day that concrete remains a porous material. Therefore, it will have a propensity of absorbing water. If left constantly exposed to moisture, it may start developing water damage over time. This is why it is prudent to seek out concrete waterproofing to ensure that the concrete used in your home does not get compromised. Here are some of the various techniques used for concrete waterproofing. 

Crystalline waterproofing

This type of waterproofing provides a permanent barrier against moisture. With this technique of waterproofing, a crystalline compound is incorporated right into the concrete as it is being mixed. The crystalline compound reacts with the concrete and fills in any porous gaps that would typically form in the concrete. Once the concrete is laid and dries, there will be no pores in the concrete. Therefore, the concrete will not be able to absorb any water. It should be noted that this type of waterproofing should be carried out when constructing or renovating your home as the waterproofing cannot be applied once the concrete dries. 

Concrete waterproofing with sealants

One of the more popular techniques used for residential concrete waterproofing is the application of sealants. With this technique, the concrete contractors will lay the concrete as they usually do for the different applications in and around the home. Once the concrete has dried, a sealant is applied on its surface and allowed to seep into the concrete. As the sealant penetrates into the concrete, it fills up the pores present and dries. This stops the concrete from being porous. One of the advantages of concrete sealants is that they can be applied on old concrete surfaces too. For instance, if you moved to a residence whose concrete has not been waterproofed, this would be an ideal option to consider. It should be noted though that sealants tend to lose their efficacy over time so they have to be reapplied on a scheduled basis. 

Concrete waterproofing using membranes

Another technique you could consider to waterproof your concrete would be membranes. These waterproofing mediums can be applied in liquid form or laid down as a sheet on your concrete. The concrete contractors will use an adhesive to secure the sheet membrane in place. Liquid membranes on the other hand are directly painted onto the concrete suing a roller, spray gun or a regular paintbrush. Once the membrane dries, it creates a rubbery layer on your concrete that prevents water from penetrating the concrete.  

15 June 2016