If you are constructing a concrete building, then waterproofing it is an essential step. This is because concrete has a porous structure which can easily absorb moisture, water-based chemicals, contaminants and other similar materials. This can make buildings weak in their strength. Usually, buildings are waterproofed from exterior as well as from their interior sides. Waterproofing a building may make the construction a bit costlier but, it can save your money in the long run by making your building safer and stronger from its core.
Let’s find more information about concrete waterproofing.
Benefits of Concrete Waterproofing:
When concrete waterproofing is done to a property the durability and life of the structure is promoted. Here are some advantages of waterproofing buildings with concrete materials:
- Waterproofing makes your building safe from water damages. Hence you can save the structure from expensive repairs needed due to damages. Moreover, you also end up spend less money on repairing and maintaining the entire building.
- Once you have waterproofed your concrete structure, moisture and water is kept away from entering your walls, floor and ceiling. This helps in increasing the life of the building. Protection from moisture makes your structure resistant against corrosion, rotting, rust and other deteriorating factors.
- Damp walls or moisture concentration on the walls can lead to various health risks for the people living inside it. Concrete waterproofing not only makes the building stronger, but also prevents health problems for the people living in it. Since there is no build-up of moisture on the walls and ceiling, there is no mould and fungus growth which is responsible for causing serious health issues. Asthma, allergies, weak immunity and infections are some of the common ailments people get affected with if they reside inside such structures for long term.
- By waterproofing your building, you will be preventing water seepage and hence structural damages can be avoided as well. This helps in maintaining the look of your building and also increases the value of your property to a great extent.
Materials Commonly Used for Waterproofing:
There are five different kinds of materials commonly used for concrete waterproofing:
- Liquid membranes: These are polymer-based coatings that can be directly sprayed, rolled or towelled on the concrete surface. They are cheap, easy and quick to apply, and can be easily applied on existing structures.
- Self-adhering sheet membranes: This is a big, rubber asphalt membrane that can be directly placed onto the concrete surface. They give an even coverage to the entire structure. However, they are more expensive and need a little bit of dexterity for its proper application. Since it is extremely sticky, it can stick to any surface that it comes in contact with. So, you need to be very careful while peeling and applying it. Such kind of concrete waterproofing must be done by professionals.
- Exterior insulated finish systems: They are attractive, durable, and provides insulation along with concrete waterproofing. When applied to a concrete surface, it renders a stucco-like finish to your space. It is often applied with the help of a trowel and can even be tinted to match your wall colour. Sometimes, it can also be brushed, sprayed or rolled on the surface as well.
- Cement based waterproofing: This material is easy to be prepared and applied. It is often mixed with some acrylic additives to give a better bonding. It can be easily applied with the help of a brush with a long handle.
- Sodium bentonite: This material offers an eco-friendly way of concrete waterproofing. Large number of cities dumps these days use this kind of waterproofing to prevent seepage into the soil underneath. Basically, it is a type of clay that works as an excellent waterproofing material. It can provide extensive waterproofing to coarse as well as smooth surfaces.
Never compromise on the quality of material when undergoing concrete waterproofing work. Inferior quality products can be a cash saviour in the short run but can be expensive in the long run.
