There aren’t any more high-ground, well-drained construction sites available in many parts of the world. Because of erosion, the only places to build are in low spots by water, such as by swamps, flood plains, rivers, lakes, etc. Continuing urbanisation in these areas may lead to even greater elevations of both water tables and pressures, and therefore of water heads. There is also a rise in the water level of lakes and rivers. There are several of these locations where pollutants that weaken concrete and concrete masonry can be found.
There are several reasons why waterproofing concrete that lies below ground level is necessary. Essentially, it serves as a moisture barrier. It’s also important that water doesn’t seep inside the building and do things like erode the concrete or rust the steel reinforcements. As a porous material, concrete allows water to permeate it via hydrostatic pressure, water vapour gradient, and capillary action. Water can seep in through cracks, structural flaws, and improperly planned or placed joints. Exterior and interior chemicals can eat away at concrete, therefore waterproofing is essential to keep it in good condition.
Adding a waterproof coating to cement-based materials like concrete, masonry, and grout extends their service life. Preserving cinder block walls, concrete floors, and poured concrete walls requires taking measures to prevent water seepage. Waterproofing is a requirement of local legislation or building code for walls made of masonry, concrete, or block in some locations. These regulations for waterproofing buildings are necessary because of the prevalence of water, the likelihood of flooding, or both. It is essential that the foundations of high-rises be made of waterproof materials. It is not acceptable for load-bearing walls in large complexes to fail due to material failure.
At Hitch Property Constructions, we offer the best range waterproofing services to rectify your water issues.
It Is Water That Erodes the Cement
It detracts from the quality of the whole and makes it weaker. A broken sidewalk or crumbling mortar is something you’ve observed. In the case of concrete, erosion reveals both the matrix and the base. Water can swiftly erode concrete in extreme circumstances, but typically it takes years. If the concrete slab is broken, then the supporting walls or floors are probably affected as well. Sealing concrete against water damage helps it keep its durability and visual appeal. Rebar is prevented from corrosion and erosion by waterproofing the concrete.
There Is a Potential for Water Intrusion
The amount of water used to make concrete is typically far greater than what is strictly required to hydrate the cement. There will be a network of capillary voids in the concrete because of the surplus water. This allows water to enter the concrete via channels when hydrostatic pressure or capillary action is applied. The likelihood of water seepage increases when the foundation is laid close to the water table or in locations where the soil is thicker and more prone to carry more moisture. This is also the case in regions where the earth is more inclined to retain water.
Incorporating Waterproofing Agents Into Concrete
Waterproof admixtures are used in the production of concrete to make it completely watertight. These admixtures reduce the possibility of water damage by decreasing the permeability and drying shrinkage of the concrete.
When Should Concrete Be Waterproofed?
Waterproof concrete, also called integrated concrete, is advised for use in less essential basements and water-retaining structures in areas where soil conditions are not aggressive and the impacts of floods are not as severe (less than 10 metres in depth). For example, carports and workshops are examples of unfinished, utilitarian areas where the presence of seepage and damp spots is understood to be acceptable.
The Benefits of Waterproofing Concrete
Concrete can have a waterproof coating applied to it in a quick and low-cost manner. In contrast, ready-mix companies can make their concrete waterproof by using an additive during the mixing process. When waterproofing is integrated into the concrete itself, the general contractor saves time and money by not having to apply a separate coating.
Concrete waterproofing coatings require careful attention to detail in application, finishing, and raw material selection. Low-quality casting, vibration, curing, and aggregate can lead to honeycombing, shrinkage cracks, and structure cracks. The permeability of concrete is decreased when water is added to it in transit. Given project budget and time demands, a suitable concrete mix and quality control are challenging to achieve.
Concrete Waterproofing Repairs
Concrete cracks due to a variety of causes, including shrinkage, strains caused by changes in temperature, and environmental forces. Remember that even the tiniest hole can let water in. Although the use of waterproof concrete admixtures helps to minimise cracking, even after the concrete has set there will still be some cracks that needs to be repaired.
The cracks in waterproof concrete can be repaired by injection grouting. When water seeps into the concrete slab or the walls, it might move about and make it difficult to track down the source of the problem. Since water cannot be extracted from concrete, this can lead to expensive repairs and the growth of mould. Leaks can be difficult to locate and fix in deep basements.
Waterproofing Concrete: When That Isn’t Enough
For finished areas that must maintain a dry environment, utility rooms/storage areas, and deep basements with low water vapour tolerance, pre-applied waterproofing membranes are prefered to waterproofing concrete. The water pressure that would otherwise enter the building is stopped by these barriers. Before the slab and walls are poured, a waterproof membrane is applied. The membrane serves as a waterproof barrier before concrete is put on top.
Waterproofing that is fully adhered before construction begins can mitigate structural defects. Even if cracks appear in the concrete as a result of ground settling, the waterproof membrane should still be bonded to the surface. Due to the strong connection between the concrete and membrane, only minor damage is expected. Since this bond stops water from seeping laterally, it’s far simpler and cheaper to prevent leaks than to waterproof already-leaking concrete.
Pre-applied membranes, such as PREPRUFE® Plus, provide protection from harmful soil gases. The health dangers for locals are so diminished. This is especially helpful when setting up shop on methane-rich or contaminated ground.
Looking for the best waterproofing company? Look no further! Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.
A Waterproofing Concrete Reference
Crystalline Concrete
When the waterproofing is integrated into the concrete, it is there forever. The crystalline concrete waterproofing material reacts with the water and the concrete. Concrete’s pores and fissures are sealed off as millions of tiny crystals develop within it. Since the pores and cracks in the concrete have been sealed off, no amount of water will be able to infiltrate it.
Concrete Sealers
Waterproofing concrete can be accomplished with either a penetrating or a coating sealer. A penetrating sealer is one that chemically reacts with concrete to create a waterproof barrier. If the concrete has been treated or coloured and you don’t want the treatment to be noticeable, a penetrating sealer is your best bet. In order to prevent water from penetrating the concrete, a coating sealer is applied to it and causes a film to form. Coating sealers that are simple to apply can either be clear or coloured. Reapplication of penetrating and coating sealers may be necessary over time.
Concrete Waterproofing Membranes
Sheet or liquid membranes are used to waterproof concrete. When put properly, sheet membranes provide a waterproof barrier on concrete that lasts forever (with the necessary overlaps etc.). Waterproofing concrete involves applying a liquid membrane over it with a roller, paintbrush, or spray gun. In the event that an effective membrane is torn or damaged, it may require maintenance or repair to restore its original function.
Cementitious Concrete Waterproofing
This method of protecting Concrete against water seepage works well. The concrete that is produced with this method is inherently watertight because to the slurry of cement, additives, and bonding agents that is put to the mix.
Repairing Surface Flaws in Concrete
Waterproofing systems are only as good as the concrete they are applied on.In order to be waterproofed and have the membrane adhere properly, the surface must be flat, smooth, and free of any honeycombs, depressions, fins, holes, humps, dust, dirt, oils, or any other surface pollutants.
Unsupported material can be extruded, deformed, and ruptured by water pressure. Waterproofing membranes are only effective if they adhere well to the concrete surface, sealing any cracks or crevices and preventing water from leaking through.
Adhesion is impeded by form coatings, release agents, and concrete curing membranes, all of which must be removed prior to waterproofing.The substrate should be properly prepared following the concrete standards.
Waterproofing and concrete placement are typically handled by different companies, which might lead to misunderstandings.
Having your contractors follow this standard means they’ll have an excellent reference guide to use while looking for and fixing fins, bug holes, form kick-outs, and other inappropriate waterproofing procedures, which will prevent any potential issues from arising.
The design standards need to include provisions for repairing concrete surfaces after form removal and repairing concrete as it cures. The use of fresh cast-in-place concrete necessitates the correction of any acute offsets in the precast concrete. Fix any damage to the surface, such as tie holes, when you take off the forms.
Damaged and honeycombed concrete must be repaired or replaced. No feathery edges or rounded corners should be left if the concrete must be chipped. Concrete can be made smooth by first wetting the patching area and a 15cm band around it, then combining one part cement with one part fine sand to produce a thick cream-like bonding grout or coat, and finally brushing it on evenly.
In order for the waterproofing membrane system to adhere properly, all fins, protrusions, and other abnormalities must be removed by chipping, hammering, or wire brushing them flat. Misaligned formwork can generate jagged surface offsets, which must be abraded mechanically to provide a smooth transition. If the transitions between the concrete surfaces are smooth, certain waterproofing methods do not require them to be flat. Get in touch with the waterproofing company for further information.
Patch the tie rod holes after they have been cleaned and soaked.
Waterproofing Concrete Has Several Additional Advantages
- As a result, mildew and mould are kept out of the structure itself. Since mould and mildew can cause structural damage and even health issues, waterproofing is crucial.
- A lot of money and time can be saved by minimising repairs and cleanup. With watertight buildings, the aftermath of a flood or storm may be cleaned up with much less effort. Keeping everything clean and organised is considerably less of a hassle because of how well the waterproofing works.
- A property’s value rises when its walls and floors are protected from water damage. Waterproofing the basement or subfloor is an added bonus for potential buyers. There will be no buyers for a home with flooding issues.
Preparations to Be Made Before to Waterproofing Concrete
- First, you need to make sure the area is dry and clean. To get rid of old paint or flooring/wall coverings, use a scraper. Sweep the whole place to make sure there is no filth lurking in the corners. Walls and floors can be scrubbed with a soapy mixture of warm water if necessary; remember to rinse the mixture off afterwards. Dedicate some time to drying out completely.
- Fill up any gaps using a hydraulic expanding concrete mixture. To ensure the patches dry completely, give them at least 24 hours to air out.
- You should tape off anything that protrudes from the wall or floor, such as electrical boxes or staircases.
Preparing a Concrete Surface
It is essential to properly prepare surfaces before applying waterproofing solutions. Waterproofing performance is enhanced by meticulous surface preparation. Adhesion of the waterproof membrane can be compromised by chemicals present on the concrete surface. Only freshly exposed concrete that is structurally sound and free of loose or weak elements should be used. Wet concrete is acceptable for installation by some waterproof membrane manufacturers.
Get in touch with the water repellant maker for details. Keep the concrete-waterproofing membrane contact dry as it cures. Be sure the surface is ready for waterproofing before you apply the membrane. Testing the membrane’s adherence and the prepared concrete’s strength are prerequisites for starting the project. Considerations such as those from the Concrete Institute of Australia and the ASTM Standardization Body would be useful here.
We have a huge range of waterproofing services Melbourne at Hitch Property Constructions that offers stress-free services for any water problem you got!
Ensuring a Successful System
In order for concrete to be used in inhabited areas, it must be waterproofed. The difficulties caused by water seepage in concrete sidewalks and driveways are very noticeable. The success of the waterproofing system depends on the quality of the concrete’s installation. Any flaws in the concrete must be repaired before waterproofing can begin. It is important for architects to include concrete surface guidelines in the preliminary design phase. This will help one of the most contentious and difficult parts of the building from becoming a point of conflict among the numerous contractors working on the project.
FAQs About Waterproof Concrete
Can you make concrete waterproof?
Integral concrete waterproofing systems can be densifiers, water repellents or crystalline admixtures. Densifiers react with the calcium hydroxide formed in hydration, creating another by-product that increases concrete density and slows water migration.
How do you permanently waterproof concrete?
The most common way to waterproof concrete is to use a liquid waterproofing product specifically designed for that purpose. Liquid waterproofing gel is a thick substance that turns into a rubber-like coating once applied to the outside of a concrete wall.
What type of concrete is waterproof?
Waterproof concrete (also called integral concrete) is generally best for water retaining structures and less critical basements that are less than 10 meters deep, where soil conditions are not aggressive, and where the consequences of flooding are less severe.
What do you add to waterproof concrete?
Fortunately, there is an effective solution to this problem: Cementmix. Cementmix is a fluid that replaces water when mixing the mortar or concrete. You can add the Cementmix directly into the mixing container, bucket or cement mill, in the same proportion as you would use water.
Can you seal concrete to make it waterproof?
After you complete a concrete job, don’t neglect the single most important step to ensure that it lasts a lifetime: sealing. With a high-quality sealant-and this helpful guide-you can waterproof and protect your new concrete surfaces for years to come.
Conclusion
Concrete that is buried must be waterproofed. Because of its porous nature, concrete absorbs water through hydrostatic pressure, a water vapour gradient, and capillary action. When there are crevices, structural problems, or joints that weren’t properly planned or installed, water can seep inside. When building a basement or water storage structure that is not absolutely necessary, it is recommended to use waterproof concrete. A general contractor can save both time and money by incorporating waterproofing into the concrete itself. Wet concrete has a lower permeability because of the water added during transport.
Content Summary
- There aren’t any more high-ground, well-drained construction sites available in many parts of the world.
- Because of erosion, the only places to build are in low spots by water, such as by swamps, flood plains, rivers, lakes, etc.
- There is also a rise in the water level of lakes and rivers.
- There are several of these locations where pollutants that weaken concrete and concrete masonry can be found.
- There are several reasons why waterproofing concrete that lies below ground level is necessary.
- Waterproofing is a requirement of local legislation or building code for walls made of masonry, concrete, or block in some locations.
- These regulations for waterproofing buildings are necessary because of the prevalence of water, the likelihood of flooding, or both.
- It is essential that the foundations of high-rises be made of waterproof materials.
- In the case of concrete, erosion reveals both the matrix and the base.
- Water can swiftly erode concrete in extreme circumstances, but typically it takes years.
- The amount of water used to make concrete is typically far greater than what is strictly required to hydrate the cement.
- There will be a network of capillary voids in the concrete because of the surplus water.
- These admixtures reduce the possibility of water damage by decreasing the permeability and drying shrinkage of the concrete.
- Waterproof concrete, also called integrated concrete, is advised for use in less essential basements and water-retaining structures in areas where soil conditions are not aggressive and the impacts of floods are not as severe (less than 10 metres in depth).
- The Benefits of Waterproofing Concrete Concrete can have a waterproof coating applied to it in a quick and low-cost manner.
- Given project budget and time demands, a suitable concrete mix and quality control are challenging to achieve.
10+ Years Specialising in Internal & External Waterproofing
New home builds, renovations, and water damage repairs.
Located in metropolitan areas of Melbourne, Hitch Constructions is a family-owned business that specialises in all aspects of waterproofing in the building, residential and construction industry. To put it simply, waterproofing will make any structure of your choosing water-resistant.
This means that it will be unaffected by any dampness or aqueous bodies. By applying waterproofing solutions to your building, you will be able to prevent water from entering into your structure. We at Hitch Constructions can present you with a number of renovations solutions thanks to our extensive range of membranes and coatings.
Got Water Leaks? Avoid costly repairs with our watertight applications
With a combined 10 years of experience, our team of highly skilled waterproofing experts deliver superior waterproofing solutions to Melbourne’s residential, construction and building sector. In the course of the last decade years, we’ve developed a dependable status for delivering exceptional waterproofing services and quality workmanship. With a great proportion of our business originating from repeat clients and referrals.
