Waterproof concrete is obtained by adding certain materials into cement and mortar materials. There are some procedures that can be followed to achieve it. With the help of these applications, the materials used become waterproof.
Waterproof concrete can be obtained in two different ways. One of them is making standard concrete material waterproof. Another method is to structure it as waterproof while making the concrete mixture.
What is Waterproof Concrete?
Standard concrete mixures are not completely waterproof. But its resistance to water is quite high. Structures made of concrete material have a potential for long-term or permanent water absorption. In order for concrete to provide higher absorption, it must be properly dried and hardened during production. If concrete is used in its raw and moist form, it is much more affected by water than the one completely dried and hardened. For this reason, properly dried concrete should be preferred in all buildings such as home, office, garden or the ones made for industrial purposes.
One of the problems mostly looked for by amateurs who are interested in construction works is water leakage. After a search in a little time on the web, you can achieve that lots of searchs are made like “How to fix a leaking wall from rain water?” or “water seeping through concrete wall.”
How To Fix A Leaking Wall From Rain Water?
Cement is used to obtain concrete mixture. Sand, gravel or crushed stones are added as well. If you want concrete to become waterproof, you need to use some additives in addition to this mixture. You can even find waterproof cement. You can get a significant advantage when you use these materials. The additions poured into the mixture adhere to all aggregates and provide spreading the waterproof feature to throughout the concrete.
These products also have disadvantages. When using these products, it is observed that pores are formed on the surface of the concrete. Microorganisms may come into being in these pores and new occurances can damage the concrete.
Exact Solution
There are other ways to achieve water impermeability when starting a new project or waterproofing an existing wall. Structures formed with concrete material are rough on the microscopic level. It causes the concrete to wear out more and more every day. With concrete sealer, deterioration of a building is prevented and water tightness is ensured. After the process named as silicification, additives penetrate entire concrete and increase resistance against all liquids. It prevents seaweed, lichens and algae from forming.
Waterproof concrete obtained by silicification method is used safely for following purposes:
- In industry,
- Workshops,
- In parking areas,
- In warehouses,
- In underground structures,
- In workplaces.
Watertightness level
- Places that should be completely dry (houses and archives)
- Places that can be dry or slightly moist (warehouses where products stored are damaged in humid environment and boiler rooms)
- Places that can be humid (environments made for short-term use)
- Places that can be humid or wet (simple shelters such as bus stops)