Can A Concrete Wall Be Waterproofed?

A concrete wall is a common element of many homes and businesses. These walls can be made waterproof by applying a sealant, but the process must be done correctly to prevent water penetration in the future.

Water can be a sneaky problem when it comes to concrete. For example, if you don’t protect your newly poured masterpiece with an appropriate waterproofing substance such as sealant or epoxy then over time the water will start seeping through and eroding away at its beautiful exterior qualities.

Why Is Waterproofing Necessary?

Waterproofing is vital to the structural integrity of buildings. This process prevents water from getting into your home, and also protects you against moisture damage inside as well! Water can flow through concrete due to hydrostatic pressure or a vapor gradient; it will seep in if there are gaps around foundation seams or couplings that were not built securely enough for high-water conditions like this one may encounter after heavy rains have fallen. In order to prevent degradation, we need waterproofing which helps keep out all kinds of liquids so no unwanted infiltration takes place at any point during and after construction.

• Protect the structural integrity of your home
• Save against moisture damage inside
• Stop unwanted infiltration
• Protection from hydrostatic pressure

What Are Some Of The Vulnerabilities of Concrete?

There are a number of substances that are harmful to concrete. These compounds are frequently found in the soil or in the vicinity of a below-grade construction. It is the obligation of the designer to undertake a suitable chemical study of the soil before designing the waterproofing system.

The chemicals present might damage the waterproofing barrier as well. Acid waters, aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, ammonia vapors, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, ferric sulfide, and ferrous sulfate are just a few of the chemicals that may dissolve concrete and attack steel. Waterproofing is beneficial because:

• It protects concrete from harsh chemicals
• It helps prolong the durability of your structure
• It minimizes damage to your concrete wall
• It keeps your design safe and sustainable

What Causes Concrete Cracks?

Before and after hardening, concrete can fracture, and all of these cracks create holes that are vulnerable to moisture penetration. Concrete can split before it hardens due to building movement, plastic or drying shrinkage, or early frost damage. The settlement, seismic pressures, vibration, creep, excessive weight, or deflection from soil movement can all cause concrete to crack after it has hardened.

How Do I Waterproof Concrete Walls?

Concrete must always have some type of waterproof membrane applied if its purpose is to prevent moisture damage from occurring inside or outside of any concrete structure. The concrete will need protection on all sides because once concrete becomes wet, it can absorb more liquid than normal due to irregularities in surface tension which attract even more water molecules over time.

A few different methods are available for waterproofing concrete. The technique selected will depend on a number of factors, like whether the surface has integrity and if it can be reached easily or otherwise without compromising its condition too much with workmanship during installation time.