Concrete and masonry surfaces may receive positive- and negative-side waterproofing using certain types of porous coatings known as cementitious waterproofing coatings.
However, on the side of the surface in the issue where hydrostatic pressure has been applied, positive-side waterproofing forms a waterproof barrier.
Cement waterproofing is essential for your home’s strength and safety. It forms the foundation, while waterproofing protects it from dampness and moisture. Dampness makes the home weak and hollow from the inside, leading to costly repairs and structural damage. Compromising on cement or waterproofing can impact the long-term durability of your home.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what cement waterproofing is, its types, its importance, its uses, and the steps involved. We’ll also explore its advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s begin!
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What is Cement Waterproofing?
Cement waterproofing is the process of applying an impervious material layer to concrete in order to make the structure waterproof and keep it largely unaffected by water. Concrete is a porous, permeable material that absorbs water as well as chemicals and impurities that can cause concrete to deteriorate.
In order to keep the paint on our walls and ceilings from peeling off, waterproofing cement stops water from leaking in from the time of building and keeps the area from looking wet. It enables seamless construction and waterproofing. It applies to all kinds of construction projects. It protects walls, foundations, and ceilings, especially those exposed to weather conditions and moisture.
Plastering is put directly onto the brick of an external wall. This establishes a first line of defense to keep moisture out of the house’s walls.
The purpose of the specifically prepared waterproofing cement is to provide wall waterproofing. However, you won’t get the most out of it if we don’t mix it well and adhere to certain laying instructions. The outcome might not be what was anticipated. While everyone in the construction industry is aware of what waterproofing cement is, not everyone can properly mix and apply it.
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Importance of Cement Waterproofing
Cement waterproofing is a crucial investment for the long-term strength and durability of your home. It creates a protective barrier against water, preventing moisture-related degradation and prolonging the structure’s lifespan. This proactive measure reduces the cost of repairs, as water infiltration can lead to cracks, erosion, and other structural damage. Waterproofing also prevents corrosion, reducing the risk of corrosion within reinforcement steel within concrete.
Cement waterproofing also prevents seepage, a common problem in construction, by creating an impenetrable barrier. This is particularly beneficial in areas prone to heavy rainfall, ensuring interiors remain dry and safe. Proper cement waterproofing, particularly crystalline admixtures, prevents dampness in walls, preventing stains and peeling paint and health risks due to mildew growth.
What are the Types of Cement Waterproofing?
Below are the types of cement waterproofing:
Crystalline Admixtures
Typical forms of crystalline-based systems are dry powders. Crystalline systems really utilize the water that is already present in the concrete to build crystals inside it, effectively blocking the paths for moisture that could otherwise harm the concrete’s water barrier.
Admixtures
Over the past few years, a brand-new kind of waterproofing has been popular everywhere. These additives are mixed into the concrete at the batching plant or on the job site, where they cause a chemical reaction that turns the concrete into a water barrier. However, water repellents, or crystalline admixtures, can all be used as integral concrete waterproofing systems.
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Bituminous Coating
Asphalt coating, also known as bituminous coating, is flexible and protective. It is an excellent waterproofing and protective coating, especially for concrete foundation surfaces. Bituminous coating is not meant to be exposed to sunlight because it is made of a bitumen-based substance. The prolonged exposure to sunlight causes it to become highly brittle and delicate.
Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
A liquid membrane is a thin coating that is typically applied by spraying or rolling on two layers of liquid waterproof after a primer coat. It provides more flexibility than cementitious waterproofing because it forms a rubbery layer on the area where it is applied.
However, the kind of polymer that is utilized to create liquid waterproofing affects how long it will last. Asphalt that has been polymer modified makes up liquid membrane. Membranes made of polyurethane liquid are also utilized for waterproofing.
Bituminous Membrane
Low-angled roof waterproofing can usually be done using bituminous membranes. Self-adhesive and a torch are features of the bituminous membrane. A self-adhesive compound is made up of filler, polymers, and asphalt.
The self-adhesive variety has a short shelf life since the membrane’s bonding abilities weaken over time. A mixture of organic liquids that are extremely sticky, viscous, and waterproof makes up this material. However, the bituminous coating on the member is melted for bonding using a torch-on membrane.
Cementitious Waterproofing
The most common kind of waterproofing used in construction is cementitious. Concrete can be waterproofed using products that are readily accessible on the market. This technique is applied in moist places like bathrooms and restrooms.
However, because it is utilized in interior wet spaces like bathrooms and toilets, it is shielded from sunlight and deterioration. As a result, cementitious waterproofing will not experience expansion or contraction.
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What are the uses of cement waterproofing?
Below are the basic uses of cement waterproofing:
- Bridges.
- Dams.
- Railway & Subway Systems.
- Marine Cargo Ports & Docks.
What are the Steps Involved in Cement Waterproofing?
Below are the steps involved in cement waterproofing:
Application of Primary Coat:
However, for the structure’s surface, apply a primary coat. Bitumen membranes can be coated with water-based or solvent-based primers.
Heating the Membranes:
The burnt-off film that is present on the membrane’s bottom face should be heated with a torch. The membrane is now prepared for adhering to the concrete surface beneath.
Unrolling the Membrane Sheets:
The sheets are rolled out on the surface of the structure after being checked for proper alignment and adjusted as necessary.
Surface Preparation:
Thoroughly remove all dust, grease, and loose items from the surface. In all membrane-based waterproofing coating systems, surface cleaning is crucial.
Pressing the Membrane:
Carefully pressing the membrane will ensure appropriate adhesion to the concrete’s surface. To ensure effective bonding, extra attention must be used around overlaps, edges, and angles.
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What are the Steps in Applying Cement?
Furthermore, cement can be used “neat,” or as a grouting material; its typical application is as mortar and concrete, where it is combined with aggregate, an inert substance. Mortar is made by combining cement with sand or crushed stone that must be smaller than 5 mm (0.2 inch).
Cement, sand, or another fine aggregate are mixed with a coarse aggregate that is typically up to 19 to 25 mm (0.75 to 1 inch) in size.
However, when concrete is deposited in massive masses, like dams, the coarse aggregate can be as large as 150 mm (6 inches). Mortars are used as surface treatments or to bind bricks, blocks, and stone together in constructions. Concrete is employed in a wide range of construction projects. Road bases are made of dirt and portland cement mixtures.
Bricks, tiles, shingles, pipes, beams, railroad ties, and other extruded goods are all made with Portland cement. The goods are supplied ready for installation after being factory-prefabricated. Concrete is the most commonly used construction material in the world today; hence, cement production is very common.
Advantages
• Prevents the formation of cracks on the surface of the concrete.
• Easy application.
• Increases the lifespan of the concrete structure.
• Prevents the rusting of reinforcement.
• Prevents dampness inside the building.
• Prevents seepages from the ceiling and walls.
• It reduces the maintenance cost of the building.
Disadvantages
• Bitumen-based products have a limited life due to solvent evaporation.
• Polyurethane protective coating is not very flexible.
• Polyurethane protective coating hampers the natural breathing capacity of concrete.
• Polyurethane protective coating has a limited pot life; the impermeable surface coating allows water to build up below the surface coating.
• Cementitious waterproofing is the inability to hold up cracks, which further cause leakage.
FAQs
What is the best waterproofing for concrete?
One of the best waterproofing materials is polyurethane. It can be applied smoothly and equally penetrates the surface.
However, the polyurethane membrane will seal even the smallest cracks in concrete, lowering the material’s potential to absorb water.
What can I mix with cement to make it waterproof?
Concrete can also be waterproofed in places that are exposed to direct water and sunlight, such as roofs and terraces, using acrylic, polyurethane, or polyurea-based compounds. These methods are all directly used on concrete surfaces.
Does cement need to be waterproofed?
Because concrete is porous, it can absorb chemicals that can deteriorate it as well as water and other waterborne contaminants. Waterproofing is crucial if you want to keep your concrete safe and make sure it has a long, useful life.
What is cement-based waterproofing used for?
Below are the lists of cement waterproofing based on how they are used:
• Bridges.
Dams.
Railway & Subway Systems.
Marine Cargo Ports & Docks.
How do you permanently waterproof concrete?
The most typical method of waterproofing concrete is to apply a liquid waterproofing solution made especially for that purpose. When applied to the exterior of a concrete wall, liquid waterproofing gel transforms from a thick substance into a rubber-like layer.
What is the difference between normal cement and waterproofing cement?
Typical concrete is not completely waterproof.
However, the terminology can be misleading; waterproof concrete is both damp-proof and watertight, which means that neither liquid water nor soil moisture can pass through the concrete.
Can water seep through cement?
Concrete already has pores in it. This implies that water could be able to penetrate your concrete on its own. Water will nonetheless use such spaces to enter your foundation if you have cracks or poorly sealed cove joints.
Can water penetrate cement?
Hydrostatic pressure, capillary action, and vapor pressure all contribute to the ability of water to pass through basement walls and concrete slabs on grade.
How long does cement take to become waterproof?
The impacts of rain should be negligible once the concrete is done (between 4 and 8 hours after pouring) and has hardened sufficiently to walk on. The chemical reaction that cures ready-mix concrete might take up to 28 days to complete.
How long does waterproof cement last?
If homeowners maintain it as instructed in terms of cleaning and maintenance, their waterproofed concrete should last between 25 and 50 years. (Using a power washer a few times a year should suffice.).