Create High Performance Concrete Waterproofing Specialty
James K. Brouk Concrete is considered a porous material. Water and acid rain can seep into it and weaken a structure, plants can dig their roots into it, and blood is all but impossible to wash out of concrete. Introducing water to concrete can also have a variety of unpleasant effects such as moss, algae and molds. Luckily, there are products on the market that can keep water out of concrete. Home waterproofing is a preventive measure. It keeps the structure of the house from crumbling. It also keeps your family healthy by discouraging the growth of molds and algae, and keeps your home warm and dry. There is more than one method you can choose to waterproof your home. More than Plaster and Tape There are many concrete waterproofing items available on the market. Some include Dr Fixit waterproof material, Mel-Rol waterproofing membrane, and more. Waterproofing a house may involve, firstly, covering up the cracks in the concrete with a filler. This way, watter will not be able to seep through small cracks. However, water vapor will still be able to permeate the concrete, so you will need another layer of protection. Another step would be to choose a concrete liquid membrane. It is a clear, waterproof substance that can be painted on walls, but more especially for roofs, floors and decks. It must be applied evenly on all wall, floor and ceiling surfaces to ensure that no water can touch the concrete surface of the house. This can be difficult to do evenly for all sides, so companies have devised waterproofing membranes. These waterproofing membranes are packaged in sheets. They are applied like wallpaper, and adhere to concrete surfaces. They act the same way as liquid waterproofing membrane, though they have to be overlapped to avoid any gaps. Waterproofing sheets are easier to apply than liquid membranes, and come in black or white. However, they need to be kept away from certain materials such as PVC, polymers, tars, pitches and other potentially volatile materials. Liquid or Paper? Liquid waterproofing techniques need to be spread evenly. Conscious action also needs to be implemented in order not to leave any spot uncovered. Liquid waterproofing membranes also run the risk of cracking as they dry. It also requires days to dry, though some newer products dry in hours. Sheet waterproofing almost always requires a primer before being applied. It is also of primary importance to smooth out any cracks or holes in the wall. It is quicker to apply, though you might want to re-read the instructions. The application of pre-fabricated sheets differs from brand to brand. What’s new? As time passes, more and more concrete waterproofing items are being created. There are liquid waterproofing products that can be spread more thinly, and waterproofing sheets that come in a wide variety of styles, ready for you to choose from.
Waterproofing is an important part of keeping a home safe and healthy to live in. Make sure you know which method you want to use.
James Brouk is an independent writer who researches on concrete waterproofing items. He has also researched on the qualities of Dr. Fixit waterproofing material, as well as other home safety products.