Water can damage the external and internal walls of your home. Hence, if you want to avoid large-scale repairs in the future, it is best to make the right waterproofing decision during construction. However, if you are unsure about its benefits, this guide can help.
How does water cause damage?
When you buy cement from a cement company and mix it with water, it forms a paste. This paste binds with aggregates to form concrete. Later, you can use this concrete to create structural elements like roofs, beams, and slabs. Once the concrete mix cures, a network of tunnels forms throughout the concrete. This is called the capillary system. This system facilitates the flow of water.
This water, then, causes damage to the internal walls of the structure or building. It can hamper the durability and strength of the concrete. It could also cause the concrete to crack. Apart from this, prolonged exposure of the walls to moisture can cause mould build-up. This can be harmful to your health. Hence, to protect the surfaces of your building from moisture or water, consider waterproofing.
What is waterproofing?
As mentioned, waterproofing protects the surfaces of your home or building from water and its ill effects. You can ensure waterproofing when mixing the concrete. You can also apply a waterproof coat once the concrete is completely dry. Depending on the use of the space, you can waterproof the walls, ceiling, roofs, and concrete slabs. To protect your home from the damage caused by water, you can use any of the following methods:
- Adding admixtures to your cement mix
- Liquid waterproofing
- Cementitious waterproofing
- Bituminous coating
Benefits of waterproofing concrete
Waterproofing can offer the following advantages:
- It can increase the life span of the concrete structure.
- It reduces the absorption of water.
- It could prevent the formation of cracks in the concrete.
How does waterproof cement help?
Cement is a binder. You should mix it with water to bind the aggregates in mixes such as mortar, concrete, and plaster. As a result, cement cannot be waterproof. So, what do you mean by waterproof cement? It refers to a type of Portland Cement to which a water-repellent agent gets added.
Buying cement with the necessary water-repellent properties may significantly decrease water permeation into the mortar or concrete. This could provide durability to your walls. Such cement also usually has better workability and is resistant to weather and corrosion.
Conclusion
As evident, waterproofing concrete can offer multiple benefits. Hence, you need to consider waterproofing and protect your home from the adverse effects of water.
