You know How to waterproof concrete with maximum efficiency and durability? If not, this measure is essential for the success of your construction. This material is used in several structures - many of which receive contact with water slides that cause various problems related to humidity, such as infiltrations, efflorescence, fissures, cracks, among others.
Although macroscopically it looks like waterproof, it actually has pores that may not be visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it is essential that the concrete receive the appropriate treatment to avoid pathological manifestations that compromise both aesthetics and the safety and stability of buildings. Here, we're going to tell you pretty much everything you need to know. Follow up!
Step 1: Understand How to waterproof concrete from different surfaces
ABNT's NBR 15,575 establishes the main rules regarding waterproofing of the surfaces. It divides them into three categories:
- wet — are those that are subject to the formation of a layer of water over the area, either because of the nature of the use or because of exposure. In the first case, we have the bathrooms, car washes, among other examples. In the second, we can cite the lajes. As a result, they have more frequent infiltrations and need to receive a system of waterproofing very efficient;
- wettable — here, we have those regions that are exposed to water slides for a few minutes during cleaning operations or that only receive splashes. NBR does not require a waterproofing measure. However, to improve construction quality, it can be a differential;
- dry — they receive minimal exposure to moisture. For cleaning, wet rags are used.
Step 2: learn about the different types of waterproofing
There are three types of waterproofing according to the ability to adapt to the movement of the structure.
Rigid
They have no or very little flexibility. These are usually additives added to concrete and mortars. Then, if the structures move, cracks and cracks may appear. Therefore, they must be used in regions that are not subject to significant thermal expansion, constant vibrations, and other mechanical stresses.
Flexible
Their main characteristic is elasticity, that is, the ability to conform to variations in the application surface. Thus, they can be used in areas subject to movement, especially thermal expansion, such as slabs. If they have any cracks, the waterproofing agent will adapt to it and continue to protect against moisture. They are usually applied as a layer on the concrete surface in the form of blankets or membranes;
Semi-flexible
They are additives that allow greater flexibility to concrete, but they cannot yet be used in regions that are exposed to mechanical stress.
Step 3: plan waterproofing according to surface characteristics
Then, once you understand this information, you can plan your waterproofing project efficiently. After classifying all areas as wet, wettable, and dry, see the need for each of them in relation to the type of waterproofing agent.
From this, do research on the different systems that can be used in each case. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Next, we will introduce the main systems.
Blankets
They are applied to concrete surfaces to prevent water from entering. Therefore, they fit as a flexible type of waterproofing. They are highly elastic and adapt well to cracks and cracks.
They must be applied hot, which can be a hindrance during installation. One strategy to overcome this problem is to use an asphalt emulsion as an adhesion bridge.
The main plaid Asphalt is on the market, but it does not have good mechanical resistance when applied individually. Thus, it is necessary to use a protective cover, as long as it is not exposed to the Sun's UV rays, a factor that could cause its degradation and compromise waterproofing.
Membranes
They are a type of flexible waterproofing agent that can be applied cold with brushes and rollers. Currently, the most used materials in this case are acrylic polymers. Therefore, they became popular due to their ease of application. The resins conform to the surface and form a layer that fills and protects the pores of the concrete.
Water repellants
Water repellents are widely used in concrete applications when there is a need for water repellency, without changing the visual aspect of the material, such as color or brightness. Water repellents increase the surface tension of the structure and prevent the attachment of water splashes. As a result, they form impermeable surfaces. It may present itself as a strict type. \
In addition, water repellents can be used both on vertical surfaces, such as prefabricated walls of industrial sheds and apparent concrete blocks, how much in cement floors.
They are ideal additives to improve the workability of concrete for mechanized applications. For this reason, they have been widely used in the precast and prefabricated industries.
In the second case, in addition to the previous benefits, they can also reduce the cracking of mortars and aid in water retention and Cement curing during the execution of the work.
Step 4: Choose good products from quality suppliers
You may have made the correct choices above. Still, if the waterproofing agent is not of good quality, your strategy will be unsuccessful. Therefore, you need to choose a supplier that uses modern raw materials and that is keeping an eye on the main trends in the market. Thus, it will bring the most efficient products.
In that sense, Blok can be an incredible partner. We present a wide range with lines for all types of waterproofing: rigid, semi-flexible and flexible for wet and wettable areas.
For example, the water-repellent silicone for concrete, BlokSeal CC, is a water repellent based on siloxane, invisible, that can be applied to the concrete surface. The application is very practical and can be done with brushes, rollers or sprayers.
Step 5: purchase the application equipment
In the case of flexible and semiflexible cold waterproofing, the materials for installation are generally quite simple. It is possible to use the rollers and brushes that we buy at construction stores.
If you use a warm blanket, the application will require special equipment. For this reason, unless you use the machine frequently, it is best to hire an outsourced company for the service.
The additives can be mixed with the cement from the factory or added during mixing. In this situation, you need to do a correct dosimetry in accordance with all the manufacturer's recommendations.
Now that you know How to waterproof concrete, will be very successful in your project. After all, to make the right choice, it is always important to master the concepts that are in advertisements and product labels.
Check out the various types of waterproofing agents That the Blok presents for his work. Did you have any questions or were you interested in relation to any of them? So, contact our consultants!
Bonus: What is the best waterproofing agent for concrete?
At the end of the day, after all this information, you may be wondering what is the best concrete waterproofing agent you should use.
This answer will always depend on the place of application and the type of coating and finish that you will want to have after waterproofing.
To help you better decide on the best waterproofing agent for the concrete structure of your work, we have separated this matter so that you can learn about Difference between an acrylic varnish and a water-repellent silicone.
With the information that we provide in it, you will be able to decide the best product for the finishing phase of your work.
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