What to Expect in Concrete Waterproofing in Construction?
Concrete is absorbent, and if not waterproofed, absorbs waterborne contaminants, water, and chemicals that can cause deterioration. Exposure to all of this can erode concrete over time unless a waterproofing material is being applied to protect it. For such reason, it makes sense that you need to use suitable waterproofing materials, which can prevent water from directly seeking into the concrete.
A contractor like you should know that most building codes now required liquid waterproofing on new concrete basements and structures, primarily for this purpose. Here’s a blog that can help you understand more about concrete waterproofing, including its types, steps, and benefits.
What is Concrete Waterproofing?
Concrete waterproofing is applying an impermeable material layer on concrete that can prevent from penetrating and turning the structure waterproof so that it remains comparatively unaffected by water. Concrete waterproofing is a vital procedure since water leakage due to expansion joints, cracks and other openings in roofs and walls has been a severe problem while constructing structures, facilities, and buildings.
Water breaking concrete down has been a worrying issue. Not only does concrete starts looking bad, but it also starts getting weaker. The concrete erodes, exposing base concrete and matrix materials. In many extreme cases, water destroys concrete much faster, but typically it takes a couple of years to start showing. If you notice some damages on the concrete’s surface, it goes to show that the floor and walls are damaged too.
If you want your concrete project to maintain its fresh appearance, durability, and strength, you must waterproof it. When you and your team impose waterproofing on concrete, the rebar inside the concrete is protected from eroding and rusting.
To further track the entire procedure, make sure to use subcontractor scheduling software from start to finish. Not only do you have full control of the project, you can also monitor your crew’s performances, whether they do their tasks or complete them on time.
Types of Concrete Waterproofing Methods Widely Used in Construction
It is crucial to consider waterproofing buildings since it builds an impenetrable barrier over walls, foundations, walls, and roofs against water. Below are five types of concrete waterproofing that are popularly used for construction.
1. Cementitious Waterproofing
This waterproofing method is the easiest since the materials can be accessible and available easily from masonry product suppliers. Moreover, they’re easy to blend and apply in several internal wet areas. This method doesn’t go through the expansion and contract process because it’s not exposed to sunlight and weathering.
The cementitious technique of waterproofing can be widely used for a waterproof deck coating like in dams, bridges, water treatment plants, sewage, and tunnels.
2. Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
This type of waterproofing uses a primer coat. A couple of topcoats are being applied as well via spray, roller, and trowel. Compared to cementitious waterproofing, it offers more flexibility. This is primarily because it transforms into a rubbery coating on the wall when the liquid finally cures.
In fact, the elongation properties of this method can reach over 100%. However, it depends on the polymer type that is being used to apply liquid waterproofing.
3. Bituminous Coating Waterproofing
And another way to waterproof the building construction is through bituminous coating. Its reinforced fiber properties and polymer grade provide protection and flexibility against water. This particular method is referred to as asphalt coating, which is also great for concrete foundations.
However, note that bitumen-based materials for this coating option might not be suitable when exposed to sunlight. It’s due to the fact that it becomes brittle and fragile in the long run. Hence, you might want to modify more flexible materials such as acrylic.
Keep track of all the materials you and your team using inventory management software. It’s a top-notch software application that allows you to monitor all the resources, stocks and construction materials you have and keep in your warehouse.
4. Bituminous Membrane Coating
If you opt out for a waterproof deck coating, you may pick this particular method since it has been utilized for low-sloped roofs. It has proven good performance once used. Additionally, it’s self-adhesive because of the composition of filler, asphalt, and polymers. Moreover, it also has certain resins and oils being added to improve adhesion.
It also has exposed and covered types of torch on the membrane. The exposed type can endure wear and tear of the weathering process because of the granular mineral aggregates.
5. Admixtures
For the past years, a new kind of waterproofing has been used globally. These are admixtures and are added at the batching plant or onsite. It usually reacts chemically within the concrete, turning the concrete into a water barrier. Integral concrete waterproofing systems can be densifiers, crystalline admixtures, and water repellents.
6. Crystalline Slurry Compound
Crystalline-based systems usually come in a dry powder form. Crystalline systems use available water to grow crystals inside the concrete. It is advantageous when you build structures because it can close the pathway effectively, especially on the moisture that can cause damage to the concrete and the water barrier.
There’s also a similar product available and widely used as a waterproofing coat — a thin coat of mortar to refine the concrete’s surface. This is used for honeycombed or spalled concrete or as a waterproof plaster on walls, where a much higher compressive strength surface is being required.
Several Steps involved in Concrete Waterproofing
Step 1. Surface Preparation
Clean the surface carefully, free from any loose materials, oil, and dust. Surface cleaning plays a critical role in all membranes based upon the waterproofing coating systems. You can use a scraper to eliminate old paint or floor coverings. You should sweep everything to make sure no dirt is able to stay. If it’s necessary, use a soap mix and warm water to scrub the walls.
After the scrub, make sure to rinse. Lastly, allow drying thoroughly.
Step 2. Apply Water proofer to the Concrete Surface
Depending on the concrete’s porosity, a gallon of waterproofer can cover 250 square feet.
· Pour some waterproofer into a painter’s tray. If you’re sealing the indoor area, make use of the paintbrush to apply sealant along the edges of the walls.
· Apply the sealant directly to the rollers from the tray, loading it fully. Then, roll it into the concrete, saturating the surface thoroughly. And if the sealer puddles, spread it to dry areas.
· Let the first coat dry.
· If the product requires a second coat, you need to roll it into the opposite direction from the first coat to ensure the coverage is even.
· Allow the sealer to cure and dry. Most sealers usually require one day to two days to cure.
Step 3. Unrolling the Membrane Sheets
Checking for the correct alignment and adjusting the sheets whenever required. You also need to unroll the sheets on the structure’s surface. Also, make sure to patch all holes with expanding concrete mix. Allow these patches to dry for at least 24 hours.
Also, check the product for drying directions. In general, you must wait at least three days before allowing heavy foot traffic into the sealed surface and fourteen days before driving onto it. Areas that usually receive heavy traffic might have to be touched up regularly.
Step 4. Healing the Membranes
Heat with a torch right on the burn-off film. This area is usually present at the underside face of the membrane. Now the membrane will be finally ready for bonding with the underlying concrete surface.
Step 5. Pressing the Membrane
Press the membrane firmly to make sure that there’s the right bonding on the surface of the concrete. Also, additional care needs to be taken for the edges, overlaps, and some angles. Doing so will result in proper bonding.
Advantages of Concrete Waterproofing
· Water absorption
· Easily application
· Prevents the formation of cracks on the concrete’s surface
· Increases the lifecycle of the concrete structure
· Prevents the dampness inside the building
· Prevents seepages from walls and ceilings
· Prevents the rusting due to reinforcement
· It lessens the maintenance costs and clean-up costs of the building
· It increases the property value because no one wants to purchase a house with water leaking issues.
· It can provide a healthy and safe environment because good waterproofing systems help in making a clean workspace. It guarantees the property.
· It prevents mildew and mold from getting into walls.
Why Should You Use Construction Scheduling Software?
Construction business, large and small, undoubtedly juggles numerous projects, tasks, plans, and employees. Getting a software solution is what you need for these intense workloads, including concrete waterproofing, building and road construction, etc. Using the advanced software tool can help you organize everything while planning, scheduling, and running projects in a predictable, accurate, and profitable way.
You should know firsthand that the benefits of this specialized software tool are boundless! Today, technology evolves and continuously evolves over the years. In construction, it’s the project scheduling software considered to be the most useful tool amongst all. It can leverage your business, help it become competitive, and set you apart from your competitors.
This cutting-edge technology has tons of features that help you track every aspect of your business and projects. Here are some of the best project management functions.
· Effortless project planning
· Balanced resource and inventory management
· Tracking project development, including time, cost, and completion
· Effective internal and external communication
· Time and scheduling management
· Documentation and file sharing
· Accessibility and convenience
Key Takeaways
Efficiency is the primary key to success and choosing the suitable waterproofing materials for the job can either make or break a project’s timeline. Contractors must work closely with concrete waterproofing manufacturers to further understand the project’s unique needs and ensure they have the right techs to protect their structures.
