Cement is used for many years in different forms. However, it has several flaws, one of which is its susceptibility to moisture.
Most cement repairs are made to fix flaking or fractures brought on by ice building up in or on the surface. This can be avoided through waterproofing, which protects the cement’s surface from ice and water. Most of the time, this project will require paint, top coating or sealer.
Detailed in this article is about cement sealer, a popular method of waterproofing cement.
Source: Pinterest
Know about: cleaner for dryer
What is cement?
A very fine powdery substance known as cement is often composed of limestone (calcium), sand or clay (silicon), bauxite (aluminium), and iron ore. However, it can also contain other materials like chalk, shale, marl, clay, blast furnace slag, and slate. Different ratios of these elements can be utilised depending on the cement usage. Cement producers have improved the procedure and added more components for certain uses.
Calcium chloride, for instance, is frequently added to cement to regulate when and how quickly the cement dries. These and other chemicals can lengthen or shorten the curing process and speed up the hardening of cement in colder temperatures. The combination can also be supplemented with fibreglass strands, recycled plastic, and other by-products to increase its flexibility and tolerance to temperature fluctuations.
What is cement waterproofing?
Cement that has been cured and has pores that may absorb moisture is waterproofed. Its waterproofing penetrates the cement’s solid surface in the case of a cement pad, sealing all the minuscule pores that may freeze and harm the surface.
To penetrate even the smallest pores, cement waterproofing materials are frequently very thin—about water viscosity. Instead of one thick layer, cement waterproofers are often put in numerous thin ones. The product is frequently administered under specific circumstances, such as a warm, bright day, to enable the substance to cure quickly.
Source: Pinterest
Why is cement waterproofing required?
Although cement may appear solid and thick, air is trapped in the mixture and can cause the cement to operate like a sponge. Although certain cement compositions are less dense than others, even fully cured cement will be somewhat vulnerable to water damage.
As a result, as snow and ice expand when water freezes into ice, outdoor cement is susceptible to damage. Expanding the ice on a damp cement pad during freezing may crack the cement.
Cement installers have used various strategies throughout the years to combat this issue. One of the first was to paint the cement’s surface to prevent water from being easily absorbed.
This approach was helpful, but high-quality petroleum-based paint was typically needed to endure the continual damage cement frequently encountered. To maintain the surface entirely covered, this also needed routine upkeep.
Other treatments, such as translucent sealers and latex-based (water-soluble) paints, were added throughout time. Calcium chloride, which functions like salt to assist in preventing the formation of ice, has been added by cement producers in recent years.
While the paint is still infrequently used in modern construction, it is frequently swapped out for items made expressly for cement, such as cement waterproofers.
What benefits does cement waterproofing offer?
Cement that has been waterproofed is sealed and safeguarded to stop water from soaking in and freezing. Waterproofing improves the cement’s quality and usefulness by:
- Increasing the surface’s substance and protecting the cement from wear
- Making the surface extremely smooth and cleaner
- Keeping everything looking brand-new
- Enabling rainfall to bead, which makes water evaporation from the cement easier
It should be noted, though, that cement waterproofing does require frequent upkeep, often every few years. Although some products make longer-lasting claims than others, the surface should normally be checked for wear once a year.
What are my options for cement waterproofing?
A homeowner who prefers to DIY may simply waterproof cement because it is straightforward. Although the application technique can vary, each cement waterproofing product will have unique instructions. Here are some pointers to help you begin waterproofing cement:
Step 1: Get the cement ready
Ensuring the cement is ready to take the waterproofing is the first phase, perhaps the most crucial to the project’s success. It is usually done to ensure the waterproof surface is dry and clean.
Since waterproofing also acts as a sealant, the surface should be spotless. It implies that any surface detritus will be blocked off. When the waterproofer has dried, insects, dirt, and debris will be glued to the surface and must be carefully removed.
Moreover, cleaning is crucial since spots or other flaws on the surface might prevent the sealer from adhering to the cement. Over time, the waterproofer will flake off if it cannot adhere to the cement. The surface should be, at the very least, brush cleaned. But it can also be pressure washed. This method is frequently used when sealing old cement that may have years of accumulation.
Step 2: Check to see if the cement is dry
The cement that has to be waterproofed must be as dry as possible. One advantage of waterproofing cement is absorbing the substance rather than letting it lie on the surface. Of course, cement may absorb more waterproofing the dryer it is.
It is the main reason summer is the best time to waterproof cement. It is advisable to use a waterproofing solution made for the region because winter is drier in certain geographical places than summer.
Step 3: Waterproofer application
The waterproofing can be sprayed, brushed, or rolled onto the surface. However, the method will differ significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Moreover, some goods incorporate additives that modify the material’s colour, shine, and texture.
For instance, some users may add sand or coarse material to the surface in regions with hard winters to increase surface friction and prevent slippery ice development. Some could add a colour to enhance the appearance visually. Nonetheless, thorough coverage will be the most crucial component of any waterproofing job. Cement may absorb water and break even if a small unsealed area exists.
Most specialists will simply pour the substance over the surface and distribute it following the instructions to start applying the waterproofing. Several thin coatings with most products will function better than one or two thick ones. As instructed, professionals will apply the substance to the required thickness using a push broom, paintbrush, or paint roller.
The procedure is then repeated after allowing the waterproofer to dry to the touch. While it is challenging to apply too much waterproofer, more is usually preferable. Yet, most DIYers aim to compromise between affordable and comprehensive coverage.
Step 4: Test the functionality
Testing the waterproofer’s functionality is often the last step. Each product will specify the required curing conditions, although most will permit surface testing after a few days.
Depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment, certain variants could take longer or shorter. In any instance, the test is the same and involves checking to see if water will bead on the surface.
Water is poured over the surface in big and small amounts to check. Water will bead and evaporate without ever coming in touch with the cement if the product is successful.
The waterproofing is too thin and has to be reapplied if it appears that water beads up on the surface differently in different locations.
After a few years, most treatments need to be applied again. However, this might vary depending on how much damage the surface has endured. Because most materials come in sheets ranging from completely flat to semi-gloss, cement usage should also be considered.
Sand or other coarse material can be added to the surface to roughen the texture and boost grip because, as was already said, waterproofing will likely make a slippery surface even slipperier.
FAQs
Why is cement waterproofing important?
Cement structures can be vulnerable to water damage, leading to structural problems, health hazards, and costly repairs. Waterproofing can prevent these issues, extend the structure's life, and protect the people who use it.
Can cement waterproofing be applied to existing structures?
Yes, cement waterproofing can be applied to existing structures, although the process may be more difficult and costly than waterproofing during construction.
What are the common methods of cement waterproofing?
There are several methods of cement waterproofing, including applying a waterproofing paint or coating, using a waterproofing membrane, using crystalline waterproofing compounds, and integral waterproofing.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
