Concrete used in the construction of buildings has a porous structure. Concretes prepared according to traditional formulas take in water through these pores. If the amount of water entering is too high, the structure of the concrete weakens and the metal reinforcements in it face the risk of corrosion. In such cases, the question of what to do to prevent concrete from passing water is asked.
During periods of heavy rainfall, there is more concern about concrete. Rain and snow water threaten the health of structures. But rainfall is not the only risk. Structures built on soil are constantly exposed to moisture and groundwater. If there is no waterproof structure, the life span of the concrete and the metal reinforcements inside will be extremely short.
What to Do to Make Concrete Waterproof?
Traditional cement mixtures used in buildings are poor insulators. When exposed to water, they absorb and transmit water slowly, like a sponge. The waterproofing of these structures ensures their durability and longevity. With the penetration of water into the building elements, corrosion, freeze-thaw cycles and deterioration of the internal structure occur. All of these cause buildings to weaken.
There are different insulation methods used to waterproof concrete and prevent the passage of water. Details on some of these are as follows:
1 – Waterproof Concrete
Traditional mortars made with cement are not good enough for insulation. Due to their pores, they tend to absorb precipitation or moisture directly when exposed to it. There are insulation materials developed to change this situation. Used with cement and cement-based products, these additives are incorporated into the traditional mortar formula and permanently eliminate insulation problems.
Although there are many options at this point, the most important of these are the impermeability additives developed by the DryFix brand. LATEX 100 is a mortar additive that provides adherence-enhancing impermeability, while CRYSTAL-X is a crystallized impermeability additive.
Additives are added to the cement mortar according to the instructions. The proportion varies for each product. Basically, these additives either repel liquids or provide complete impermeability. For example, hydrophobic additives create microscopic air pockets within the structure and thus minimize absorption. Crystalline additives form impermeable crystals in the internal structure and provide insulation.
2 – Coating with Insulation Materials
Another method of waterproofing concrete is to cover it with insulating materials. These coatings act as a barrier and ensure the complete separation of the structure and moisture. However, the working system of some coatings is different.
Bituminous membranes are one of the most widely used applications. It is a widely used application in subsoil structures and foundations. It acts as an effective barrier by adhering to the applied surface. BITUMER 100 is one of the most effective products used in this regard. This product, which is an elastic bituminous liquid membrane, is applied in two coats after the primer. It is long-lasting and gives effective results.
Another application with barrier-forming properties is polyurethane-based coatings. It is an option that stands out with high elasticity and chemical resistance. It creates a barrier on the applied surface and also has the ability to bridge cracks. It can be applied on floors and walls in areas such as outdoors, terraces and roofs. BITUMER 400 1K, as a bitumen polyurethane based insulation material, is one of the most important options in this field.
Crystallized insulation is another option for insulating walls and floors. This method, which is very successful in negative and positive insulation, also contributes to strengthening the structures by filling the gaps and cracks inside the walls.
These are some of the coating options to be used for waterproofing concrete. Appropriate methods should be preferred by considering the location of the application area (above or below ground), the risk of exposure to moisture and similar details.
3 – Filling Micro Cracks and Cold Joints
One of the most important causes of concrete water permeation is micro cracks and cold joints that are too small to be seen. A cold joint is an invisible thin channel between concretes made at different times and in contact with each other.
Polyurethane injection is used to effectively fill microcracks and cold joints. In this method, holes are drilled at 45-degree angles on the walls where the cracks are located. The distance between each hole is 30-40 cm on average. A special polyurethane-based substance is then injected into the holes. The injection continues until this substance comes out from a different place.
When the injected substance comes into contact with water, it swells and increases in volume, filling all gaps. It creates an impermeable structure and provides effective insulation.
5 Best Concrete Sealers
There are different methods used to waterproof concrete. The basis of all of these is insulation materials. Details about commonly used concrete insulation materials are as follows:
1 – Cement Based Insulation Materials
It consists of a mixture of cement and special additives. It is available in liquid or powder form. This product, which is extremely easy to apply, is used at many points from basements to water tanks, from areas such as kitchens and bathrooms to interiors.
Good adhesion, easy application and cost are its most important advantages. Its flexibility is slightly low compared to other insulation materials. Therefore, it may crack when not applied correctly.
2 – Crystallized Insulation Materials
It is a material that has the ability to penetrate into the concrete to which it is applied. When it comes into contact with water, its volume increases and it turns into a crystallized structure. It fills the pores and small cracks on the concrete. It creates completely impermeable surfaces.
Its high strength and long-lasting structure are among its prominent features. It also closes cracks and increases the strength of structures. In order to achieve the desired result, it is very important that the application surface complies with the instructions.
3 – Bitumen Rubber Based Insulation Materials
It is a combination of bitumen, a petroleum product, and rubber, a natural product. It is in roll form and has a type that is laid on surfaces as well as a form that is applied by rubbing. It gives effective results on concrete surfaces on roofs, terraces, balconies and similar areas.
It is one of the most preferred materials in this field with its flexible structure, long life and insulation performance. The fact that it is a petroleum product requires it to be applied taking into account its tolerance to temperatures.
4 – Acrylic Liquid Membrane Insulation Materials
These polymer-based and water-based products are applied by brush or roller. Fast drying, high flexibility and good adhesion are the most important features. In addition, the absence of toxic substances provides an environmentally friendly performance. It is an option that can be used in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, terraces and balconies.
5 – Epoxy Insulation Materials
It is a method applied by utilizing the waterproof structure of epoxy resin. It is mostly preferred for floor covering. This method, which provides insulation, also adds a decorative appearance to the areas where it is applied. It is a preferred method on the floors of places such as hospitals, industrial areas, commercial buildings and laboratories. For much more information about concrete insulation materials, please visit our website. Waterproofing Materials category
