Constantly wet walls, foundation, basement - how to protect yourself from this? We will tell you about the relatively new waterproofing mixtures on our market, what they are, and consider the features of their use.
Previously, almost all waterproofing work was carried out using bitumen and bitumen-polymer roll and mastic materials. Over the past few years, new technologies have come to our country. One of these innovations is waterproofing mixtures, which are becoming increasingly popular in the construction of a waterproof layer of concrete foundations, walls and basements.
There are several varieties of mixtures for waterproofing:
- mixtures for penetrating waterproofing
- mixtures for coating waterproofing
- mixtures for plaster waterproofing
- mixtures for joint waterproofing
- mixtures for repairing active leaks
The composition of dry mixes for waterproofing includes cement, sand, chemical and polymer additives that enhance the hydrophobic characteristics, frost resistance and plasticity of the finished composition.
The leaders of the domestic market of waterproofing mixtures are the Russian trademarks Gidroteks, Lakhta, Kalmatron, less often they buy foreign Sika, BASF.
Waterproofing compounds have several advantages:
- Apply to damp or wet surfaces. There is no need to wait for the concrete to dry.
- Do not require special training to perform the work.
- The compositions can be applied both from the outside and from the inside of the building.
- The compositions eliminate microcracks during operation.
- Their service life is equal to the service life of the entire concrete structure.
- Non-flammable, non-toxic, environmentally friendly.
- Approved for use in all industries, including food.
- The waterproofing properties of the composition are preserved even with mechanical damage to the concrete structure.
Mixtures for penetrating waterproofing
Penetrating waterproofing compositions are used for waterproofing concrete and reinforced concrete structures. They cannot be used in combination with brick, foam and aerated concrete, since the pores of these materials are too large. Unlike other waterproofing compounds, penetrating mixtures form a waterproof barrier not on the surface of the concrete, but in its thickness. The penetration depth of the composition can be up to 400 mm.
Concrete treated with this compound becomes more frost-resistant and durable, and its sulfate resistance increases. At the same time, breathability is not affected.
Penetrating waterproofing mixtures can be used for waterproofing foundations, basements, balconies, bathrooms, swimming pools, tanks with water and other chemicals, and underground storage facilities.
Work on the installation of a waterproofing ball can be carried out from the inside and outside the premises. To apply the composition, conventional tools and equipment for finishing work are used. The mixture is applied only to a moistened surface. After completion of work, the treated concrete must be wetted every 6-8 hours for 3 days.
The following mixtures are used for penetrating type waterproofing: LAKHTA penetrating waterproofing (cost 156 rubles / kg), Kalmatron (80 rubles / kg), Hydroteks-U (56 rubles / kg).
Compositions for coating waterproofing
Coating-type waterproofing mixtures can be used when constructing a waterproofing ball on both concrete and brick surfaces. The thickness of the ball of laying waterproofing is 2-6 mm.
There are two types of compositions: dry mix (one-component composition) and polymer-cement (two-component composition of a dry mixture and a polymeric aqueous dispersion). The second option is used when waterproofing the surfaces of structures that are subject to increased cracking, deformation, vibration and settlement.
The composition is applied to a wet surface in 2-3 balls, depending on the method of application. Moreover, the second and third runs must be made without waiting for the previous ball to dry, perpendicular to the penultimate one.
The treated surface should be protected from direct sunlight for 24 hours. Finishing facing works can be carried out within 24-48 hours after the installation of waterproofing.
Important! Do not apply the composition over the self-leveling floor and gypsum plaster.
The most famous mixtures for coating waterproofing are: Lakhta coating waterproofing (cost 77 rubles / kg), IVSIL VODOSTOP (22 rubles / kg), Alfapol GO (25 rubles / kg).
Plaster waterproofing
A simple way to simultaneously level the surface and arrange its hydroprotection. It can be used on internal and external surfaces of walls and foundations, on dense concrete, on brickwork, on top of already applied plaster. Blends provide increased water resistance while maintaining vapor permeability.
It is applied in one or several layers with the usual hand tools for finishing: spatula, spatula, trowel. To lay the next layer, it is not necessary to wait until the previous one dries, but between two visits you need a period of at least 24 hours. The thickness of laying the mixture in one run is not less than 2.5 mm. The composition is carefully leveled in one direction.
During work and after laying, the surface should be protected from sunlight and drafts.
The most popular brands of mixtures for plaster waterproofing: Ceresit CR 65 (cost 35 rubles / kg), Lakhta plaster waterproofing (54 rubles / kg), ALIT GR-1 (38 rubles / kg).
Seam waterproofing
Seam waterproofing mixtures are designed to seal joints and seams and protect them from aggressive environments. First of all, they are used in pools, wells, balconies, foundations and walls.
The composition is applied to a damp surface. Before applying to the embroidered gates, apply the solution and carefully close them. The applied mixture must be protected from frost, drafts and sunlight for 48 hours. If necessary, the surface is subjected to additional moisture and protected with a plastic film. This is necessary to avoid drying out.
Laying tiles can be done 3-4 days after the work.
For seam waterproofing, the following types of mixtures are used: IVSIL GIDROLINE (cost 67 rubles / kg), Lakhta Seam Waterproofing (99 rubles / kg), Hydrotex-Sh (80 rubles / kg).
Comparative characteristics of waterproofing mixtures:
This table allows you to compare the main characteristics of the most popular waterproofing mixtures. With its help, you can decide on their choice for the waterproofing of your home.
Waterproofing mixtures are a relatively new material in the domestic market, but the demand for them is constantly growing. This is due to the constant process of material improvement, improvement of characteristics and production of new types of mixtures both in our country and abroad. Mixtures and compositions for waterproofing, with the right selection and application, guarantee an excellent result.
Andrey Badovsky, rmnt.ru
During construction, experts advise paying special attention to protection against moisture. For this, various mastics, bikrost are used. However, the builder does not always have enough experience to do everything right, which leads to the appearance first in, and then in residential premises. Not only is this moment very unpleasant and harmful to the health of those living in the house, moisture also destroys buildings. In this case, you can use this type of protection against water, such as penetrating for concrete. It can be used when the dwelling is already built, applying the compound from inside the basement walls.
A similar layer is applied from the inside of the room (most often in) to the walls and floor - they are most susceptible to getting wet. If instead of such material the same bikrost is used, there will be no sense in the work - they will be useless. After a short time, the coating will swell, water will collect between it and the wall, which will even worse affect the state of concrete strength.
Penetrating compounds act differently. Soaking into concrete, like a sponge, they fill the smallest channels that are always present in. Further, meeting with water, the composition crystallizes, tightly clogging the channel and blocking the path of water. Thus, maximum protection against moisture penetration through the basement walls is provided.
Important information! Such compositions will be useless when applied to porous materials such as foam block. In this case, it is necessary to protect the structure from the outside as much as possible even at the construction stage.
Penetrating waterproofing for concrete: general performance and technical characteristics
Such a material may be coated or have a liquid consistency. Depending on this, the method of application is selected. Before starting work, you should understand what features each of these types has.
Liquid penetrating waterproofing for concrete and its features
Such material is sold in finished form. By consistency, it can be compared with PVA glue. The composition is applied quite simply - for this they use brushes, rollers or even sprayers, but there is one caveat: it is rather difficult to distribute such material evenly over the entire surface. In addition, the applied layer requires a separate protection.
Coating penetrating waterproofing and its advantages over liquid
The action of the coating mixture is similar to liquid impregnation, however, it does not penetrate so deeply. But if all the work was done correctly, the protection against water will be maximum. The advantage of such a composition is its high adhesion and elasticity, which allows protection from moisture penetration and subsequently, when new cracks appear in. If you talk about which penetrating waterproofing is better, then the use of coating insulating material would be a better choice.
Pros and cons of using such insulating materials
Like any other material, penetrating waterproofing for concrete has both positive and negative qualities. Now let's try to understand them. For the convenience of the reader, consider the qualities of the composition in tabular form.
| Advantages | disadvantages |
| The composition can be applied from the inside, moreover, even on a damp surface, which allows its use in a long-used room. | It makes no sense to process walls made of, or foam concrete. In a brick wall there will be no opportunity for the necessary chemical reaction to pass, and the foam block is too porous - the composition will not be able to fill all the cavities. |
| The service life of the treated surface is increased significantly. | |
| The purpose of the building is irrelevant. | Preparatory work before applying such compounds is very difficult. |
| The period of work is significantly reduced due to the absence of the need to use bicrost, as is the case with bituminous mastic. | |
| The material is environmentally friendly, resistant to external influences (both chemical and mechanical) and protects reinforced concrete structures from corrosion. | The price of penetrating waterproofing for concrete is very high. If the building has a large area, the costs will be quite significant. |
| The composition can be used at almost any temperature. |
Comparing the advantages and disadvantages, it can be noted that if the basement of the house is made of concrete, and the building has been built for more than a year, then the use of penetrating mixtures will not even be optimal, but the only right solution for a home master.
The consequences of poor waterproofing of concrete structures can be very deplorable, up to the collapse of the structure:
Leading manufacturers of deep penetration waterproofing for concrete offering products in Russia
There are a lot of manufacturers of such material, while there is no particular difference in the quality of the products of various companies, and word of mouth ensures their fame. One of the masters successfully used a certain brand, told a friend, and so on. Among consumers, the most popular are:
- "Penetron";
- "Lakhta";
- "Kalmatron";
- "Peneplug";
- "Penecrete";
- "Hydrotex".
Of course, the composition of each manufacturer has its own characteristics, but they are not global. The main components of such waterproofing are sand and special additives.
Which mixture can be called the best penetrating waterproofing for concrete
Definitely nothing can be said about this - the composition is selected based on the characteristics of the base, the necessary measures taken to prepare it, and the priority method of application. Therefore, for each specific case, you should choose certain compositions, the characteristics of which are indicated on the packaging.
The use of a dry waterproofing mixture on the example of a capillary penetrating composition of the brand "Penetron"
The compositions of this brand are quite diverse. We will give general examples so that the Dear Reader can more clearly understand how to use them and what it is - the Penetron mixture.
Average consumption of Penetron waterproofing per 1 m²
Consumption depends on how smooth the surface will be processed and the composition of the mixture itself. On average, about 0.9-0.95 kg of waterproofing compound per 1 m² is required. If there are significant irregularities, the consumption will naturally increase. If you use the Penetron Admix additive, the consumption per 1 m³ will be about 4 kg.
How to prepare a penetrating waterproofing for concrete "Penetron"
The preparation of the mixture is practically not difficult. The main thing here is to follow the instructions for preparing the Penetron waterproofing.
The algorithm of work is approximately as follows. First, the amount of the mixture necessary to process a certain area is kneaded at the rate of 1 part of water to two parts of Penetron. Do not immediately knead a large volume - the mixture must be used within half an hour. The composition is thoroughly mixed with a mixer and applied to the prepared surface.
Good to know! In the presence of significant cracks, the composition "Penetron Penekrit" is added to the mixture (instructions for use are on the package).
Comparison of prices for penetrating waterproofing "Penetron" and other brands of compounds
Compared to other mixtures, the cost of "Penetron" is slightly lower. For example, the price of the composition "Osmosil" 25 kg is from 4000 rubles. up to 4500 rubles, while the same amount of "Penetron" will cost 3100 rubles. The same goes for most other brands.
On average, the cost of different brands of compounds for penetrating concrete waterproofing is similar - there are only small differences. Waterproofing helps to resist prolonged exposure to moisture, which becomes a barrier to water seepage into the pores of concrete. The use of a penetrating composition makes it possible to make a confident sealing of a layer up to 15 cm thick. Some manufacturers claim the mixture passes into the surface up to 0.6 m. The frost resistance grade increases by 2-3 steps.
The difference between penetrating waterproofing and roll or coating coatings is that when applied, the components seep through moisture-filled pores to a considerable depth and crystallize. The resulting protection works for the entire service life of the structure, and can only be destroyed together with the base material. The hardened layer will not let water through, but will remain vapor-permeable.
Penetrating insulation involves the use to protect concrete, reinforced concrete structures and cement plaster. It cannot be chosen for large-porous products: asbestos-cement slabs, foam and expanded clay concrete blocks.
The composition of dry penetrating waterproofing includes the following components:
- Portland cement;
- finely ground quartz or silicate sand (screening out a given granulometric fraction);
- active polymer additives.
Manufacturers try not to disclose the full names of active chemical additives and indicate in the passport only the main properties that affect compatibility with other materials. In addition to Ceresit and Knauf, they have proven themselves well:
- carat;
- Penetron (Penetron);
- Vandex;
- Hydrotex;
- Xypex,
- masterseal;
- Kalmatron;
- Lakhta.
The products are produced both in ready-to-use form and in the form of concentrates, dry mixes that require preliminary dilution with water. Packaged liquid waterproofing can be an aqueous suspension (canister), thicker mastic (closed bucket). Application to the concrete floor is done with a brush or paint roller. The surface must be thoroughly moistened with water so that the protection can penetrate to the maximum depth.
Improving the efficiency of waterproofing works occurs through the use of auxiliary products for a narrower purpose. Sealing of cracks and chips larger than 0.3 mm, protection of joints, seams, passages of technological communications of prefabricated structures is done with a solution with special characteristics from the line of the same manufacturer. Such dry mixes have a similar composition based on Portland cement, but when solidified in cavities, they do not shrink or increase in volume, they form an array with increased strength. The use of such a type as a waterproofing seal is permissible with the direct flow of water from the destroyed area.
Obligatory characteristics of penetrating capillary waterproofing include obtaining good adhesion of the treated base and increasing the surface resistance to mechanical stress.
Brands of mixtures for concrete insulation
Penetrating materials are applied as a liquid waterproofing, but for long-term storage, ease of transportation and application in the right amount, they are often released in a dry form.
Selected for isolation:
- foundations;
- all types of concrete structures;
- brick inserts in self-leveling or prefabricated reinforced concrete structures;
- basement walls from groundwater;
- ceilings and floors;
- pools, wells, reservoirs with drinking water;
- cement plaster.
WDM SM-Extra is a penetrating waterproofing coating for concrete with water stopping functions (W16). At the same time, the chemical resistance of the surface is increased, and additional protection against washing out of other polymeric additives that improve performance appears.
Consumption - 1.5 kg / m² with a layer thickness of 1 mm. When performing insulation, apply with a spatula or palm a layer of 2-3 mm. For leveling, use a brush dipped in water. The temperature of the surface and ambient air must be between +5 and +35°C. The used floor is cleaned of dirt and dust, abundantly moistened and maintained in this state for 5-7 days.
2. CT throne-1.
For waterproofing the floor on the ground in a private house located in the zone of frequent groundwater flooding, it is great to buy a dry mix, the use of which is provided in the form of coating and injections. The protection obtained is resistant to man-caused pressure of liquid aggressive media and gases. Concrete becomes immune to sea water, the effects of carbonization and de-icing salts, vapor permeability is maintained.
Consumption with a thickness of 1 mm is normally 1.2 kg/m². The minimum allowable is 1 kg, recommended by the manufacturer is 1.6. For 1 pass, no more than 0.8 kg should be applied. Frost resistance of concrete increases by F200-F300 (depending on its quality). KT tron-1 crystals can penetrate in a liquid medium to a depth of up to 0.6 m. Concrete treated with penetrating waterproofing withstands constant exposure to +1,200°C.
3. Penetron.
High-quality waterproofing of the floor in the basement is made by the penetrating composition of this line. No specific site preparation is required. In the dissolved state, the finished liquid mixture can be applied to a wet or dry surface. This saves time and costs for drying/wetting the base.
In an individual household, they choose for the following reasons:
- applicable to all grades of concrete;
- forms a strong coupling with reinforcing parts;
- environmentally safe when in contact with drinking water.
4. VODIPREN COMPOUND.
This is an example of a bitumen-latex emulsion with the addition of synthetic resins. It is sprayed simultaneously with the catalyst by a special airless spraying unit. Possesses high degree of adhesion, is operated at -25 and +100 °C. Polymer rubber withstands impact and stretching up to 5000%. The advantage is versatility - it can be used on surfaces assembled from different materials (concrete, brick, wood, metal, plastic, glass). Can be painted and does not form seams, carrying out a complete sealing of the base.
To protect against moisture, liquid glass (sodium) GOST 13078-81 is taken as an additive, more about it in. It is chosen when bituminous coating is not possible both for covering the base and for adding to fresh mortar. It is valued for the low cost of the material and good characteristics of the strength of the resulting surface, antibacterial properties. But liquid glass is not used on its own, only as an additive. Re-treatment occurs at least after 5 years.
6. Penecrete.
To seal the seams from the inside, mixtures (dry) Penekrit are produced, which are used in combination with Penetron. They are water resistant W14 at a flow rate of 1.5 kg/m.p.
7. Hydrotex-Sh.
It has a frost resistance of 200 cycles and a consumption of 0.9-1.0 kg/m.p.
Materials for penetrating protection should be purchased based on the following fundamental points:
- Availability of application technology, requirements for surface preparation.
- Compliance with the maximum permissible indicators of operating conditions (temperature conditions, expected loads, aggressiveness of the environment).
- Estimated service life. Concrete structures are designed, as a rule, for decades - the high price of protection will pay off many times over by the absence of the need for repair and restoration work.
- Compatibility with other materials and their components. All penetrating compounds (basic and additional) must be taken from the same line to guarantee the quality of the result. When choosing a penetrating impregnation, it is better to take into account the brand of plasticizers in concrete and the chemistry of the environment of the intended finish coating.
- Useful life. The rapid setting of the solution (for example, liquid glass) requires the skills of work and calculation of the preparation of portions of the mixture for a one-time production. The alternative is to increase the number of workers.
- Shelf life of dry packaging before the start of work.
During the operation and wear of concrete structures, cracks and other damage are formed in the monolith. The situation is aggravated by the influence of the environment and constant contact with moisture. To increase the service life of the building and protect concrete from the negative effects of precipitation and temperature changes, when installing concrete structures (or after erection), penetrating waterproofing is used, which protects cement surfaces much better than insulating mats and rolled roofing material.
Before choosing a protective penetrating coating for concrete, it is necessary to consider the principle of operation, the pros and cons of this tool.
The principle of operation of waterproofing impregnation
Penetrating waterproofing for concrete is a material based on Portland cement, which includes special chemical additives (polymers, alkaline earth metals and salts). This solution for protecting concrete from moisture was developed back in 1952 in Denmark, but it has become widespread only recently.
The principle of operation of penetrating waterproofing is as follows: a protective solution applied to a concrete surface penetrates into the cement mass and moves through capillaries filled with water. Due to this, a moisture-proof coating is formed not only on the surface of the monolith, but also inside it. At the same time, the mixture clogs all voids, without violating the vapor permeability of concrete.
If liquid rubber is used for waterproofing, then this effect will not be possible to achieve. The fact is that coating materials, when applied to a concrete surface (which already contains moisture), form a very dense and non-breathable film on it. Because of this, the so-called greenhouse effect is observed - the moisture inside the concrete is converted into steam, which simply has nowhere to go. As a result, liquid rubber for waterproofing "provokes" the formation of mold on the walls and ceiling of the building. The same disadvantage has mastic for waterproofing.
If, however, a penetrating impregnation for concrete is used, then its components will react with cement, due to which crystals are formed that displace vapors to the surface. When there is no moisture left in the concrete mass, crystal growth stops.
Penetrating waterproofing is able to fill the concrete thickness by 30-40 cm, while the moisture-proof composition can seal cracks up to 4 mm wide.
The service life of impregnation for concrete is up to 100 years (depending on the manufacturer and the composition of the product). In turn, coating or rubber mastic retains its properties for no more than 30 years. In addition, the material has many other advantages.
Advantages and disadvantages of penetrating waterproofing
If we talk about the advantages of a penetrating agent for protecting concrete from water, then the following advantages should be highlighted:
- Deep penetration waterproofing is suitable for almost all categories of structures (above and underground).
- It is possible to apply waterproofing material on a concrete surface even after years of operation of the structure (often such waterproofing is used in the restoration of buildings).
- Since the material is anti-corrosive, the reinforced concrete structure will not be subject to rust formation. Concrete protection against corrosion allows you to triple the life of the building.
- Concrete does not need to be pre-dried before applying waterproofing to it.
- Waterproofing agents are easy to apply with a sprayer or by hand.
- The material is environmentally friendly for both people and the environment.
- After applying the composition, the walls do not require a primer, so you can immediately apply concrete paint and other finishing materials.
- Waterproofing is used at temperatures from -30 to +75 degrees, and some specialized mixtures can withstand up to +105 degrees, so they are allowed to be used for hot concrete surfaces.
- Waterproofing impregnation for concrete forms a durable film on the surface, which remains resistant to chemical and mechanical stress throughout the entire service life.
However, this protection of concrete from moisture has certain disadvantages:
- If it is known that the structure will be subjected to strong mechanical stress, which will lead to the formation of deep cracks, then even when using specialized protective equipment, the building will collapse.
- Not all penetrating liquids are suitable for brick surfaces, since the composition of the materials does not contain components that can react with brick.
- Not suitable for porous concrete structures, as well as for buildings made of expanded clay concrete, foam gypsum, polystyrene foam concrete and other large-porous blocks. Therefore, the protection of aerated concrete from moisture is rarely performed using penetrating compounds. For foam concrete, it is better to use rubber or other coating material.
In order for the repair and protection of concrete to be of high quality, it is necessary to choose the best penetrating material.
Which impregnation for waterproofing to choose
The most popular today is a mixture of water and Penetron additives. Such waterproofing works more actively at high humidity of concrete. It also increases the frost resistance of a concrete building up to 400 cycles. Such penetrating concrete waterproofing costs from 300 rubles per kg.
- Penekrit. This composition is suitable for processing joints, seams and strokes. The tool is characterized by increased strength, good adhesion not only to concrete, but also to brick, natural stones and metal elements. Penekrit does not shrink and is often used together with Penetron. It costs about 250 rubles per kg.
- Peneplag. You also need to add water to this product. Peneplag is used if it is necessary to eliminate gushing leaks in concrete as soon as possible. Unlike analogs, this material seizes and gains strength very quickly (in 30-90 seconds). It also costs about 300 rubles.
- Penebar. This is a good protection of concrete from destruction, especially if cables and cold joints are located in the monolith.
- Osmosil. Waterproofing from an Italian manufacturer is sold ready-made and is used for both internal and external protection. Suitable for drainage systems and rooms with high humidity (bathroom, shower room). Osmosil is used for concrete and brick foundations. The only drawback is that the wall must be plastered before applying the material. The mixture also withstands temperatures in the range from -35 to +85 degrees, however, the composition must be applied at a temperature of more than +5 degrees. Osmiol is sold in packs of 25 kg, it costs 3,500 rubles.
- Hydrotex. The composition of this "waterproofing agent" includes cement, sand and special penetrating additives into concrete. Thanks to special fillers, this composition can be used even for those buildings that will be subject to strong shrinkage and vibration. Hydrotex is of two types: Hydrotex B is used for internal waterproofing, and Hydrotex U is used for external. Manufacturers claim that this composition is able to penetrate into the concrete mass by 1 m.
Healthy! If the building will be subject to shrinkage or vibrations, it is also recommended to pay attention to the compositions in which latex is present.
How to apply penetrating waterproofing
To apply a deep penetration waterproofing material, proceed as follows:
- Prepare the surface. To do this, it must be cleaned of drips, dirt and dust. If you are working with polished concrete, then it must be sandblasted with a solution of hydrochloric acid (proportion 1:10). This is necessary in order for the pores to open. If there is mold on the surface, then it must be treated with an antiseptic.
- Make strobes at the base at the joints and increase the cracks to 2.5 cm deep and up to 2 cm wide. This will improve adhesion.
- If you are working on a brick wall, then drill holes up to 3 cm deep throughout the masonry. The distance between the holes (drill at an angle of 45 degrees) should be about 5 cm. After that, the recesses are washed with water under pressure and filled with plaster.
- Wet the surface with water using a roller or sprayer.
- Dilute the solution as indicated in the instructions. It is better not to cook the whole mixture at once.
- Apply the waterproofing to the wall, ceiling or floor with a regular brush or roller. At the joints, it is most convenient to work with a spatula.
Usually, the compositions are applied in 2 layers 1 cm thick, with a break of 1-1.5 hours. The material does not need to be rubbed or smeared.
Knowing how to protect the concrete surface from moisture, you will not only increase the life of the building, but also increase its frost resistance.
Concrete has been a popular building material for many years. Despite the very long history of its origin, concrete has become widespread and recognized only in the last century. Moreover, the volume of concrete produced and used in construction is growing year by year. This demand is quite understandable: concrete is a universal material of high strength and a wide range of uses.
But there is a characteristic of this material that I would like to improve or at least compensate for. Despite all its hardness, the water-repellent properties of this material are poor. If you look closely, even with the naked eye you can see the smallest pores on the surface. Moisture can penetrate deep into the material through these pores. With prolonged exposure to dampness and temperature changes, concrete products and structures can collapse.
To solve the problem of structural deformations and thermal microfractures of concrete, mandatory actions are needed to waterproof the concrete surface. This is especially necessary if the concrete is used in conditions of high humidity or in contact with water: foundations, garage floors, pools, etc.
Concrete waterproofing
There are many materials and methods for waterproofing concrete. The choice of a suitable solution will depend on the place of application, and on the area of processing, and on the intensity of operation, and on the possible budget.
Concrete waterproofing options:
- penetrating waterproofing for concrete;
- additives in concrete for waterproofing;
- liquid waterproofing for concrete;
- coating waterproofing for concrete;
- glued or built-up waterproofing;
- concrete sealant.
Penetrating waterproofing Penetrating concrete waterproofing
Cement-based waterproofing, although it was known 50 years ago, did not find wide application then.
The principle of operation of penetrating waterproofing is that the chemical elements included in its composition, after hitting the wall surface, penetrate under the action of physical forces into microcapillaries in the thickness of concrete. The name of this method of waterproofing comes from the ability to penetrate the wall.
In the capillaries, the active ingredients of the mixture interact with the substances that make up the concrete. Further, a kind of micro-plugs are formed, which completely clog the movement of the liquid from the inside, but do not reduce the vapor permeability of the wall.
For a long time, Penetron cement-based dry mix for waterproofing has been synonymous with penetrating concrete waterproofing. This is due to the fact that Penetoron has long been the only such remedy. But today, waterproofing mixtures from many other manufacturers are presented on the construction market.
Penetrating mixture for waterproofing is available in dry form. After mixing with water, apply to concrete with a wide brush with synthetic bristles. Mix the solution immediately before work and in an amount that can be spent within 30 minutes.
Cement based waterproofing Additives in concrete for waterproofing
To improve the inherent characteristics of concrete, various additives are added to its composition at the stage of making the solution. Additives make concrete waterproof or hydrophobic.
hydrophobic concrete
This concrete, after hardening, acquires the property of repelling water from its surface.
The following types of additives are used:
- paraffins;
- calcium salts;
- stearic acid;
- salts of naphthenic acids;
- petroleum acids;
- resin.
An additive in concrete for its hydrophobicity can be hydrophobic (an immiscible admixture with certain characteristics) and hydrophobic (giving a water-repellent effect when interacting with concrete substances).
waterproofed concrete
Using waterproofing additives in concrete, it is possible to obtain a material with a lower air content. Waterproofing additives in concrete compact the mixture and increase the concrete's own resistance to moisture.
Waterproofing additives include:
- ferric chloride;
- calcium nitrate;
- silicate adhesive.
Additives in concrete for waterproofing Waterproofing impregnation for concrete
Liquid impregnation for concrete waterproofing is of two types:
- Deep penetration (mixtures based on silicates). Such impregnation significantly increases the strength of concrete, which causes a waterproofing effect.
- Surface protection waterproofing (based on epoxy, acrylates, polyurethanes). Such impregnations create a film on the surface and prevent the liquid from seeping into the concrete, but do not affect its strength.
This type of waterproofing is one of the easiest to apply. It is sufficient to apply the liquid waterproofing composition to the vertical concrete surface with a roller or brush. Horizontal surfaces, such as floors or ceilings, are most conveniently waterproofed. It is enough to pour the impregnation in a thin layer, distribute it evenly with a soft brush and allow to dry.
Waterproofing impregnation Mastic for concrete waterproofing
Mastic waterproofing is very popular for various reasons. This is a fairly affordable way to protect concrete from the harmful effects of moisture. The mastic is easy to apply, has sufficient fluidity to create an even coating during the drying process. In this case, the coating is smooth, without seams and joints.
Mastic can be used both in air and in contact with soil, protecting concrete equally well from atmospheric precipitation, and from ground and melt water.
There are two main types of mastics for waterproofing:
- Bituminous mastic. One of the cheapest and oldest waterproofing for concrete. The main component of such a coating is bitumen. Hot bituminous mastic is applied. Polymer additives are added to the material to improve the fluidity, polymerization and elasticity of the cooled coating. In addition, additives allow you to apply bituminous mastic in a cold way.
- Polyurethane mastic. Made from acrylic. When dried, it completely polymerizes, creating a dense protective coating on concrete. The advantages of polyurethane mastic in drying speed, resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Hydrophobic acrylic mastic is also good because you can add a dye to it and tint the coating to the desired color. Also, acrylic-based mastic is lighter than bituminous.
It is convenient to use a mastic coating for waterproofing surfaces of complex relief, as it is applied with a spray gun, less often with a brush or roller. At the same time, you can be sure that both external and internal corners will be well processed.
The mastic layer for the best result can be up to several centimeters thick. The minimum allowable thickness is 1 mm.
Mastic for waterproofing Bonded and built-up coatings for waterproofing concrete surfaces
Waterproofing concrete using roll coatings is one of the most traditional. Materials are made on the basis of bitumen. Coatings of the old generation had a significant drawback - great fragility, which created difficulties both during installation and further operation. Now, polymers are added to the bitumen used for the manufacture of rolled waterproofing, which significantly improves the characteristics of the material.
Bitumen-based roll waterproofing is divided according to the principle of installation into:
- Okleichnaya. For laying waterproofing, the surface is pre-coated with bituminous mastic. Next, lay the waterproofing itself, carefully level it. The joints are overlapped, they are glued with mastic. Waterproofing can be done in several layers, alternating mastic and roll material.
- Surfacing. Such waterproofing is bonded to the coating using burners. The material is rolled over the surface and warmed up. The mastic layer melts and sticks the canvas to the base. The joints are also overlapped.
Fused waterproofing Sealant for concrete
Sealant is used when it is necessary to waterproof small cracks or seams in concrete. There are a wide variety of sealants that differ in the main ingredient: rubber, bituminous, silicate, silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, etc.
The most popular are three of them:
- acrylic sealant. Made from acrylic. By and large, it's more of a putty. It does not waterproof very well, but it can fill large spaces, levels well and paints beautifully after drying;
- polyurethane sealant. Fast bonding to the surface, after polymerization and drying has high strength. Perfectly proved itself for sealing seams and joints between plates. Paint may be applied over the dried polyurethane sealant;
- Silicone sealant. Most used and popular. The best protection against moisture and dampness. It can be used on different surfaces as it has high adhesion. The downside can be considered its immunity to staining - the paint simply does not hold on dried silicone sealant. But there are already tinted silicone sealants.
Silicone sealants can be acid and neutral. For work on concrete, only neutral silicone sealants are used, since acids, reacting with substances from concrete, can destroy both the concrete itself and the sealant.
Sealant for concrete Waterproofing concrete with "liquid glass"
Liquid glass is a substance that is a mixture of sodium and potassium silicates. The composition of liquid glass is similar to stationery glue. The silicates that are part of the liquid glass react with the components of concrete and clog microcracks in layers close to the surface.
Liquid glass is a penetrating waterproofing. It is very easy to apply - with a brush or roller. You can do the work yourself. But, it should be noted the fragility of the composition after drying, therefore, such waterproofing requires protection from mechanical damage.
Waterproofing concrete with "liquid glass" In principle, by using a cement mortar of high quality and high inherent strength, as well as by creating certain molding and drying conditions, practically waterproof concrete can be obtained. Such concrete is used in the construction of high-rise buildings and structures for special purposes. Under normal conditions, it is very difficult to make such concrete. Especially when it comes to low-rise private construction.
To increase the service life of buildings and to reduce the influence of the destructive influence of moisture on them, waterproofing of concrete is necessary. Various materials can be used for this: concrete sealant; hydrophobic additives for concrete; mastic for concrete; welded or glued rolls. The main thing is that the waterproofing is suitable, and the processing is done professionally.
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