Is it Only For Your Driveway? What Other Concrete Items Can you Waterproof?

Concrete is used in a number of ways in the home. Driveways, sidewalks, patios, basement floors, and foundations are generally created from concrete. The material is durable, provides structural integrity and requires little maintenance. When it comes to the areas of concrete in the home, waterproofing is needed for overall protection. Most homeowners know that a driveway requires waterproofing so that the material maintains its integrity, but what about other concrete areas? Waterproofing should be provided for all areas of concrete, so water and moisture are not an issue.

Basement Floors

When you have basement floors made of concrete, waterproofing is a must. Basement areas are easily prone to flooding. If you have concrete floors that are not waterproofed, then any water or moisture can seep inside the material over time. This can then cause structural issues due to cracking or spalling. With waterproofing, you are protecting the surface of the material, which then protects the overall integrity of the concrete.

Waterproofing should be applied to the basement floors as needed. When the surface appearance begins to wear away, then it is time to reapply the sealant to ensure protection.

Walls

The walls of your home can also be constructed from concrete. In most homes, concrete walls are found within the basement as well as for the foundation. The interior, as well as exterior, may need to be waterproofed based on where the concrete walls are located. For a basement or foundation, if the concrete walls have an exterior, then waterproofing is needed outdoors. This ensures that the home will not be affected by water damage in the future. The foundation must be secure and water damage can cause mold and mildew issues as well as problems with the overall structural integrity of the home.

Sidewalks

Sidewalks and pathways within the landscaping of the home are often created from concrete material. When you use concrete for sidewalks, waterproofing must be provided to ensure integrity. When the concrete is laid, it must be done correctly to avoid any cracking or movement in the future. With waterproofing, you have added another layer of protection.

When water is allowed to seep into sidewalk concrete, it can create cracking as well as the movement of the concrete, if not installed correctly. The overall goal is to ensure that water cannot get underneath the concrete or seep inside. Adding a layer of waterproofing helps to alleviate this issue.

With any waterproofing project, you can do the work yourself. Sealants can be purchased at hardware stores and easily applied. However, if you are like most homeowners, you are busy and can find little time to work on projects around the home.

Rely on concrete experts to inspect the concrete areas and provide the waterproofing process for you. With professional help, the job will be completed on time and in the correct manner. You can then feel comfortable knowing that your concrete is protected and will avoid any water issues in the future.