Should I Waterproof That? What Concrete Areas Require Waterproofing?

Concrete is a durable material that is used in the construction of several areas of the home. From the basement walls and flooring to the foundation of your home, concrete is used in a variety of ways. Waterproofing is needed to ensure that concrete areas stay dry and avoid any damage. It is important to know which areas you should waterproof so that you can avoid problems in the future.

What is Waterproofing?

The process of waterproofing involves using a sealant to ensure the concrete materials does not soak up any water or other liquids. When water, oil or other liquids are on concrete that has not been waterproofed, they can seep into the material. This can cause staining as well as damage the concrete. Mold and mildew can grow along with the material becoming weaker due to water damage.

By waterproofing your concrete, you have added a layer of protection. The concrete will not soak up any material and will last longer, being more durable over time.

Areas to Waterproof

So, what areas of concrete should you waterproof? To begin, any foundation that is created from concrete should be waterproofed. This can be done on the exterior and the interior. With waterproofing in this area, it helps to protect the foundation from water damage. Depending on the property, heavy rains can result in water pooling which can then damage the foundation. With waterproofing, you have an added layer of protection for this important area of your home.

The basement should also be waterproofed when concrete walls and flooring are present. Even the best-built homes can be subject to water damage and without waterproofing, your basement can quickly become a mess. By taking the time to waterproof these areas, you are protecting yourself from timely and costly issues in the future due to flooding or water damage.

Garage and shed floors can also be waterproofed as they are areas where water damage can occur. Both areas can benefit from waterproofing on the flooring when concrete material is present. You can apply the waterproofing yourself in these areas, reapplying every few years to ensure the flooring is properly protected.

With waterproofing, you are creating a barrier from the elements. The barrier will repel water and at the same time, allow water vapors to escape. This protects the space from potential water damage. Any spills or stains will be avoided.

You will also have protection from the cold elements. With a waterproof sealer, the concrete locks out moisture. When concrete is not waterproofed, any moisture inside can lead to freezing and thawing which results in damage such as cracking. With waterproofing, the moisture cannot get inside the material, so damage is less imminent.

In the home, make sure these areas are waterproofed. You can add waterproofing every few years to continue to have a barrier of protection for your concrete. Consult with an expert to have your home reviewed to see where you can benefit from waterproofing. A little preventative maintenance will ensure that your concrete is protected for years to come.