Waterproofing and concrete sealing serve the same purpose: to prevent the deterioration of concrete. However, the two products do accomplish their goals in slightly diverse ways. To prevent dust and dirt from settling into the pores of the concrete, a sealant is added to the skin. Waterproofing, on the other hand, is something that can be applied to either wet or dry concrete, both during and after its initial placement.
What Exactly Is Waterproofing?
In order to prevent water and moisture from penetrating a structure, waterproofing is a multi-step process. Waterproofing is the process of sealing off an area to prevent water from getting in, while damp-proofing is the process of sealing off an area to prevent moisture from getting in due to changes in temperature. Knowing the difference between these two is essential for locating the source of a water seepage issue and eliminating it permanently.
FAQs About Internal Waterproofing
Applying concrete sealer can help protect your investment by eliminating long-term damage from moisture and chemical intrusion, even in good locations such as driveways and garage floors. In addition, indoors or out, concrete lasts longer and performs better with some protection.
While many manufacturers and distributors claim their products will waterproof your concrete, there is no way to guarantee this. The topical sealers will leave a film on the surface of the concrete, but they will not give your concrete as much protection from water and other moisture.
Water-based concrete sealers are usually the best option for DIY projects due to their low odour, VOC content, and ease of application. Solvent-based concrete sealers are better for commercial projects and professional use. Both sealer types are excellent at protecting concrete and are easy to apply.
Reactive penetrating sealers are the longest-lasting concrete sealers, wearing away only if the substrate surface itself wears away. These can last up to 25 years in some cases, but we recommend resealing concrete driveways every 5-10 years.
If it was a water-based sealer, you could safely reseal using either a solvent-based or water-based sealer. If a solvent-based sealer were originally used, you'd want to reseal using a solvent-based sealer. A water-based sealer cannot be applied on top of a solvent-based sealer.
Exterior Waterproofing Described Clearly
Areas with high relative humidity, like Florida, benefit greatly from exterior waterproofing methods and treatments. Experts agree that these techniques and supplies need to:
- moisture from the air, soil vapour, or precipitation can seep into walls and make their way through buildings, wreaking havoc on interior finishes.
- infiltrate crevices and fill up gaps to create a watertight seal;
- Add a watertight coating to the wall's surface to make it more resistant to moisture & water infiltration.
Despite the fact that it is essential, many homeowners lack an understanding of the need of properly preparing concrete before to waterproofing. Reinforcing concrete reduces the likelihood of cracking, making it ideal for creating waterproof structures. As an alternative, you can employ specialised admixtures to lessen the material's hydration. These admixtures have crystals in them that become denser when they come into contact with water and moisture and thereby prevent the passage of water and moisture through concrete. Waterproofing outside walls is difficult for practical reasons. As no methods exist to reliably prevent water from penetrating outside walls, this is the case.
In addition to doors, windows, air intakes , exhausts, gas and electrical service entrances, air con lines, phone and cable company entrances, etc., a homeowner should think about any mechanical penetrations through walls. Water and moisture can quickly enter cavities and move through walls if they aren't correctly sealed, which can lead to mould development, unsanitary living conditions, and lasting structural damage.
Flashings (metal strip placed in regions where planes meet) and other wall components (such as sealed connections, special fittings , pipes, vents, cables, etc.) are used to create a continuous sewage system, through top to bottom, to eliminate water seepage problems in modern construction.
Checking the treatment and systems specifically designed to prevent moisture and water infiltration in walls, such as impervious coatings as cement backer boards, is the best thing that can do if you have already built or purchased your home.
Spray-on solutions are the most effective products now available for creating impenetrable coatings. These treatments provide a layer that is resistant to water or moisture as well as puncture, and they are simple to apply and quick-drying (most are dry in a matter of as 60 minutes). So-called wall membranes, such as primers for concrete or damp surfaces, silicate-based sealers, and waterproofing paint, can also be used to waterproof the outer walls of a building.
Cement backer boards are another option. These boards, which are made of reinforced cement that has been moulded into sheets, can withstand prolonged exposure to water without losing their structural integrity, making them useful in damp environments.
To prevent water from entering your home and converting it into a "sponge," it is essential to thoroughly seal all leaks and cracks, regardless of the products you employ. Certain caulks are watertight and long-lasting, but they are not a good choice for waterproofing big areas. If you have already waterproofed your outside walls, you may simply avoid future water seepage issues with routine inspections and maintenance.
What Are The Advantages Of Concrete Sealing?
Since concrete is just a porous substance, it may easily absorb fluids; in freeze-thaw conditions, the expansion of frozen liquids can damage an unsealed concrete surface. Unsealed concrete is susceptible to deterioration and discoloration from exposure to elements like salt, fertiliser, oil, and other common home chemicals. Whether you have a beautifully poured concrete patio or ornamental concrete pavement, you'll want to take every precaution to ensure its continued beauty and resilience for years to come. An additional benefit of using a concrete sealer is that it protects the concrete from the elements.
The three most common types of sealers are integrated, penetrating, and ornamental.
- With using an integral sealant, sealing begins as soon as the concrete leaves the plant.
- Unlike surface sealants, penetrating sealers really enter the concrete to create an organic barrier which keeps out water, moisture, and de-icing salts. They dry to a finish that looks natural and does not alter the surface at all, and most of them are permeable so that moisture vapour may escape. Because of their resistance to the weather, they are frequently employed in outdoor contexts. They last for a long time and typically only need to be reapplied after five or more years of use.
- Acrylic chemistry is commonly used in decorative sealers and can be found in both solvent-based & water-based formulations. The appearance, feel, and even the texture of your concrete can be altered by the finish these products leave behind, which is typically satiny or shiny. Decorative sealers are great for bringing out the concrete's natural colours and giving it a polished appearance. Usually, they need to be reapplied considerably sooner, such once a year when swimming in water or deicing salts, than penetrating sealers do.
Concrete Sealing Techniques
- Gather all the tools and protective gear you'll need, including eye and hand protection and breathing apparatus if necessary, and go over the sealer's directions before you start.
- Power-washing the concrete surface with a commercial-grade hot-water pressure washer is an option for getting rid of stubborn stains, grease, grime, filth, and debris. A great connection between both the sealer and also the surface is achieved thanks to the steam's role in opening the surface pores. If you need to get rid of oil, efflorescence, or a lot of stubborn stains, biodegradable cleansers and degreasers will do the trick.
- If you're using a solvent-based cement sealer, make sure the surface is dry before you apply the sealer. Damp concrete can be sealed with certain water-based sealants.
- If there are any neighbouring buildings or surfaces that shouldn't be sealed, mask them off.
Apply the sealer with a pump spray or even a short-nap roller in a careful, even coat, as directed by the manufacturer. The amount of sealant needed will vary with the porousness of the concrete, so be sure to use the right amount everywhere. - Within an hour, sealer is typically dry enough for pedestrians or even a second application. The first 30 - 48 hours after a surface has been sealed, it must be kept dry and free of excessive traffic.
- Just after you're done, you should clean up all the tools and supplies you used. Clean water-based sealers using water, and clean solvent-based sealers with Xylene or the manufacturer-recommended cleansers.
- It's important to maintain the sealed surface in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines, such as cleaning the concrete at a controlled pressure. In addition, if you would like the cement to endure for a long time, you should clean it regularly with soapy water or detergent. Reapplying the sealer may be necessary every 3–6 years, depending on the quantity of traffic and the severity of weather.
What Are The Various Types Of Waterproof Concrete Sealers?
Concrete's primary opponent is water. Deterioration, cracks, and other damage occur when material is subjected to water such as rain or snow. Sealing pavement is a crucial part of upkeep since it prevents further deterioration from water, chemicals, acid, foot or vehicle traffic, and more.
If you want your concrete to last longer and be more durable, sealing it is a must. However, there are so many options for concrete sealers just on market that it can be difficult to choose the right one. Thus, if you're in the market for waterproof sealers, here's everything you need to know:
Concrete Sealers Made Of Acrylic
They are the go-to option for experts and have won over the hearts of the general public. They function by depositing a thin coating on the surface of the concrete, which prevents water from penetrating while allowing excess moisture to evaporate. Sealants made of acrylic are all three: cheap, reliable, and easy to apply. Some of them have been even made to resist the effects of the sun's rays. When it comes to keeping out water, chemicals, lubricants, and de-icing salt, they really shine.
There are both water-based and solvent-based acrylic concrete sealers on the market. For indoor and outdoor use, they are simple, cheap, and effective, making them a top choice. They also dry quickly, in under an hour, which is a big plus.
Acrylic sealers have a short lifespan because of their low thickness. Rapid wear means you'll need to reapply every few months.
Sealers With Penetrating Power
In order to prevent moisture from penetrating the concrete, they absorb deeply into the material while enabling moisture vapour to escape. Penetrating sealers are the best option if you want to protect your concrete without altering its appearance.
Water isn't the only thing that penetrating concrete sealers can keep out; they're also effective against UV rays, weather extremes, erosion, discoloration, and even high temperatures. They are particularly useful in areas where freezing or extremely high temperatures are likely to damage the concrete's exterior.
As an added bonus, penetrating sealers are the best option for outdoor surfaces including driveways and sidewalks. These sealers outperform acrylic and polyurethane in high-friction areas because they do not create a glossy layer that could make the surface slippery. Only use penetrating sealers on outside surfaces.
Sealants Made Of Polyurethane:
These sealants are twice as thick as acrylic sealants, therefore they provide good protection against water. In addition to enhancing the durability of the concrete surface, they also provide unrivalled resistance to chemicals, erosion, and yellowing. For this reason, polyurethane sealers are ideal for driveways, parking garages, sidewalks, restaurant floors, and public areas with considerable foot activity.
Polyurethane sealers, when applied to concrete, cure into an extremely durable layer that is impervious to water and shields against chemical and abrasive wear. There are both water-based and solvent-based versions of these products.
Polyurethane sealers have a major problem in that they are made with a lot more volatile organic compound (VOC), which are very bad for people and the environment. Because of this, a respirator must be worn during application. Because of their high sensitivity to water and moisture, they must be administered throughout the day.
Epoxy Sealants
Because of how well they protect against water, epoxy sealers are frequently used on concrete countertops and other wet areas of the home. They protect against abrasion, moisture, and other surface problems by leaving a thin layer on top once they dry. They are also considerably more robust than acrylic sealants.
Epoxy sealers are popular among both DIYers and professionals because of their versatility (they may be tinted with pigments of varying colours) and aesthetic appeal (they leave a glossy finish). If you want to preserve your ornamental floor from spills and wear, an epoxy sealer is the way to go. In addition, for projects that will require frequent cleanings, such hygiene facilities or industrial applications, epoxy sealers that really are low smell, chemical resistant, and durable are recommended.
Epoxy concrete sealers, on the other hand, can easily be discoloured by sunlight. This is why it functions best in enclosed spaces. When it comes to water resistance, epoxies that are water-based are the way to go.
Polyaspartic Sealing Agents:
Polyaspartic sealers are relatively new to the concrete market. They effectively block out moisture, acids, and other contaminants. However, these sealers function a little differently, since they do not penetrate the concrete but rather stay on top of it to provide complete protection against absorption. Since polyaspartic sealers may be applied in any temperature, harden in thirty minutes, and withstand temperature extremes once cured, they are often regarded as revolutionary.
In addition to providing superior protection against water, stains, and UV rays, polyaspartic sealers also have the unique ability to efficiently adhere with any concrete surface. This is useful both in and out of doors. This concrete sealer is commonly utilised in residential and commercial construction, as well as in the scientific and industrial sectors.
What Is The Difference Between Concrete Sealer And Waterproofer?
Waterproofing chemicals and concrete sealers both accomplish the same ends in different ways. Waterproofing compounds fill in cracks and crevices below the surface while sealers produce a protective layer on top of concrete. There are benefits and drawbacks to using any sort of water-repellent or -blocking chemical. The aesthetic value of a material's application in a house can be as important as its functional value.
Types Of Concrete Sealers
You can choose from four distinct kinds of concrete sealer: acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy, and penetrating. The location and substances with which the concrete will be regularly in touch determine the best sealer to employ. An acrylic sealer, for instance, is a water-repellent and vapour-permeable material. For concrete that is constantly exposed to the outdoors, this sealer is the best option. In contrast, an urethane sealer does not let any stored moisture to escape while providing thick protective layers for high-traffic areas in your house.
Concrete Sealer Issues
Polyurethane is one type of concrete sealer that has a drying time wherein the compounds cannot withstand being exposed to moisture or traffic. To effectively remove any protective covering, these sealers must be exposed to liquids such as water first before layers can cure. There may be a risk of slipping on your home's surfaces when sealers dry, says ConcreteNetwork.com. If you don't apply sealers methodically and carefully, you can end up with a buildup in some spots and a lack of accumulation in others, which could throw off the aesthetics of your home.
The Benefits Of Waterproofing
Cracks in concrete walls, floors, and swimming pools can be repaired using masonry waterproofing. Masonry waterproofing, as explained on Home Depot's website, bonds with the material and penetrates surfaces to seal leaks. In addition to being more long-lasting, waterproofing materials are superior to sealants. These chemicals prevent water vapour from condensing on surfaces, prevent radon gas from seeping out of the earth, and decrease water runoff. Yet, there are concrete sealers that also avoid water vapour from developing, which is a significant improvement over the majority of sealers.
Waterproofing Drawbacks
Waterproofing compounds can't be applied to damaged concrete until the cracks and holes in the surface have been repaired. A concrete sealer may establish a barrier over the fractures, but a waterproofing product needs to penetrate the concrete. The waterproofing compound is less effective at sealing off cracks and crevices. There should be at least 30 days between pouring fresh concrete and applying waterproofing, as stated on Home Depot's website. This necessitates a minimum of a month of weather exposure for newly poured concrete before it can be sealed.
Conclusion
Waterproofing is a multi-step process that prevents water and moisture from penetrating a structure, while damp-proofing is the process of sealing off an area due to changes in temperature. Checking the treatment and systems designed to prevent moisture and water infiltration in walls is the best way to prevent water seepage. Concrete sealers are effective for creating impenetrable coatings and protecting the concrete from the elements. Concrete sealing techniques include power-washing the concrete surface with a commercial-grade hot-water pressure washer, applying a sealer with a pump spray or a short-nap roller, and masking any neighbouring buildings or surfaces that shouldn't be sealed.
Content Summary
- Waterproofing and concrete sealing serve the same purpose: to prevent the deterioration of concrete.
- Waterproofing, on the other hand, is something that can be applied to either wet or dry concrete, both during and after its initial placement.
- In order to prevent water and moisture from penetrating a structure, waterproofing is a multi-step process.
- Waterproofing is the process of sealing off an area to prevent water from getting in, while damp-proofing is the process of sealing off an area to prevent moisture from getting in due to changes in temperature.
- Knowing the difference between these two is essential for locating the source of a water seepage issue and eliminating it permanently.
- Areas with high relative humidity, like Florida, benefit greatly from exterior waterproofing methods and treatments.
- Despite the fact that it is essential, many homeowners lack an understanding of the need of properly preparing concrete before to waterproofing.
- Waterproofing outside walls is difficult for practical reasons.
- a homeowner should think about any mechanical penetrations through walls.
- are used to create a continuous sewage system, through top to bottom, to eliminate water seepage problems in modern construction.
- Checking the treatment and systems specifically designed to prevent moisture and water infiltration in walls, such as impervious coatings as cement backer boards, is the best thing that can do if you have already built or purchased your home.
- So-called wall membranes, such as primers for concrete or damp surfaces, silicate-based sealers, and waterproofing paint, can also be used to waterproof the outer walls of a building.
- To prevent water from entering your home and converting it into a "sponge," it is essential to thoroughly seal all leaks and cracks, regardless of the products you employ.
- If you have already waterproofed your outside walls, you may simply avoid future water seepage issues with routine inspections and maintenance.
- An additional benefit of using a concrete sealer is that it protects the concrete from the elements.
- With using an integral sealant, sealing begins as soon as the concrete leaves the plant.
- Power-washing the concrete surface with a commercial-grade hot-water pressure washer is an option for getting rid of stubborn stains, grease, grime, filth, and debris.
- If you're using a solvent-based cement sealer, make sure the surface is dry before you apply the sealer.
- Damp concrete can be sealed with certain water-based sealants.
- Apply the sealer with a pump spray or even a short-nap roller in a careful, even coat, as directed by the manufacturer.