The Benefits of Waterproof Concrete

What is waterproof concrete?

When it comes to the different types of concrete available, it can be hard to know which features are necessary. In this article, we take you through the attributes of waterproof concrete and why it can be so important to ensure high quality work.

Isn’t concrete already waterproof?

Normal concrete is not fully waterproof. The terms can get confusing, but waterproof concrete is both damp-proof and watertight – this means that not only is soil moisture prevented from getting through to the concrete, but liquid water cannot penetrate it either.

Concrete is naturally porous due to the chemical reactions that take place during the curing process: water is mixed with cement and aggregates, and as the mixture hardens, the excess water escapes, creating a web of capillaries in the concrete. This means that concrete can absorb a fair amount of water – roughly 60 litres per cubic metre of good quality concrete in just 30 minutes – but this can cause dampness depending on the speed at which it occurs.

What happens when concrete is too damp?

Eventually, this can lead to erosion due to moisture and water getting into the pores and causing cracks – and the more cracks that appear, the more water can get in. This is a process that happens very gradually so it can take a while for signs to show, but if the surface of the concrete begins to look slightly worn, you can guarantee that the inside structure is deteriorating too. This can be a big job to fix, and a very costly one too. This is why it’s always best to invest in good quality concrete rather than attempting to cut corners – concrete that is cheap to buy will cost a lot more to repair.

What are the benefits of waterproof concrete?

Waterproof concrete has many benefits in terms of its performance and longevity when it comes to large construction projects:

• Strengthened structure – waterproof concrete lets in less moisture, causing fewer cracks, which means it is less vulnerable to the elements
• Reduces maintenance costs – less erosion and deterioration results in less time and money spent on repairs
• Prevents mould and mildew – preventing damp in turn staves off mould and mildew spores which reduces the risk of illness, making for a healthier environment
• Increased property value – having a waterproofed basement or sub-floor is a great selling point for a property, giving buyers peace of mind that they won’t have to deal with water problems
• Maintains fresh appearance – waterproofed concrete won’t deteriorate from water exposure, so it won’t suffer much from wear and tear

When would you need to use waterproof concrete?

Waterproof concrete is best for below-ground applications, where it must be impermeable, in addition to many large above-ground structures that would benefit from being able to withstand water. For example:

• Basements
• Underground parking
• High water table areas
• Flood-prone building areas/those with high rain levels
• High-rise buildings

Here at Total Concrete, we provide first-rate concrete with a quick turnaround on delivery. Our family-run business has been established since 1999, consistently providing high-quality products alongside great customer service. To enquire about waterproof concrete or simply to find out more about our services, contact us today.