Waterproofing Concrete - 5 Steps To Follow

Did you know that concrete is not waterproof by nature? Lots of people don't know that. This lack of knowledge is what makes many homes structurally unsound because what are foundations and basements usually made of? Concrete!

It is important then that you understand that waterproofing concrete is an important step when it comes to the construction of your home and that a simple spray on waterproofing agent is probably not enough to maintain the structural durability of your home and to keep it safe from the infestation of corrosive agents like mildew, mold and rust!

The rooms most susceptible to water damage are rooms made of concrete -- the basement for example. This is because when water passes into concrete, it often has nowhere to go so it acts as a catalyst for the formation of mold, mildew and other "house killers" that everyone would rather avoid. So then, how is waterproofing concrete done? There are several ways that you can waterproof the concrete in your home.

If you are interested in a do it yourself approach to waterproofing concrete, here are the steps that you need to follow:

1. Figure out what kind of concrete was used to build your home. Some concretes need more waterproofing than others.

2. When it comes to waterproofing, your first line of defense is an exterior waterproof membrane. There are different types of waterproofing membrane to choose from and the one you choose will be largely based upon how your home is built. The Exterior Insulated Finish System is the most moisture resistant and can be applied with a trowel directly onto the concrete. It is also usually sold in different colors, so all you have to do is choose the color that most matches the rest of your home!

3. Before you trowel on the membrane, you need to prepare the concrete by filling any cracks smaller than one fourth of an inch with caulk and grinding away any uneven or rough concrete.

4. Clean the surface thoroughly and make sure that all traces of dirt, oil or other loose materials are gone.

5. When your wall is clean and completely prepped for the membrane, follow the directions on your wall's "finish". Typically the membrane is mixed in a bucket and then applied to the wall with a plastering trowel. Be careful to keep the membrane thickness the same as you apply it across the concrete. Unevenness will do more harm than good.

When you are choosing your concrete waterproofing material, you want to look for something that contains a sealant. That sealant should be made of siloxethane or silicone, though in a pinch other types of sealant will do.

Waterproofing concrete does not have to be a complicated process and many people who live in concrete homes do their own waterproofing treatments as they are needed. Of course, you want to make sure that your foundation and basement are solidly waterproofed outside as well as inside.