Waterproofing
Waterproofing helps in keeping both moisture and water away. Moisture contains water vapour. Also, it is required in areas with a high-water table or other grave water-soil conditions that are there. Waterproofing concrete is designed in a way to stop any water infiltration through concrete structures.
Also, waterproofing materials have the advantage of bridging cracks or faults that may develop over time due to the flexible, elastic nature and thickness of the coating. These materials are designed in such a way that they withstand hydrostatic pressure with an excess of 40 mils.
Let's look at a few things that waterproofing can do
● It should be able to stop water vapour. This water vapour is the gaseous form of water which, when released by the surrounding, can move through the concrete.
● Waterproofing membranes should be able to put a full stop to water under hydrostatic pressure.
● The most important is that waterproofing should be able to sustain cracks or faults in the treated concrete structure.
Furthermore, waterproofing is vital in areas with heavy rainfall and high-water tables. Since water enters the ground and accumulates in and around the foundation. The higher the water rises to reach the foundation; the more hydrostatic pressure gets exerted against the structure.
This holds for areas with clayey soils. Clay absorbs and retains water more than granular soil. The hydrostatic pressure helps if forcing water through the porous concrete. Therefore, the depth, the degree of hydrostatic pressure, use of interior space are all essential factors to consider when looking for waterproofing materials.
With that being said, let's look at a few waterproofing materials that are used
● Clay-based products such as bentonite
● Crystallization products
● Asphalt coating that is rubberized
● Urethane coating
● Rubber based coating
● Butyl rubber coating/sheeting
Apart from these, waterproof putty is another waterproofing way in which a white cement-based waterproof putty is used, providing a strong base on the concrete wall. This is applied before the topcoat of the paint is done and protects the walls from water.
Also read: Protect Your Home With These Waterproofing Methods & Solutions
Dampproofing
Another process that helps keep water away from the walls is dampproofing. This process involves using a mixture including tar or asphalt as an exterior of the structure; it has the purpose of stopping the wicking of moisture in the ground through concrete. It cures thickness that is less than 10 mils thick.
Dampproofing is fundamental and is not meant to keep all moisture and water away; instead, the goal is to retard or block the capillaries, thus slowing down water penetration. Moreover, this was initially developed as a primer and is brittle at low temperatures. Therefore, damp proofing will only keep the dampness away from the foundation and is ineffective in preventing water from entering the structure through cracks, holes, or faults.