Several of the Best Waterproofing Options for Concrete

Waterproofing concrete should be considered if you are building a house or structure which will be susceptible to the elements. Concrete, while sturdy and durable is also prone to breaking down over the years and will eventually crumble, if not protected correctly to start with. A structure must remain sound if it is to stand for many years. Waterproofing is a method by which the concrete is sealed from the elements and will have a protective barrier.

EIFS

Exterior Insulated Finish System looks like stucco when applied to concrete. It offers excellent moisture protection to the surface and will also level out irregularities in the concrete. Another benefit is that it will fill any voids in the concrete too. You apply the EIFS with a trowel in the same way you would plaster a wall with wet plaster. Another advantage is that it can also be color tinted to suit your specific requirements. Not everyone's concrete structure needs to be concrete colored. You can tint the stucco style surface to any color you choose.

Elastomeric Coating

Elastomeric coatings are a safe, durable and attractive way of protecting and coating your concrete structure. They are applied in the same way as painting and priming. You will need an appropriate exterior primer to paint onto the concrete and then the polymer paint will be applied over the top. Two coats should be more than sufficient and the polymer acrylic paint will also take care of voids, small cracks and slight irregularities in the surface. Elastomer is a product which has elastic properties and therefore will re-shape itself to the structure upon which it is applied. This leaves behind an air- and water-tight seal to protect concrete buildings for many years, regardless of temperature.

Silicone Sealant

Silicone sealants can be used effectively to protect and waterproof concrete. Silicone also acts as a crack filler and sealer, which can be applied to cracks up to one quarter inch thick. Silicone or polyurethane sealant will work very well as a resurfacing to concrete structures which are already protected too. The sealant can be applied using a spray method or rolled on with a normal paint roller.

Membrane Waterproofing

A liquid membrane protector is sprayed generously onto the concrete structure to seal the concrete from weather conditions. It has flexible properties which form impervious layers over the concrete to seal the inside from the outside conditions. You can also opt for sheet water proofing which is more suitable for basement, foundation and lower structures, as well as large drainage pipes and conduits.

Crystalline Waterproofing

Crystalline sealants work on a catalytic reaction which seals cracks, holes and small irregularities in the concrete. It also seals the capillaries and pores in concrete and penetrates into it to help close cracks which naturally occur in concrete structures. Silica sand is used in this method, along with compound cement and appropriate chemicals for waterproofing and sealing concrete to create a durable and solidly protected concrete surface.