Concrete roofs have been an integral part of modern architecture for decades. Although they are typically seen as rooftops for commercial buildings, with changes to styles and architecture for residential buildings, homes are now also being constructed using this roofing method, with concrete shingles also becoming popular in residential home structures.
However, even though concrete has been chosen as a superior material for both housing and commercial structures, it doesn’t mean that it is not susceptible to damage from the elements.
Waterproofing is one way to help avoid damage from occurring earlier than anticipated and will inevitably help your concrete roof last a lot longer. Adding waterproofing to your roof is a great way to protect your building and is worth the investment.
Take Measures To Prevent Concrete Cancer
Concrete cancer can be devastating, but what causes it? The term itself is a bit of a catch-all for various problems associated with concrete embedded with steel. During construction, concrete is reinforced with steel bars or, in some cases, mesh. As a metal, steel can rust after exposure to elements, like water or air. Steel that is corroding is forced to expand.
This expansion causes the surrounding concrete to crack and even break. Cracking exposes even more of the steel, which leads to increased oxidation and further damage to the concrete.
The belief that steel rods won’t contact water because they’re surrounded by concrete is wrong. It’s important to understand that concrete is porous and can absorb water. Also, a failure to adequately waterproof can increase the likelihood of concrete cancer. That’s why it’s essential to take the proper precautions to prevent concrete cancer. In situations that demand remediation, there are also things you can do.
The phases of concrete cancer
According to the Australian Concrete Repair Association (ACRA), concrete cancer progression has four stages. So, in general terms, the cost to fix concrete cancers multiples by roughly five through each stage of cancer’s progression in the concrete. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘Law of Fives’.
- Design, construction and curing of concrete
- Corrosion has been initiated, but damage propagation hasn’t started.
- Deterioration begins to propagate through the concrete.
- Advanced propagation concrete cancer and significant damage.
By the fourth stage, a complete knockdown of the structure might be the only solution. So remember to act early if you think your premises has concrete cancer.
Concrete cancer assessment
In circumstances where concrete cancer is potentially affecting your structure, it’s best to call a professional. The first step in preventing or repairing concrete cancer is to have the structure analyzed by a specialist.
Then, recommendations can be made for remediation of the structure and ongoing prevention. In most cases, if you act early enough, the structure won’t need to be knocked down.
Choosing The Proper Sealer For Your Concrete
All exposed concrete should be protected with a sealer.
A failure to use the right sealer or properly apply the sealer increases the risk of concrete cancer to your structure, leading to expensive maintenance, repairs, and replacements down the track. In addition, sealers protect from moisture and prevent the build-up of mould and fungus on the concrete.
How Long Should A Sealer Last?
A good concrete sealer will last around five years before a reapplication is required. Resealing should be completed as regularly scheduled maintenance works and prioritized to prevent damage.
How Does Concrete Sealer Work?
When waterproofing concrete, a topical sealer is applied to the surface of the concrete. The sealer is impermeable (provided it is applied correctly) and forms a waterproof membrane around the concrete, preventing moisture from entering the concrete. Topical sealers can be made from acrylic, epoxy and polyurethane-based materials. Many are decorative in colour and style.
Are There Permanent Sealers?
Permanent sealers exist, though they leave a matte finish and are not available in decorative colours. Permanent sealers work by filling all the tiny holes in the concrete. They are made from silicate, silanes or silicone and are also referred to as penetrating concrete sealers.
Concrete Flat Roof Construction And Issues
It is now more common to see home designs that incorporate a flat roof to look both appealing and elegant in style. However, proper design of such a roof style is required to ensure rainwater is drained away from the roof as soon as possible. ‘Water-ponding’, or the stagnation of water due to rainfall on such roofs, is the leading cause of deterioration of concrete materials in roofing.
Variations in both temperature and moisture levels can lead to differential thermal movement. Combined with the potential acids left by rain that has evaporated, this can lead to the serious deterioration of what should be a stable, concrete roof.
Protecting your rooftop
Concert rooftops are exposed to the elements 24/7, so they must be properly designed and waterproofed to prevent leaks through the roof. Rooftop leaking can cause ongoing issues in the home.
Beyond water damage to the interior, it can also affect electrical components, lighting and insulation. Ideally, you want preventative measures in place from the get-go, but if you think your concrete rooftop could be leaking or letting moisture in, it’s better to take action sooner rather than later.
Roof membrane systems
When looking at ways to waterproof a concrete roof, a waterproofing membrane is considered the most important aspect of a roofing system, as it is the key to keeping water out of the building.
There are varying types of roof membrane systems on the market, so it’s important to understand the differences to choose the right system for your construction needs.
Pre-formed sheet membranes
Pre-formed sheet membranes are an excellent choice for waterproofing your roof, and there are two versions available in the market. These membranes are supplied as a waterproof sheet and require them to be welded/joined together to form a watertight membrane.
You may find Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pre-formed sheet membranes on the market.
They are well designed to deal with the pressures of high winds, excessive rainfall and other weather-related stresses, including being UV Stable.
Some products are also modified to be fire retardant, so they can also provide a good fire rating to help protect your building in case of an emergency.
Wolfin Waterproofing Systems
One such polymeric PVC waterproofing system is the Wolfin sheet membrane system. Wolfin can be laid loosely on the surface or bonded (Wolfin GWSK).
Due to its high-quality composition has outstanding properties to enable greater longevity & service against all climates and conditions and is used in new & remedial applications.
Wolfin is used on most substrates and areas and is compatible for several installations, including bitumen, asphalt, sheet and liquid membranes, and is used in critical areas (Over Habitable Spaces) where waterproofing is of the highest importance.
This German-manufactured product also has a high tear and puncture resistance, making it one of the most trusted and reliable products on the market to date.
Cosmofin Waterproofing Systems
Cosmofin is known as a reliable and long-term product that provides great performance in several applications. This product is a PVC waterproof membrane with a central glass non-woven inlay.
Cosmofin is often used for various building structures such as residential, commercial, civil and marine construction projects. It is also used for many applications, not exclusive to rooftops, such as balconies, terraces, retaining walls and planter boxes.
With its clean application and any recyclable waste, Cosmofin waterproofing systems are also extremely high tear and puncture-resistant.
Both Cosmofin and Wolfin products are versatile enough to use several materials. Not limited to concrete roofs, these products can be utilized to waterproof other building materials, including steel, timber, CFC, masonry etc.
Designed to withstand chemicals in domestic and industrial constructions, they’re highly durable, UV stable, and easy to repair in the event it is required.
Waterproofing a concrete roof for safety and longevity
Whether it’s a concrete rooftop that you’re concerned about, or perhaps there are other construction materials you want to ensure are stable and waterproof for years to come, there’s no doubt that investing in superior waterproofing systems is the best way to protect your assets.
So not only can you protect your roof from the extreme climates Australia endures, but you can also have the peace of mind that you are doing the best that you can to protect your building and constructions from unnecessary damage.
And remember, if you’re having any other water problems in the home, it’s best to consult with a plumber before taking action.
FAQs About Waterproofing An Interior Concrete Floor
How Do You Waterproof An Interior Concrete Floor?
Apply a thin coat of concrete floor sealer and let dry. Apply a second coat in the other direction, let dry. Wax the surface of the floor to prolong the life of the sealer. Reapply the sacrificial wax as it wears off.
A concrete floor sealer will beautify and preserve your floor. Sealing brings out the beauty of a concrete floor by enhancing the colour and adding sheen.
Sealing also preserves the decorative treatment by protecting the concrete surface from abrasions and stains. Some floor sealers form a protective film on the surface of the concrete, while others penetrate the floor.
How Long Does Concrete Need To Cure Before Waterproofing?
For every sheet membrane I know of, concrete must be cured a minimum of seven days before membrane application, sometimes even longer. This is because the concrete will continue to dry long after it’s poured. In addition, the water vapour escaping from the concrete can prevent the waterproofing material from bonding.
Can You Seal Concrete Floor With Pva?
Concrete sealers are designed to prevent these problems, and a sealer that contains polyvinyl acetate — PVA — can be especially effective. A PVA sealer can also provide an adhesive undercoat for new concrete.
You apply it with a paintbrush after thoroughly cleaning the concrete. The porosity of the concrete can be a problem when it comes to painting your concrete floor; not only does paint soak in and create a blotchy job, but moisture can seep through the pores and cause paint failure.
Moreover, if the concrete pad is on a poorly drained area, seepage can create white efflorescence streaks whether you paint the pad or not.
PVA is the component of a white carpenter’s glue that makes the glue sticky, and it’s the adhesive ingredient in drywall primer. It’s even an ingredient in acrylic latex paint.
Through a reaction involving ethanol and heat, polyvinyl acetate can be converted to polyvinyl alcohol, also identified as PVA and is the main component of some gel glues. As far as applying your concrete sealer, though, it doesn’t matter whether the PVA in your concrete sealer is polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol — both are just as sticky.
What Is The Best Way To Waterproof Concrete?
The most common way to waterproof concrete is to use a liquid waterproofing product specifically designed for that purpose. Liquid waterproofing gel is a thick substance that turns into a rubber-like coating once applied to the outside of a concrete wall.
Can You Seal Concrete To Make It Waterproof?
With a high-quality sealant and this helpful guide, you can waterproof and protect your new concrete surfaces for years to come. Without this important finish to any concrete project, all your hard work will be more susceptible to damage.
How to Seal a Concrete Floor From Moisture?
If so, the concrete foundation of your home or garage may be in danger. The good news? Preventing damage could be as simple as sealing your floors.
Why Seal Concrete?
Water seeping through concrete floors in a basement or garage leaves your home susceptible to big problems. This water can affect the structural integrity of your home and be a catalyst for unhealthy mould and mildew growth.
Over time, with constant exposure to moisture, a small crack in a concrete wall can morph into a big problem, allowing insects and the elements into your house.
Sealing your home’s concrete surfaces is an important type of preventative maintenance. Taking care of your home’s concrete before you have a problem (or larger problem) is key to maintaining your home’s indoor air quality and foundational integrity.
How to Seal Concrete (the Right Way)
There are four key steps to sealing a cement surface like a garage or basement floor the right way:
- Selecting The Appropriate Sealant
- Cleaning The Surface
- Fixing Cracks
- Sealant Application.
Follow the instructions below for a quality seal:
Pick Out Your Concrete Sealer
There are a variety of sealers, so it’s important to select the one that’s best for your project. Here are the options available for concrete surfaces:
- Acrylic sealer – This easy-to-apply sealer is best for basements and other concrete floors that will not come into contact with oil or grease. Acrylic sealer sits on top of the concrete instead of seeping in, making it ideal for sealing interior floors.
- Epoxy sealer – More durable than acrylic, this type of sealant protects against grease and oil and is perfect for a basement, garage or outdoor shed. There are also a few colour varieties to select your finish.
- Polyurethane sealer – This type of sealer has a more durable finish than acrylic and epoxy sealers, and it also has UV protection. It’s often used as an overcoat for an epoxy sealer in interior indoor concrete surfaces.
- Siloxane sealer – Lasting for up to 20 years, this sealer penetrates concrete for maximum protection. This is a common sealant for indoor and outdoor surfaces such as driveways, patios and garages.
Clean Your Floors
Make sure you take the time to thoroughly clean your concrete floors (or walls) to ensure they’re ready to be sealed. Here are the steps:
- Move all items out of the area.
- Sweep all dirt, dust and debris away with a broom.
- Remove oil, grease, paint and any other stains that may be on your concrete floors. To clean your floors, spray or pour a concrete cleaner onto the floor and use a scrubbing brush or broom (depending on how large the surface area is) to rub it into the concrete.
- Use a hose to rinse the cleaner off the concrete. Be sure to make a plan for drying or draining the floor surface after rinsing.
- Let your concrete fully dry for 24 hours.
Fill in Any Cracks
After your floors are clean and dry, locate any cracks or holes in your concrete. Repair them by applying concrete repair caulk and a towel or washable cloth to smooth them out. Let the caulk dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply Concrete Floor Sealant
Once you’ve selected your sealant and fully prepped your surface, you’re ready to apply the sealant. Here are the steps to successfully apply a sealant to your concrete surface (two coats are recommended):
- Make sure windows are open, and the area is properly ventilated.
- Apply the sealant with a 9″ roller. Use a paintbrush to cut in, ensuring the corners and edges are properly sealed.
- Let the sealant dry. Make sure to view your sealant directions for recommended drying time. Depending on your sealant, the waiting time can be two hours and two days.
- Apply a second coat of sealant using both the roller and brush.
- Let the final coat of sealant set for three to four days, or the recommended time on the manufacturer’s instructions, before returning all the items onto the floor.
Conclusion
These buildings involve basements for underground car parking, storage, and utility areas. However, an unfortunate consequence is evidence of an alarming increased frequency of building defects – and the most common of these defects is water leaks.
Of all the water ingress possibilities, the consequences of basement water leaks can be the most expensive and complex to rectify – often resulting in devastating & costly damage.
For commercial buildings, water leaks can ruin expensive equipment and disrupt business, while in the case of residential buildings, this can result in damaged finishes and furnishings.
In addition, basement leaks add up to lost money, wasted time, upset customers and sometimes expensive litigation.
How much does it cost to epoxy garage floor?
Epoxy garage floors cost between $1,447 to $3,006, with the national average at $2,227. If you’re tired of the plain concrete flooring in your garage, you may be interested in long-lasting epoxy flooring. Epoxy is a rugged and durable finish that will transform dull garage flooring into a gleaming surface.
Is it worth it to epoxy garage floor?
Epoxy flooring protects the underlying concrete from moisture, stains, grease and cracks. In the long run, this can save you a great deal on cleaning and maintenance costs by eliminating the need to clean carpet or grout. It’s also very reasonably priced for the duration and level of protection that it offers.
Why you should not epoxy your garage floor?
Steer Clear of Epoxy on Your Garage Flooring- #1: Epoxy has Weak Adhesion. Compared to paint, epoxy has far stronger adhesion. …
- #2: Epoxy Takes Multiple Days to Fully Cure. …
- #3: Epoxy Fades. …
- #4: It Can Stick to the Wrong Places! …
- #5: Poor Flexibility. …
- #6: Cooler Temp Applications Are Tough.
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