What Is Concrete Waterproofing?

Waterproofing is a process that prevents water from penetrating concrete. Several methods exist for achieving this goal, including the use of specialised coatings, the injection of chemicals into the concrete's surface, and the installation of a separate waterproof membrane beneath the concrete. In this section, we'll examine a few of the options homeowners have for protecting their homes and the investment they represent, as well as the specifics of what each type of security measure includes.

It's possible that adding a coating on top of the current layer would help seal cracks and prevent water from seeping through the walls and into the foundation. It's possible to do so, for example. One of the best things about this option is that most coatings can be applied by the user without the help of a specialist due to their ease of use.

What Is Waterproof Concrete?

Given the wide range of concrete types on the market, it can be difficult to zero in on the most crucial features. In this post, we'll discuss what makes waterproof concrete unique, as well as why those properties are so important.

What Happens When Concrete Is Too Damp?

In the long run, this can result in erosion as a result of moisture and water penetrating the pores and forming cracks; the more cracks that appear, the greater the likelihood that water will penetrate the surface. This process 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 as well.

This can be a good indicator of whether or not the structure has been maintained properly. Fixing this can be a significant undertaking, not to mention an expensive one. Because of this, it is always advisable to invest in good quality concrete rather than trying to cut corners. Concrete that is inexpensive to purchase will cost a great deal more to repair in the long run.

Concrete Is Already Waterproof, Right?

Typical concrete is not entirely watertight. It's easy to get the terms damp-proof and watertight concrete and waterproof concrete mixed up, yet they all refer to the same thing. This ensures that not only does the concrete not absorb moisture from the earth, but also that liquid water cannot seep through it.

The chemical reactions that take place during the curing process make concrete porous; water is added to the cement and aggregates, and the excess water evaporates as the mixture hardens, leaving a porous network of capillaries.

These chemical processes make concrete permeable. That means concrete can soak up a lot of water—roughly 60 litres per cubic metre of good quality concrete in just 30 minutes—but the rate at which this occurs might cause dampness.

When Is Waterproof Concrete Necessary?

Along with many big above-ground constructions that would benefit from being able to tolerate water, waterproof concrete is ideal for uses below earth, where it must be impermeable. In addition, waterproof concrete is best for applications below ground. Take, for instance:

• Basements
• Garages located underground
• places with a high water table
• constructing locations that are prone to flooding and have high rainfall amounts
• Tall structures and skyscrapers

What Benefits Does Waterproof Concrete Offer?

When it comes to large building projects, waterproof concrete offers a number of benefits in terms of its performance and its endurance, including the following:

• Structure that is strengthened because waterproof concrete absorbs less moisture, which results in fewer fractures and makes the structure less susceptible to damage from outside forces.
• Reduces the expenses of maintenance since there is less wear and tear, which results in fewer hours and less dollars spent on repairs.
• Mould and mildew can be avoided by avoiding dampness, which in turn eliminates the spores that cause mould and mildew. This lowers the likelihood of getting sick and makes for a healthier environment.
• A basement or subfloor that is waterproof is a wonderful selling factor for a house since it reassures potential buyers that they won't have to deal with any issues related to water in the future. This results in an increase in the property's value.
• Keeps a clean look since waterproofed concrete won't decay from being exposed to water, thus it won't show signs of wear and tear as quickly as regular concrete would.

Why Concrete Needs Waterproofing

It is essential to waterproof the concrete in areas below ground level to prevent water from seeping in and causing harm.

In many regions, we have exhausted the availability of high-ground building sites with favourable drainage because we have developed them all. Because of this erosion, we now know that  swamps, flood plains, rivers, lakes, and the like are the only locations that are convenient and vacant at the same time.

These areas not only have greater water tables and water pressures, but they also give us the opportunity to tap into potentially even increased water head as development in the field develops. And this is on top of the fact that many of the lakes and rivers have already started to rise. Many of these areas also have additional contaminants that are known to harm some varieties of concrete and concrete masonry units.

Waterproofing concrete surfaces that are below ground level is crucial for a number of reasons. In any case, keeping moisture out of the structure should be priority number one. However, it's essential for preventing water from entering the structure and causing damage to the concrete or corrosion to the steel that's embedded in the concrete.

Intentionally porous, water can permeate concrete by  hydrostatic pressure, capillary action, or the water vapour gradient. Cracks, structural defects, and joints that were either badly designed or insufficiently built are other entry points for water. Moreover, waterproofing is crucial to stop the concrete from deteriorating due to the presence of chemicals both within and outside the building.

Susceptibility Of Concrete To Chemicals

Concrete can be damaged by chemicals because of its porous structure, high alkalinity, and high reactivity. That's why concrete isn't a good choice for storing hazardous substances. The degree to which liquids and gases can pass through different types of concrete varies greatly. Even the greatest concrete is somewhat permeable. Permeability develops far more rapidly when the water-to-cement ratio is lowered, as opposed to when the curing period is shortened while moisture is present. Chemical reactions between the fluid that penetrated the concrete and the aggregates, cement, and embedded steel, if any, can occur. Cement hydration chemical leaching, the deposition of unwanted crystals, and crystalline reaction product production can all contribute to system degradation.

The hydrated Portland cement binder is an alkaline material that undergoes a chemical reaction when exposed to acids. Disintegration of the concrete occurs as a result of this reaction and the formation and removal of soluble reaction products. Deposits can occur on the concrete's outside or inside the concrete itself if the reaction's products are insoluble. The resulting reaction time is noticeably diminished. It is often true that as the concentration of hostile agents in the solution rises, so does the rate at which they assault.

The acidity, neutrality, or basicity of a solution is determined by its pH value. Neutral solutions have a pH of 7, the first number on the pH scale. Solutions with a pH value below seven are considered acidic, whereas solutions with a pH value above seven are considered alkaline. Acidic solutions, those with a pH below 7, eat away at concrete from the inside out as they dissolve the aggregate.

The chemical agent's physical form must also be taken into account. To give only one example, dry particles like sand cannot dissolve dry concrete. Contrarily, they can deteriorate damp cement. When concrete is exposed to an aggressive liquid or solution, it can be dissolved just as easily as when it is exposed to a reactive, damp solid. Aggressive dry gases may come into contact with enough moisture within the concrete to launch an attack. If the gas is toxic, this could occur. Wet, aggressive gases are more dangerous than dry ones.

Concrete's structure can be damaged by repeated cycles of wetting and drying because of the alkali-aggressive reaction that occurs. This occurs when the dissolved substances diffuse throughout the concrete and collect on or near a surface where evaporation takes place. What's left behind could be whatever was there to begin with, or it could be the byproduct of a chemical reaction within the concrete. This can cause efflorescence to form on the surface of the concrete, brick, or stone.

As opposed to plain water, salt solutions may wreak havoc on concrete during freezing and thawing cycles. However, by incorporating enough air into the concrete, the potential damage from water or salt solutions can be mitigated. When this is done initially, high-quality concrete can generate air bubbles of the right size, spacing, and distribution.

Several different types of compounds can damage concrete. Subterranean buildings often have these kinds of substances in the soil or in the environment around them. It is the responsibility of the designer to make sure that a thorough chemical analysis of the soil has been performed before beginning work on the waterproofing system design.

Waterproofing effectiveness may be compromised by the presence of certain chemicals. Some of the most harmful substances to concrete are acid waters, aluminium sulphate,  aluminium chloride, ammonium chloride, ammonia vapours, ammonium sulphate, ferric sulphide, and ferrous sulphate. All of these pollutants have the potential to eat away at concrete and corrode steel. Ammonia gas, ammonium chloride, and ammonium sulphate are also harmful compounds.

Acidic industrial wastes, sour milk, hay, weakly based salts, fruit juices, and some untreated waters are all examples of acid-containing or acid-producing substances that can contribute to the deterioration of concrete alongside chemical attacks from organic and mineral acids. Some concrete deterioration can also be caused by the oxidation and attack of ammonium salts and animal faeces.

Many substances can damage concrete by altering its chemical makeup through reaction reactions that are just vaguely understood. For instance, seawater can erode porous concrete or concrete made with a high tricalcium aluminate cement percentage. The presence of sulphate in seawater may be mostly responsible for this. Calcium leaching, which happens when the calcium dissolves, is the typical cause of the degradation.

Some chemicals may be harmful to concrete, however this is not always the case. Typical examples of neutral salts that do not react negatively with concrete include most carbonates and nitrates, as well as some chlorides, fluorides, and silicates. Limewater's addition to concrete is generally beneficial because it hastens the hydration process while minimising lime loss.

Most other slightly alkaline solutions can be used without risk. When refined petroleum products are free of fatty oil additives and other potentially acidic components, they pose no threat to fully cured concrete. While many of these materials are perfectly acceptable, a few can discolour the concrete in ugly ways.

Points of Infiltration, Cracks, and Openings

Waterproofing is essential for concrete buildings because it keeps water out, which protects the concrete's structural components and the embedded reinforcing steel. If the concrete's structural integrity is maintained, it can keep its waterproofing properties. However, fractures can occur in concrete at any time, before or after it has hardened, and each crack is a separate opening through which water might seep in.

Early frost damage, plastic or drying shrinkage, and structure movement are all factors that can cause concrete to crack before it has fully cured. Soil movement, creep, seismic pressures, excessive pressures, excessive vibration, or deflection can all cause cracks in hardened concrete.

In addition to being a porous material, concrete can absorb water from a variety of directions. All the cracks, control joints, and expansion joints in a concrete structure are potential entry points for water. Another common cause of holes is the installation of tie rods or other structural connections, as well as the drilling of penetrating holes. Moisture can seep into structures through inside drains.

It's a common topic of debate whether or not positive-side waterproofing is better than negative-side waterproofing. One must always keep in mind that the responsibility of protecting the structure rests on the shoulders of the waterproofing while assessing the pros and downsides of this option. This can't be done if a negative-side waterproofing method is employed. Waterproofing is more effective when applied to the side of a building when hydrostatic pressure is positive.

Any waterproofing system installed on the side of a building subject to negative hydrostatic pressure runs the danger of being dislodged or pushed off by water vapour or liquid penetrating the concrete. Waterproofing the vulnerable side of a building increases the possibility that pollutants in the groundwater will be absorbed by the concrete.

Concrete Surface Preparation

If you want your waterproofing materials to adhere well, you must carefully prepare the surfaces they will be applied to. The effectiveness of the waterproofing depends heavily on the quality of the surface preparation. For the waterproofing membrane to perform as intended, the concrete surface must not contain chemicals that reduce the membrane's adhesion strength.

The surfaces should be bare concrete that has recently been exposed and is free of any loose, fragile, or structurally unsafe objects. Surfaces made of concrete should generally be dry, but certain waterproofing membrane producers allow installation on damp concrete. It's important to make sure the concrete surfaces are dry.

One should contact the waterproofing manufacturer in such a situation to enquire about any necessary modifications or additional steps. When curing concrete, it is crucial that the area where the membrane meets the material is kept dry. Before applying the waterproofing membrane, the surface should be put through a battery of tests to ensure it has been properly prepared. The membrane's ability to adhere to the concrete and the prepared concrete's strength are two of the most essential factors that must be evaluated before construction can begin.

Ensuring A Successful System

Concrete is porous and can absorb water, therefore it is important to waterproof any sections that will be used regularly or that are particularly important. The damage that moisture infiltration can do is seen in the state of many concrete streets and driveways. Preparing the concrete properly is essential to the success of the waterproofing system. Waterproofing can't be done until all the blemishes on the concrete's surface are fixed.

It is imperative that architects make every effort to incorporate concrete surface guidelines into the early design. This will prevent any disagreements that may emerge amongst the many industries usually called upon to complete a waterproofing project. This will ensure the success of arguably the most difficult and contentious part of the building's structure.

Treatment of Concrete Surface Defects

The effectiveness of waterproofing systems is greatly affected by the state of the concrete below. In order to give continued support to the waterproofing material and effective adhesion between the membrane and the substrate, the surface must be flat and free of honeycombs, fins, holes, dirt, depressions, humps, dust, oils, and any other surface pollutants. There are a variety of other pollutants that can be found on the surface, such as water pressure acting on unsupported material, which can lead to extrusion, deformation, and ultimately breakage.

Waterproofing membranes and concrete surfaces must adhere well for several reasons. First, if the membrane or the concrete surface has any holes or faults, water can easily seep through. Any form release agents, coatings, or concrete curing membranes that could prevent excellent adhesion should be stripped away before the waterproofing is applied.

Concrete preparation must be specified by the designer in the requirements section. There are typically misunderstandings and other problems when different trades accomplish the tasks of placing concrete and waterproofing. Waterproofing material disputes typically revolve around who is responsible for ensuring the concrete is properly prepared and who should make any necessary repairs before applying the material.

Concrete repair must be listed as one of the specific concerns that are addressed in the design standards. Any surface defects that crop up during building must also be eliminated and fixed. Precast concrete is often made at a factory. Sharp offsets between precast parts must be fixed before new cast-in-place concrete may be placed. As soon as the forms are taken down, attention should be paid to fixing any surface flaws, such as tie holes.

Sound concrete should be revealed by grinding away honeycombed and damaged sections. If transporting the item is crucial, the edges should be clipped so that they are perpendicular to the surface or undercut slightly.

Lack of sharpness should be strictly prohibited. The area to be patched, as well as a zone surrounding it of roughly 6 inches, should be moistened to minimise water absorption from the patching mortar. Bonding grout or bond coat is made by combining fine sand with cement in a ratio of about one to one, and then thickening the resulting slurry to the consistency of thick cream. It is important to evenly distribute the mixture across the surface by rubbing it in.

Concrete with protrusions, fins, or other surface irregularities should be chiselled, hammered, or wire brushed until they are flush with the surrounding concrete. If you want to apply a waterproof membrane system successfully, you need to make sure the surface is as flat as possible. 

The finest outcomes can be expected from doing this. It is not necessary for all concrete surfaces to be on the same plane when using some waterproofing techniques, so long as the changes are subtle and seamless. This is a valid scenario for employing such systems. In such a situation, it is best to contact the waterproofing supplier directly to discuss any particular needs.

Tie rod holes should be thoroughly cleaned and moistened before being filled with the right patching material.

Waterproof Concrete: Is It Enough For Protecting Foundations?

The process of waterproofing a structure protects both the structure and the assets contained within it against the destructive effects of moisture, humidity, and floods. Even though waterproofing systems only make up a small portion of the total cost of a building project, the costs of remediation can be quite expensive if the wrong solution is selected or if it is built badly.

Risk Of Water Ingress

In most cases, the amount of water utilised in concrete production is far higher than the minimum amount needed to hydrate the cement. This surplus of water fills up space in the concrete, resulting in the formation of a network of capillary gaps. Because of this, channels are created through which water can infiltrate the concrete when it is subjected to hydrostatic pressure or the action of capillary forces. When a foundation is built at or near the water table, or in places where heavier soil is more likely to carry more moisture, the danger of water ingress is considerably higher. This is also true of foundations built in locations where heavier soil is more likely to convey water.

Creating Waterproof Concrete

In order to produce concrete that is waterproof, waterproof admixtures are utilised. By lowering both the permeability and the drying shrinkage of the concrete, the admixtures lessen the likelihood that water will penetrate the structure.

When To Use Waterproof Concrete

It is recommended to use waterproof concrete, which is also known as integral concrete, for water-retaining structures and basements that are less critical and are less than 10 metres deep. This is because the soil conditions in these areas are not particularly aggressive, and the effects of flooding are not as severe. This includes unfinished, fundamental utility spaces like car parks and workshops, where a certain amount of seepage and damp patches are acceptable.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Waterproof Concrete

The low cost of materials and the simplicity of installation are only two of the many advantages of waterproof concrete. Ready-mix concrete can be made watertight by having a specialised ingredient added in by the ready-mix maker. This alleviates the pressure on the general contractor to set up time specifically for waterproofing the concrete.

If watertightness is essential, however, special care must be taken in the concrete's installation and polishing, as well as in the choice of materials. Inadequate curing of the concrete, using lower-quality materials, and improper casting and vibration can all lead to honeycombing, shrinkage cracks, and structural cracks that allow water to permeate the building. Using low-quality aggregates can potentially lead to these issues.

Adding water to the mix before transporting the concrete can also lower its permeability to water and air. A high-quality concrete mix and good quality control are necessary to resolving these challenges, but they may be challenging to achieve within the project's budget and time limits.

Repairing Waterproof Concrete

Cracks are inevitable in concrete. Cracking can be caused by a number of factors, including temperature-related stresses, shrinkage, and related difficulties. Water may find its way through even the slightest of cracks. Cracks can be minimised with the addition of waterproof concrete admixtures, but they can't be eliminated entirely.

Injection grouting is often what is done to fix problems with waterproof concrete after it has failed. However, because water can move around within the concrete slab or the walls of the concrete building, it may be challenging to locate the source of the leak in these kinds of scenarios. Since there is no way to remove the water once it has penetrated the concrete, this can lead to major issues such as mould, which can be expensive to cure.

However, there is no other way to prevent these issues from occuring. Because it would be difficult and time-consuming to have to open up walls in order to inject grout, waterproof concrete should be reserved for low-risk areas that have not been finished. This is one of the reasons why. It can be extremely challenging, if not impossible, to obtain access to leaks in deep basements in order to locate and repair them.

When Waterproofing Concrete Isn't Enough

Waterproofing concrete isn't the best option when you need to ensure a dry environment for finished rooms, utility rooms, or storage areas, or when you need to protect a deep basement that can't handle much humidity. This is because hydrostatic forces, which would pump the water into the structure if waterproofing concrete were employed, are resisted by the pre-applied membrane. The waterproofing barrier for a pre-applied system is set up before the concrete floor and walls are poured. After the membrane has been installed, concrete is poured on top of it to establish a bond that effectively blocks the penetration of water and other forms of moisture.

The pre-applied, fully bonded waterproofing on the membrane successfully makes up for any structural flaws. For example, the waterproof membrane should still be fastened to the concrete even if there are holes in it due to ground sinking. Furthermore, the bond between both the concrete and the membrane should be strong enough to ensure that any repair issues are kept to a minimum. This joint prevents water from seeping laterally into the building, making it simpler and cheaper to locate the leak's origin than if the concrete were used as a waterproofing material.

Conclusion

Concrete waterproofing keeps water out. Specialised coatings and chemicals can do this. The user doesn't need a professional to apply most coatings. Skyscrapers, residential buildings, and subfloors use waterproof concrete. Several reasons exist for waterproofing buried concrete.

Water can permeate concrete through hydrostatic pressure, capillary action, and vapour gradient. Cracks, construction flaws, and poorly designed or constructed joints can also let water in. The physical shape, pH (acid, alkaline, neutral, or hydrolytic), and form are also significant. Some substances can damage concrete through poorly understood chemical reactions. For example, porous or tricalcium aluminate-rich concrete can degrade in seawater.

Oxidation, ammonium salts, and animal faeces also deteriorate concrete. Positive hydrostatic pressure makes waterproofing a building's side more effective. Certain manufacturers allow wet concrete floors before installing a waterproofing membrane. The waterproofing technique relies on thoroughly prepared concrete. In many cases, waterproof membranes must adhere well to concrete.

The concrete state can affect the effectiveness of waterproofing systems. Honeycombs, fins, holes, dirt, depressions, humps, dust, and oils aren't allowed. Waterproofing protects a building's walls and floors against the impacts of rain and other damp weather. Overall, waterproofing systems are affordable, but if the wrong solution is chosen or it's built improperly, remedial costs can build up quickly. Waterproof concrete is suitable for water-retaining constructions and basements under 10 metres.

Installation, polishing, and material selection require detail. Waterproof concrete admixtures decrease cracking. Install waterproof concrete only in unfinished or low-risk areas. Finding a basement leak that's too deep can be difficult. Before pouring floors and walls, a waterproofing barrier is applied.

Content Summary

• Waterproofing is a process that prevents water from penetrating the concrete.
• Several methods exist for achieving this goal, including using specialised coatings, the injection of chemicals into the concrete's surface, and the installation of a separate waterproof membrane beneath the concrete.
• In this section, we'll examine a few of the options homeowners have for protecting their homes and the investment they represent, as well as the specifics of what each type of security measure includes.
• Given the market's wide range of concrete types, it cannot be easy to zero in on the most crucial features.
• It's easy to get the terms damp-proof and watertight concrete and waterproof concrete mixed up, yet they all refer to the same thing.
• Along with many big above-ground constructions that would benefit from being able to tolerate water, waterproof concrete is ideal for uses below the earth, where it must be impermeable.
• Waterproofing concrete in areas below ground level is essential to prevent water from seeping in and causing harm.
• Many of these areas also have additional contaminants known to harm some concrete and concrete masonry units.
• Waterproofing concrete surfaces that are below ground level is crucial for some reasons.
• However, it's essential for preventing water from entering the structure and causing damage to the concrete or corrosion to the steel that's embedded in the concrete.
• Moreover, waterproofing is crucial to stop the concrete from deteriorating due to the presence of chemicals inside and outside the building.
• Aggressive dry gases may come into contact with enough moisture within the concrete to launch an attack.
• However, the potential damage from water or salt solutions can be mitigated by incorporating enough air into the concrete.
• When this is done initially, high-quality concrete can generate air bubbles of the right size, spacing, and distribution.
• Subterranean buildings often have these substances in the soil or the environment around them.
• The designer must make sure that a thorough chemical analysis of the soil has been performed before beginning work on the waterproofing system design.
• The presence of certain chemicals may compromise waterproofing effectiveness.
• Acidic industrial wastes, sour milk, hay, weakly based salts, fruit juices, and some untreated waters are all examples of acid-containing or acid-producing substances that can contribute to the deterioration of concrete alongside chemical attacks from organic and mineral acids.
• Many substances can damage concrete by altering its chemical makeup through reaction reactions that are just vaguely understood.
• When refined petroleum products are free of fatty oil additives and other potentially acidic components, they pose no threat to fully cured concrete.
• Waterproofing is essential for concrete buildings because it keeps water out, which protects the concrete's structural components and the embedded reinforcing steel.
• In addition to being a porous material, concrete can absorb water from various directions.
• All the cracks, control joints, and expansion joints in a concrete structure are potential entry points for water.
• It's a common topic of debate whether or not positive-side waterproofing is better than negative-side waterproofing.
• Waterproofing is more effective when applied to the side of a building when hydrostatic pressure is positive.
• If you want your waterproofing materials to adhere well, you must carefully prepare the surfaces they will be applied to.
• The effectiveness of the waterproofing depends heavily on the quality of the surface preparation.
• Preparing the concrete properly is essential to the success of the waterproofing system.
• The state of the concrete below greatly affects the effectiveness of waterproofing systems.
• To support the waterproofing material and effective adhesion between the membrane and the substrate, the surface must be flat and free of honeycombs, fins, holes, dirt, depressions, humps, dust, oils, and any other surface pollutants.
• Waterproofing membranes and concrete surfaces must adhere well for several reasons.
• The designer in the requirements section must specify concrete preparation.
• Waterproofing material disputes typically revolve around who is responsible for ensuring the concrete is properly prepared and who should make necessary repairs before applying the material.
• Bonding grout or bond coat combines fine sand with cement in a ratio of about one to one and then thickens the resulting slurry to the consistency of thick cream.
• If you want to successfully apply a waterproof membrane system, you must ensure the surface is as flat as possible.
• It is not necessary for all concrete surfaces to be on the same plane when using some waterproofing techniques, so long as the changes are subtle and seamless.
• Even though waterproofing systems only make up a small portion of the total cost of a building project, remediation costs can be quite expensive if the wrong solution is selected or is built badly.
• To produce waterproof concrete, waterproof admixtures are utilised.
• By lowering both the permeability and the drying shrinkage of the concrete, the admixtures lessen the likelihood that water will penetrate the structure.
• It is recommended to use waterproof concrete, also known as integral concrete, for water-retaining structures and basements that are less critical and less than 10 metres deep.
• The low cost of materials and the simplicity of installation are only two advantages of waterproof concrete.
• Ready-mix concrete can be made watertight by having a specialised ingredient added in by the ready-mix maker.
• If water tightness is essential, however, special care must be taken in the concrete's installation and polishing and in the choice of materials.
• Inadequate concrete curing, using lower-quality materials, and improper casting and vibration can all lead to honeycombing, shrinkage, and structural cracks that allow water to permeate the building.
• A high-quality concrete mix and good quality control are necessary to resolve these challenges, but they may be challenging to achieve within the project's budget and time limits.
• Injection grouting is often done to fix waterproof concrete problems after it has failed.
• Because it would be difficult and time-consuming to open up walls to inject grout, waterproof concrete should be reserved for low-risk areas that have not been finished.
• It can be extremely challenging, if not impossible, to obtain access to leaks in deep basements to locate and repair them.
• Waterproofing concrete isn't the best option to ensure a dry environment for finished rooms, utility rooms, or storage areas or to protect a deep basement that can't handle much humidity.
• This is because hydrostatic forces, which would pump the water into the structure if waterproofing concrete were employed, are resisted by the pre-applied membrane.
• The waterproofing barrier for a pre-applied system is set up before the concrete floor and walls are poured.
• The pre-applied, fully bonded waterproofing on the membrane successfully makes up for any structural flaws.
• This joint prevents water from seeping laterally into the building, making it simpler and cheaper to locate the leak's origin than if the concrete were used as a waterproofing material.