We all want homes that look good, but saving money is essential as well. Concrete waterproofing adds a protective barrier to your wall and prevents water from seeping through the cracks. It’s a great way to save money on your property.
It adds years to your concrete surface, and it won’t crack or break under even extreme weather conditions. There are different steps to getting a solid waterproof seal on your surface. Check them out!
Surface Preparation
This is the most crucial step to making your concrete waterproof. You need to clean off all debris and fix any cracks in the surface and scrape away any mildew with a scraper if possible. Mildew removal will help the sealant stick to the concrete properly.
No matter what kind of finish you want on the surface, just before applying it, you need a clean and smooth finish underneath it. You may want to hire professional cleaners for these tasks or do it yourself. After cleaning and repairing, make sure that your concrete is completely dry before moving onto the next step.
Buy the Right Concrete Waterproofer
Today there are various brands of concrete sealants on the market. It’s essential to find the best-suited product for your specific project. Factors like: the age, condition, material grade, and size of your slab will determine what you will need to get professional results.
To avoid any unnecessary headaches, we suggest that you contact us directly at Elizabeth Concrete Foundations. Our experts will analyze your needs and offer detailed advice about how to go forward with your job. Trust us! This small amount of time could save you thousands later on!
Seal It Up
The next step to take is sealing up your surface to keep it from absorbing and allowing water to seep in. Be sure you get in all cracks and crevices, as these are some of the biggest reasons why areas need to be sealed up. Failing to do this will lead to much more expensive problems down the road.
Let It Dry
Once you’ve applied the sealer, it needs to dry. Typically a 12 hour drying time is what works best for this kind of concrete waterproofing application. While your surface is drying, you can start applying any other additional finishing touches that you want.
For instance, if you want to include an ornamental design of some sort with concrete stains, this would be a great time to do so. After it dries, all you have left to do is clean up the excess product or areas where things might not have dried right.
Apply the Topcoat
After the waterproof sealant has dried, you can apply the topcoat to the surface. Use a roller and start from one end and work towards the other. Ensure there are no bald spots and try not to skimp out on the product because this will cause issues later.
The goal here is to ensure no cracks or breaks form in your sealant, so make sure you get it applied correctly. Allow your surface to dry fully for not less than 24 hours. Remove any spills and clean up all materials around the area.
Do You Need A Professional?
You know what they say: if you can afford it, get one; otherwise, you’ll surely regret it. We’re not saying that a professional waterproofing company is expensive. Instead, they are more experienced and will do the job right.
If you need exterior waterproofing, hire an expert at elizabethconcrete.com. Call us on (908) 249-0906. We’ll inspect your home and give you an idea of what needs to be done for it to stop leaking.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several steps involved in this process that require attention to detail and persistence. It will take some time, but it is essential for your house, so be patient!