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What is Cement Waterproofing?
Cement waterproofing refers to the application of a moisture barrier to cement walls or floors. Many of these moisture barriers are created as epoxy or latex mixes that will be applied as a basement or foundation sealant. Before starting the concrete waterproofing, steps should be taken to repair and prepare the surface for waterproofing.
The first step in cement waterproofing is repairing the walls or floors to be sealed. Repairing cracks and holes in the concrete or cement will help to stop moisture from leaking through the concrete. Cracks and holes can most often be repaired with the use of mortar. Before filling the cracks and holes with mortar, the damaged concrete or cement may need to be removed from the area surrounding the point of damage.
Additional work may be needed before starting the cement waterproofing if there is a steady leak through the damaged section. In order to repair this section of the wall, a leak pipe may need to be placed in the hole with mortar surrounding the hole. If the leak reduces to a small trickle, the pipe may be removed at the discretion of the person repairing the cement. If there is a steady stream of water leaking from the pipe, a drainage system may need to be established for the water.
After all repairs are complete, the walls or floors should be ready for cement waterproofing. If the surface has been painted in the past, this paint may need to be removed in order for the water sealant to adhere to the concrete. Sandblasting, wire brushing, or sanding are three ways to remove the old paint from the concrete surface.
When the paint has been removed, the cement waterproofing compound can be applied to the desired area. The surface will need to be sprayed with a light film of water before brushing the foundation sealant onto it. If it is a floor is being waterproofed, no standing water should be left on the floor when the water sealant is applied.
Cement waterproofing often requires more than one coat of sealant. Most water sealants used in home waterproofing require a full day to dry before a second coat can be applied. Before applying the second coat, the surface will need to be sprayed with a mist of water again. There are normally no limits on how many coats of water sealant may be applied to a concrete or cement surface.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
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![Filling cracks in concrete can help with waterproofing.]()
Filling cracks in concrete can help with waterproofing. -
![Dry cement powder.]()
By: brunobarillariDry cement powder. -
![Cement waterproofing is often applied as a latex mix.]()
By: tinadefortunataCement waterproofing is often applied as a latex mix. -
![Cement floors should be cleaned to remove grime and stains before waterproofing.]()
By: csimagemakersCement floors should be cleaned to remove grime and stains before waterproofing. -
![Cement waterproofing is usually performed after the cement has cured.]()
By: KadmyCement waterproofing is usually performed after the cement has cured.
Discussion Comments
If you have a cement driveway, is it a good idea to waterproof it, or is it a waste of money?
I have noticed that a lot of people have cracked driveways and wonder if this has to do with extended exposure to the elements. We get some pretty harsh rainstorms here, so I think that all of the water could be part of the problem.
Cement driveways are fairly expensive to replace, so I am wondering if a good cement sealant would extend the life of my driveway.
Does anyone have any experience with sealing his or her driveway? Do you think it is easy enough to do yourself, or should I hire someone?
If you are buying a home with an unfinished basement, make sure that it has all of the cement waterproofed. I wish I had checked this before at our home, as water damage can be pretty terrible.
If you are unsure, and the homeowner doesn't know, it is a good idea just to get someone in to reseal the basement. This can be a pretty labor-intensive task so it is best to hire professionals.
Overall, I don't think this is too expensive of a task, especially not if you plan to finish the basement yourself later on. I figure it is better to be safe than sorry, when securing your home from flooding.
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