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Key Takeaways

  • Moisture intrusion is the leading cause of concrete damage. The American Concrete Institute identifies surface moisture intrusion as the number-one source of damage, corrosion, and staining in concrete. Water is essential during mixing, placement, and curing, and becomes the material’s main adversary once the structure is finished.
  • Concrete is porous, which is the whole problem. It’s a composite of water, cement, and aggregate that hardens into something rock-like but leaves a porous surface layer behind. That porosity lets it absorb water it was never meant to hold, and the absorption erodes the outer layer and works into cracks.
  • There are four broad approaches. Industrial-strength sealants that block large pores, impermeable coatings that stop moisture passage, waterproof membranes, and surface encapsulation. Which one fits depends on the structure, the exposure, and where the water is actually coming from.
  • A real assessment involves testing, not just looking. Contractors combine visual inspection with moisture and humidity testing and physical measurement to locate the source of intrusion and identify vulnerable areas. Treating the visible symptom without finding the source leaves the problem in place.
  • Retail sealant and industrial product aren’t the same category. Professional-grade materials are generally sold to businesses and wholesale buyers rather than at hardware stores, and applying them properly takes specific equipment. Waterproofing work also has to satisfy local, state, and federal building codes.

Concrete is one of the most popular materials in modern construction due to its durability and sustainability. Without proper preventative measures, however, even the sturdiest concrete structures can wear down over time. One of the worst occurrences that can significantly shorten the lifespan of concrete is exposure to water.

Despite the usefulness of water during the production, curing, and placement process during construction, water is one of the worst enemies of concrete once a building is complete. Water can erode a concrete’s outer layer, seep into cracks, and eventually weaken the foundational integrity of the entire structure. Unfortunately, many property owners may not notice problems with concrete until it is too late.

Waterproofing is the best way to protect your concrete structure. This process uses chemical treatments or structural techniques to create an impervious barrier that shields your concrete from cracking as it hardens. It is an important step to prevent leaky walls or foundational cracks that can damage a building. While it may feel tempting to tackle waterproofing yourself, reaching out to an expert is the best way to save time and money in the long run. A look at the top reasons for hiring a professional for waterproofing can help you make the best decision for your property.

What Is Concrete Waterproofing?

Concrete waterproofing is a preventative method to correct vulnerabilities inherent in this construction material. While the benefits of concrete far exceed any weaknesses, the composition of this material makes it especially susceptible to problems with moisture. Concrete is a composite mixture of water, cement, and sand or gravel known as aggregate. These ingredients combine to form a thick mass that builders can pour to create concrete structures. Concrete becomes strong and rock-like as it dries, but it also forms a porous surface layer. Unfortunately, this porosity means that concrete can absorb too much water even if a building needs to remain dry. According to the American Concrete Institute, surface moisture intrusion is the number-one source of concrete damage, corrosion, or stains.

Professionals use a variety of waterproofing techniques to address the high porosity of concrete. For example, they can apply industrial-strength sealants to block large pores and prevent absorption of water. They can apply an impermeable layer of coating to prevent the passage of moisture. Other methods include waterproof membranes or surface encapsulation. A professional can assess your property and determine which technique works best for your needs.

Why Should You Hire a Professional Waterproofing Contractor?

It is always best to work with a professional contractor instead of tackling the stress of waterproofing concrete on your own. The benefits of hiring a professional include quality and expertise, access to the latest technology, skilled assessment and inspection, time and cost savings, and enhanced property value.

Experience and Expertise

Professional contractors bring irreplaceable experience and specialized expertise to waterproofing services. They can identify the root cause of excessive moisture exposure and also understand the nuances of problem areas like foundations, expansion joints, or concrete walls. Waterproofing is all about protecting the structural integrity of your building or property. Therefore, it is best to entrust your investment with an expert who can fix issues before they worsen into more serious problems. Instead of just covering up surface-layer symptoms, experts have the training necessary to fully shield your property from unwanted moisture or water damage.

Tools and the Latest Technology

Trained professionals also have access to the latest waterproofing technology. These tools and technological advances are often industrial-grade and only available to businesses or wholesale buyers. Instead of going to a hardware store and hoping to find a sealant labeled for retail sale, enlist the help of a professional who already has quality supplies on hand. In addition, a contractor has the equipment necessary to implement the new technology in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

Professional Assessment and Inspection

Before starting any waterproofing treatment, most contractors conduct a thorough inspection or survey of the concrete structure. This process may include visual assessments, moisture or humidity testing, and physical measurements. In this way, the professional can identify the source of possible water intrusion as well as pinpoint vulnerable areas that need extra attention. By working with an expert, you can proceed with confidence without the risk of undetected problem zones in your concrete.

Time and Cost Savings

Trying to waterproof concrete yourself is a labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive undertaking. Without advanced equipment or experience, you may end up spending more time and money than you originally anticipated. And if something goes wrong, the cost of correcting errors can quickly cancel out any money you attempted to save from trying to complete the project alone. A professional has the best quality control workflow in place to eliminate hassle and complete the job correctly the first time.

Compliance With Local Laws and Codes

Compliance with local, state, and federal building codes and regulations remains one of the most important reasons to hire a professional contractor. By attempting to waterproof concrete without knowledge of the rules, you can unwittingly violate laws on the books. This can result in costly fines and consequences. Since many of these codes exist for safety reasons, lack of compliance could unknowingly put building occupants at risk. By working with a professional contractor, you can avoid the dangers and penalties associated with non-compliance. Since regulations can change as often as annually, hiring a professional can give you peace of mind that you are up-to-date with the latest rules for your type of property.

Comprehensive Solutions

Waterproofing concrete is much more than patching up your flooring or structure and then hoping for the best. Since every property is unique with its own building history and intended usage, it is important to consult with a professional for a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs. Commercial properties may need waterproofing in the concrete areas of their parking lots, storage warehouses, or retail spaces. No matter the need, a professional can develop a customized plan of action that is right for you.

Protection Against Mold and Mildew

Excessive moisture can lead to the growth of mold, algae, or mildew. As mold spores travel through the air and settle on surfaces, they can cause problems for building occupants that range from allergies to serious respiratory illnesses. Professional contractors can evaluate the status of water intrusion and develop a waterproofing plan that encourages dry and well-ventilated rooms.

Enhanced Property Value

Professional waterproofing may increase the value of your property. If you plan to sell your space in the future, buyers and assessors can appreciate quality waterproofing that conserves the structural integrity of the building. Expert waterproofing also makes your property an easier sell when it is time to put it on the market.

Contact Us Today

Waterproofing concrete is an advanced project meant for the experts. If you need help getting started, we are here for you. KPost Company provides waterproofing services for properties in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas.

We also provide emergency services as well as weather-related and storm repair. No matter the concrete issue, we can help. Contact KPost Company today for all waterproofing needs.

FAQs

A sealer is a surface treatment that repels water and slows staining, usually lasting a few years. Waterproofing is a system designed to stop water under pressure, which can mean a membrane, a crystalline treatment that grows into the concrete pores, or injection at cracks and joints. Sealers are fine for a patio. They will not hold back groundwater against a foundation wall.

Width, direction, and movement tell the story. Hairline shrinkage cracks that run in random patterns and stay the same size are usually cosmetic. Cracks wider than about an eighth of an inch, cracks that run diagonally from corners, and cracks that keep widening point to movement that needs evaluation before any waterproofing goes over them. Coating over an active crack just moves the failure a few months out.

Yes, though the options narrow. New construction allows positive-side waterproofing on the outside face where water hits first, which is always the better approach. On an existing building, the work shifts to negative-side systems applied from the interior, plus injection grouting at active leaks. Both work, but the interior route requires more diagnostic work up front.

A properly installed system on sound concrete is generally designed to last the life of the structure, which is why substrate condition and surface preparation carry so much weight in the outcome. Failures almost always trace back to preparation shortcuts or to a product used outside its intended application. Our concrete and masonry repair team handles both the repair and the waterproofing so responsibility does not get split.
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