Monday 18 September 2017

What You Should Know About Concrete Waterproofing Admixture

By Daniel King


Generally, constructing a building or any form of structure is very expensive and time-consuming. If not done in the proper way, it may lead to a person suffering huge losses due to high maintenance costs that will follow. Concrete on itself is a porous material that absorbs water when exposed to water. This can cause deterioration in performance and eventually failure. Therefore concrete waterproofing admixture is a form of care whereby this material is waterproofed from absorbing liquid substances.

A bare or naked concrete surface will absorb water and other liquids like wines, chemicals, paints, and contaminants. These liquids may pose a threat to health and life of animals and people alongside with affecting the survival of the building. Therefore water penetration reduction is required and can only be done through the application of certain materials. It can be even done to perfection.

These admixtures are used in order to make sure that the pores available in the concrete surface are reduced to almost zero as well as blocking them so that no liquid can pass through. Hydrophilic materials are mostly used because they do not mix with liquids but repel. They are also able to create films in spaces available blocking any available passage. This makes sure that no leakage is left.

Hydrophobic mixtures like petroleum products, oils and chemicals are mainly used to make these materials. This is because they repel when they come into contact with water. This reduces porosity that is on the surface once they are applied on top. They act as a shield or a protective coat for the surface.

Water movement inside the pores is restricted and densified by the use of beautiful solid powders which have the water inert nature. Use of crystalline admixture is also efficient as it contains hydrophilic characteristic. These indicate that the calcium silicate compound available in them becomes dense and dehydrated preventing water from penetrating through the path they follow.

There are also many other materials that are used to provide restriction. However, use or dosing of the admixture varies with the material used and the expected performance or resistance percentage. If the surface to be covered is constantly exposed to water, then the mixture should be applied in a thicker and more concentrated way. Water volume exposed to the surface should also be considered when applying the cover as pressure and force may make water to pass through certain materials if used.

There are very many advantages associated with this activity. First of all, your structure is guaranteed long life and durability. When this is done, no deterioration of the concrete therefore long service. It also offers costs reduction and saving. Costs associated with periodical and regular repairs or reconstruction are eliminated. It also saves time wasted during cyclical repairs and reconstructions.

It also makes one to relax and avoid stress brought fear of collapsing or repair of the fixture. The activity reduces moisture formation, therefore, no mold formation, bacteria breeding, and waterborne defects. Property value is also added when this is done.




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