Below-grade areas in Sydney are required to have waterproofing concrete to prevent water intrusion as well as structural damage. Many areas in Sydney have adequate high-ground topography with previously good drainage patterns. These have unfortunately been exhausted over time. Due to this, the best and most convenient solution is finding the low-lying areas of these sites. Waterproofing concrete in Sydney is a necessity for these below-grade concrete surfaces, and there are several reasons for this.
Reasons For Waterproofing Concrete
The first and foremost reason for waterproofing concrete in Sydney is to keep moisture from seeping into buildings. By waterproofing concrete, you're also protecting your property and structural contents from getting damaged and avoiding any corrosion to embedded steel.
By design, concrete is a porous material which means water can easily pass through it via hydrostatic pressure, capillary action and water vapour gradient. What's more, water can also infiltrate cracks, improperly designed buildings, installed joints and structural defects. By waterproofing concrete, you can eliminate deterioration to the concrete caused by interior and exterior chemicals present on building sites.
Susceptibility Of Concrete To Chemicals
Concrete can easily fall victim to chemicals because of the three primary composition characteristics: alkalinity, permeability, and reactivity.
Alkaline hydrated cement binders can easily react to acidic substances. This reaction is usually accompanied by a formation and removal of soluble reaction material, leading to disintegrating the concrete. Whenever reaction material becomes insoluble, sediments are formed on concrete surfaces or within the concrete itself, causing a reduced reaction rate.
With permeability, liquids and gasses will vary with different types of concrete. Even the best quality concrete will have a degree of permeability which increases rapidly with the increased water-cement ratio in relation to decreased moisture-curing time.
Cracks, Openings And Points Of Infiltration
Waterproofing concrete structures will keep moisture at bay from facilities and concrete structures and protect structural components. Waterproofing needs to be maintained to preserve the integrity of the concrete.
However, it is essential to remember that concrete can crack prior to and once it hardens. These cracks can lead to openings that are susceptible to moisture seeping in. Before the concrete hardens, cracks can also develop due to construction movement, dry shrinkage, and early frost damage. This is why waterproofing concrete from a reputable company in Sydney is important.
It is important that your designer specifies the correct substrate preparation in concrete divisions. Waterproofing your concrete will go a long way. At Waterproofing Direct, we perform waterproofing of concrete along with repairs to the highest standards. Speak to us about your waterproofing concrete needs in Sydney.
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