Why Your Concrete Project Needs Waterproof Sealer

by Kevin Smith Author

One question many people working with concrete, inside or outside, struggle with is whether they should seal the concrete after it has hardened. While there are some applications where waterproof concrete sealer is not warranted or appropriate, the majority of the time, the answer to that question is “yes.” Here are the benefits of waterproofing your concrete project.

Structural Integrity

Water or moisture is the enemy of concrete. It can invite a host of living organisms into the fissures of the concrete, it can freeze and create fractures and even erode the concrete if the concrete is left untreated and exposed long enough. Without waterproofing, it is fair to say the lifespan of the concrete is greatly reduced and the structural integrity of the concrete can be compromised.

Mold

Sitting water or moisture (dampness) also promotes the growth of mold. In an interior concrete surface, that can lead to multiple types of health issues. These include, but are not limited to allergies, asthma and a weakened immune system. Waterproofing does not let the moisture sit or settle anywhere, which reduces the possibility mold can begin to grow. Plus, it dries much faster and that can force mold into dormancy or even kill it.

Maintenance Efforts

Untreated concrete can result in maintenance issues such as chipping, erosion and cracking (fractures.) These require specialized treatment that can be both labor-intensive and expensive. The inability of water to damage your concrete also has an impact on the parts of your home or driveway around it. Mold in a crack in a slab in your basement can lead to mold growing in the ceiling and walls, which will require a lot more effort to control than if you just waterproofed the slab.

Property Value

Concrete that is waterproofed protects the structural integrity of the building, protects against mold, helps reduce maintenance costs and looks much better than untreated concrete. Treated concrete also prevents dampness from permeating the concrete which can have an impact on the warmth of the building. Taken all together, that means the value of your building will increase compared to a building with untreated concrete.

Healthier

Waterproofed concrete allows for the creation of an environment that is healthier for all involved. By depriving mold and fungus places to take hold, the overall health of anyone living in the building will remain unaffected. A building that is not damp will also provide a more comfortable living environment.

Waterproof concrete sealer does more than just make your concrete surface look great. If you have not already done so, waterproof your concrete project as soon as you can!