Concrete is a strong material, but poorly resistant to moisture. Water penetrates into the thickness of the structural elements of buildings erected from it through numerous pores. After its evaporation, white spots and stains form on their surface, which spoils the appearance of the structure. In addition, the material itself begins to collapse under the influence of moisture. In order to increase its water-repellent properties, it is definitely worth using a water repellent for concrete.
Operating principle
Being deposited on concrete, the water repellent is absorbed by the pores and solidifies from the inside on their walls. As a result, capillary moisture, instead of rising up through these micro-channels, is pushed out. This happens only with large water structures. Individual molecules pass through the pores freely. As a result, concrete acquires water-repellent properties and does not lose the ability to pass steam, that is, it remains “breathable”.
Thus, water repellents significantly increase the service life of concrete structures, preventing corrosion processes, increase the strength of their surface layer and frost resistance. In addition, they prevent the appearance of “efflorescences” on the surface of concrete products, thereby preserving their attractive appearance.
Using
A water repellent for concrete can be applied using three different technologies. This tool can be used to process a finished structure or add it to water in the manufacture of concrete mix. In the latter case, the maximum dosage specified by the manufacturer must not be exceeded. This may adversely affect the quality of the finished concrete structure.
Injectable water repellents also exist. In this case, the agent is introduced into the concrete with the help of special tools.
The most popular type of water repellents at the moment are silicone coating. It is very easy to apply them on a concrete surface. They are served in the form of impregnating liquid emulsions or concentrates requiring dilution. For application, you can use any painting tools. Most often, concrete surfaces are coated with water repellents using a roller. In hard-to-reach places use a brush. The product is applied to the surface until the pores stop absorbing it. The water repellent dries in about a day.
Do not apply silicone waterproofing agents before painting the surface. These agents greatly reduce the adhesive properties of materials. Therefore, the walls, balcony, foundation, blind area or curb should be painted first, and then coated with a means that increase the water-repellent properties.
Next, consider what is the best water repellent to buy. Cheap funds from little-known companies can harm concrete structures. Some unscrupulous manufacturers make water-repellents based on sodium, not potassium antisiliconate. Reacting with carbon dioxide, the latter forms a carbonate that can attach water molecules and “grow”, while destroying the surrounding material. Therefore, the products should be purchased only by firms whose products have good reviews.
Top manufacturers
Many manufacturers increase the moisture resistance of concrete. The most popular brands are Aquasil, Tiprom and Penta. These companies produce a sufficiently high-quality water repellent. The price of their products, moreover, is not too high.
Water-repellent Aquasil
Using the means of this company allows to reduce the water absorption of foam concrete and ordinary concrete by 10-15 times. At the same time, the strength of the material increases by 30%. The aforementioned water repellent (only positive reviews about it) is produced by the homonymous domestic company. The main advantages of this brand include:
- reduced alkalinity;
- increased explosion and fire safety;
- long service life (re-processing will need to be carried out no earlier than 10 years).
The products of this manufacturer are supplied in the form of concentrates, which must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 or 1:30. The consumption of water-repellent "Aquasil" is approximately 0.25-0.5 kg per m 2 (depending on the porosity of concrete).
You can use the funds of this brand both as coating and bulk materials. In the latter case, the concentrate is added to the water when mixing the concrete solution (in an amount not exceeding 0.5% by weight of cement). There is a concentrated water repellent for Aquasil concrete about 300 rubles. per kilogram.
Means of the Tiprom brand
It is also a very reliable and durable water repellent. Its service life is 10 years. All funds of the Tiprom brand are divided into three groups:
- with a high level of protection - "Tiprom U" and "Tiprom U1";
- with the middle one - Tiprom K and Tiprom K Lux;
- low - Tiprom D and Wepost Luxe.
The differences between these varieties of water repellent are primarily in the depth of penetration into the concrete surface. So, Tiprom K Lux impregnates the material by 10 mm, and the modification marked “U1” - by 35 mm.
The compositions of this brand are applied in 2-3 layers and absolutely do not change the color of the surface. In general, this is a fairly high-quality water repellent. The price for it can range from 200 to 300 rubles per liter.
The composition of the brand "Penta"
Tools manufactured by this manufacturer are also distinguished by excellent performance. The latest development of this brand - Penta-820 - can be used not only on dry, but also on wet surfaces. This tool is simply ideal for processing walls in damp rooms or basements. Modifications "Penta-811" and "Penta 818" can be used including for volume hydrophobization. The product of this company is perhaps the best water repellent to date.
The service life of Penta funds is at least 10 years. The flow rate of the solution is 1 liter per 3-5 m 2 . The compositions of this brand are also 200-300 rubles.
Water repellent for concrete is actually an effective tool, which can significantly increase the service life of the treated structures and improve their operational characteristics. However, this applies only to high-quality compositions produced by companies with a good reputation. Cheap funds from little-known manufacturers will be useless at best, and at worst, they will cause irreparable damage to the structure and significantly reduce its service life.