How to make a cement concrete slab waterproof?

1. Waterproofing of Concrete Slab

2. Cement: • Cement is a binding agent that is used during construction. Cement acts like a glue holding sand and gravel. • There are different types of cement that are used depending on the properties like quick-setting or rapid-hardening, etc. Similarly, we even have waterproof cement; just like its name it resists water. It stays unaffected by water and is also known as integral concrete. • Waterproof cement consists of Portland cement to which a water-repellent agent has been added so that it doesn’t get affected by water. It helps construction stay unaffected by moisture and dampness which can very well affect and damage the construction. It is even advisable and prudent of one to select using waterproofing cement for construction in places with heavy rainfall.

3. Waterproof Cement: • Creation: • Waterproof admixtures are used to create waterproof concrete. The admixture reduces the chances of water entrance by reducing the permeability and drying the shrinkage of concrete. • Utility: • Waterproof concrete is generally used in water retaining structures. • Advantages: • Water-resistant (or unaffected by water) • It prevents mold from getting into the walls, and floors • It reduces maintenance cost • Increase property value

4. Concrete slab: • A concrete slab is a common structure of modern buildings, consisting of a flat, horizontal surface made of cast concrete. The slabs are classified as ground-bearing or suspended. A slab is ground-bearing if it rests directly on the foundation, otherwise it is suspended. A concrete slab may be prefabricated or constructed on site.

5. For Newly constructing Concrete Slab : • The Use of concrete has to be defined • As per defined use, the construction design is incorporated. • Post design, Need of concrete grading needs to be identified to give the result as expected. • In concrete design if the Water: Cement ratio (Often termed as W:C ration) is kept in range of 0.3 up to 0.45 depending on the design mix and hydration required for cement • Add Integral Waterproofing admixture available in market in Powder or Liquid form to the prescribed dosage. • Allow it to air-cure / water-cure as per prescribed system. • Your slab is waterproofed for certain limit of hydro-static pressure.

6. For Newly constructing Concrete Slab : • For additional protection • Use Coating based product with available options are: • Cement Coating • Bitumen Based Coating • Acrylic based coating • PU based coating • Use of Pre-Formed Membrane with available options are: • Self Sticking (Self Adhering) • Thermo-setting (Torch Applied)

7. For Old Concrete Slab / Existing Concrete Slab : • Existing concrete slab has to be cleaned and surface preparation has to be done. • Use of penetrating primer for better adhesion on waterproofing to sustain longevity. • Use Coating based product with available options are: • Cement Coating • Bitumen Based Coating • Acrylic based coating • PU based coating • Use of Pre-Formed Membrane with available options are: • Self Sticking (Self Adhering) • Thermo-setting (Torch Applied)