Concrete is a crucial element when it comes to building. From laying a concrete foundation to paving a sidewalk with it, concrete is widely used throughout the world to make life easier for humanity. But when water and erosion come into the picture, this strong, sturdy material can easily get broken down with mold, the elements, and more. Luckily, there are many things you can do to prevent and protect your concrete from water damage. Whether you’re laying a foundation for a commercial building or just doing some backyard renovations, there are many ways you can protect your concrete from water damage.
Properly lay it.
First things first, if you want to prevent water damage from your home and protect concrete from the elements with your home renovation or commercial project, you have to lay it properly first. That means doing proper research or trusting a professional to get the job done. To properly lay concrete, first start with preparing the site. Make sure you level the ground and fill it with loose gravel and wire mesh to give the concrete a firm foundation before you start pouring. This will create stability and structure for the loose mix to cling to as it hardens.
Seal it.
Now that your concrete is properly laid, sealing it is one of the best ways to combat water damage. Sealing the concrete works by creating a hard seal outside of the porous concrete. After the concrete has finished curing, applying a seal shortly after should help prolong the life of your concrete. If you haven’t sealed your concrete yet, don’t worry! It’s never too late to seal it. Just be sure to make the area as clean and dry as possible – using a shop vacuum to remove any standing water. Concrete sealing is something you may be able to do yourself, but if you’re unsure, consider hiring a professional concrete sealer to get the job done.
Account for drainage.
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting concrete from water damage. So, before you get started on laying concrete, be sure to account for drainage around the area. Water can easily corrode concrete over a period of time, so having proper drainage will help mitigate the risk of stagnant water seeping into the concrete and destroying the foundation. Be sure to scope out the area in which you’ll be laying concrete to see if groundwater stands still or runs off. If it doesn’t you can still proceed, just be sure to create drainage.
Consider soil and vegetation.
The soil and vegetation around your concrete also have a huge impact on preventing water damage. Areas with dense soil are best for laying concrete because the harder soil will not absorb as much rain water. You can landscape the slope of the site so that water runs away from the concrete instead of toward it. Also, be mindful of weeds and flowers. If you have a lot of vegetation by your concrete, be mindful of weeds popping out and causing structural damage.
Be watchful for the first sign of damage.
If you’ve done all this and still want to prevent water damage, the best thing you can do is be watchful. Concrete has some tell-tale signs that water damage is on the way or already here. Watch for cracks and unevenness in the concrete as time goes by. If you have concrete in your home, be on the lookout for musty smells, a clear sign of mold.
Water damage can be the downfall of concrete, but if you take the proper steps to prevent and monitor, your foundation, pavers, and more will last for years.