Is Concrete Waterproof?

Concrete is not waterproof and it also absorbs water well making it an ideal surface for airport runways and sidewalks. Regular concrete is not fully waterproof. But, there is waterproof concrete out there. 

If you are inquiring about what concrete actually is, allow me to inform you. Concrete is a structural material that consists of a hard, chemical based substance usually known as aggregate, (sand, gravel, stone, chips and brick) that is then bonded together by cement and water. 

The ingredients used to produce concrete can be found the following equation: 

• Concrete = Binding Material + Fine & Coarse Aggregate + Water + Admixture

Concrete is an extremely useful material for construction work. When all ingredients (cement, aggregate and water) are mixed together, a reaction occurs between both the cement and water which bind themselves into a hardened form. 

The durable substance is easy to create and can be formed into various shapes and sizes. It is designed to offer reliable and efficient construction alongside being able to face earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes. This just depicts the sheer power of concrete as it is able to withstand the power of nature. 

A Deeper Look Into Waterproof Concrete

Waterproof concrete is both damp-proof and watertight. This means soil moisture is prevented from getting through to the concrete but water also cannot enter it either in most cases as there is possibility that concrete can get damp. 

Once erosion occurs, moisture and water can enter the pores of the concrete, this leads to cracks being formed. The more cracks appear, the more water is able to enter the concrete. This is a progressive process and it will take a while for results to show due to the durability of concrete. But, concrete will begin to look worn out and will start to deteriorate from the inside then out. 

That is why it is vital to invest in high quality concrete as once concrete obtains damage or any other fault it is both lengthy and costly to fix. If you were to buy cheap concrete you will be spending more money anyway in repairs. 

The Benefits Of Waterproof Concrete

There are multiple benefits that come with using waterproof concrete. Some of these include: 

• Strong, durable structure: Waterproof concrete allows less moisture to seep into the concrete. This causes fewer cracks making it a more resilient substance.
  
  
• Reduces maintenance costs: Less time and money spent on repairs, this is due to less erosion and deterioration.

• Increases property value: Having waterproof concrete in a property is a unique selling point as it will give buyers a sense of reassurance as they wont need to deal with water related issues. 

• Prevents mould and mildew: This creates a healthier environment as it reduces the risk of illness. 

• Maintains a fresh look: Waterproof concrete won’t deteriorate from water exposure allowing it to maintain a fresh appearance.  

Waterproof Concrete Mix

Waterproofing occurs in concrete. However, to obtain tighter concrete, the concrete admixture reduces the number of air pores and therefore also the water permeability of the concrete. 

Waterproof concrete is an impermeable concrete that is used for long-lasting, resilient watertight construction. 

Waterproof concrete has a ratio of, water – cement ratio of 0.45, and a cubic metre might have 950kg of stones, 1000 kg of sand, 350 kg of OPC and 157.5L of water.