Waterproofing
Waterproofing concrete is designed to stop water infiltration through a concrete structure. Waterproofing materials have the ability to bridge cracks that develop over time due to their elastic, flexible nature and the thickness of the applied coating. Waterproofing materials also are designed to withstand hydrostatic pressure and are often in excess of 40 mils thick. Waterproofing must be able to do three things. First, it must stop water vapor transmission, the gaseous form of water that can be released by the surrounding soil and can move through concrete. Second, waterproofing membranes must be able to stop water under hydrostatic pressure. Third and most important is that waterproofing must be able to span a crack in the treated concrete that may develop hair line crack(s) during curing and settling. Materials cited for use in waterproofing applications include:
- Rubberized asphalt coatings (hot and cold applied)
- Rubber-based coatings
- Urethane coatings
- Butyl rubber sheeting
