Concrete blocks are made up when water, cement and rock, sand or gravel are combined. It is one of the mostly used man-made material and also considered the most important component in making walls, buildings, roads, houses and more. It serves as a foundation so it is highly essential to ensure its durability, stability and reliability. Although, even the toughest concrete is prone to damage and water is one of its threat. Due to some instances or extreme weather conditions, water can seep through it and eventually cause damage. So to avoid it, tend it with the best waterproofing for concrete block.
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Contents
The Importance of Waterproofing for Concrete block
Concrete blocks that are not protected and treated can suffer from severe damage over a period of time. They are generally absorbent and can easily absorb moisture that may cause mold problems. Also. Water that enters through the pores can result to foundation seepage in the long run. Water pressure can cause the mortar to go wrong and erode and in some cases, it can make the wall bow inward.
Luckily, there is a possible way to keep these things from happening and that is waterproofing. Waterproofing concrete block can be done on the exterior or in the interior. Each requires different work and processes. Waterproofing the exterior is often the choice as it doesn’t require much preparation, time and effort. It can simply be done by anyone at home provided that you have all the materials you need. And also, it has been made easy thanks to the many available products that can give your concrete block the protection it needs to become water-resistant.
But, why exactly is waterproofing important? You can see the answers below.
It Helps Prevent Damage
No matter how durable concrete it, there is always a risk of damaging it especially if it is exposed to different weather conditions. Small drops of water and moist can be absorbed and trapped inside it and even the UV rays can cause damage to it. Often, it starts with a simple crack, wear away over time, and lead to serious damage afterwards.
These can be avoided by waterproofing. Waterproofing makes the concrete resistant to water, moist, mildew and others. Other waterproofing can also protect concrete against UV rays, thaw damage, salt damage and more leaving a strong building.
It Can Help You Prevent Health Problems
Yes, without waterproofing, you may also face health problems eventually. The growth of molds and mildew can be expected with moisture trapped in the interior of your homes and buildings. It can be the birth of spores, cells produced by bacteria which can grow into a new one. When inhaled, spores can go straight to your lungs and may affect your health. Other bacteria can also lead to allergic reactions, irritation and respiratory problems. It can be avoided with waterproofing.
It Can Save You Money, Time and Effort
Constant damage on the concrete and fixing it can take so much of your time and effort and may also cost much. Simply fixing the damage can give you only a temporary comfort and doesn’t solve the problem completely. Waterproofing may also cost much but not as much as what you spend on fixing the problem repeatedly. Most importantly,it leads to better results and protection that can lasts a long time.
15 Best Waterproofing for Concrete Block
Now that you have fully understood the role of waterproofing and important it is, it is time to look through the best waterproofing for concrete block. Choose depending on what you need and whichever is suitable for your project.
DAMTITE Waterproofing 01211 Maximum Coverage White Powder Waterproofer
Are you thinking of protecting your white-colored concrete walls? DAMTITE waterproofing might be the best choice for you. It is a powder waterproofer that you can get in white color. Just mix it with the right amount of water and brush it on the surface like paint. It can be of great use in both indoors and outdoors.
Other than concrete, it can also be used effectively even on interior of drinking water concrete tanks and cisterns as it is made safe. It also helps in reducing radon gas that penetrates through walls. Moreover, it works on either wet or dry surfaces. It can give you the protection your walls need and make them look neat.
Liquid Rubber Foundation and Basement Sealant
A nature-friendly yet heavy-duty waterproof coating. Whether you have got leaks or you just want to protect your house or building foundation, this rubber coating is for you. It works equally well on concrete, wood, ICF foundation, retaining walls, planter boxes and more. You can also use it to bridge joints, seams, and gaps.
This water-based waterproofer can leave surfaces with high-performance waterproof membrane. It can resist cracking and chipping and slumping isn’t a problem when you apply it on vertical exterior. Also, it doesn’t have any harmful odors. You can apply it using a brush, a roller or a sprayer. Just make sure that the surface is completely dry before you apply it. After applying, leave it for 24-48 hours for drying.
Eco Advance EACON16CON Waterproofer
A “breathable” waterproof barrier is what this waterproofer promises. This waterproofer is a liquid concentrate formula that you can simply spray on surfaces to protect them from water damage, mildew and others. It also protects walls and surfaces against UV damage. It is said to be “breathable” as it doesn’t trap moisture in substrate.
This waterproofer works toughly against damage yet it is safe around plants, pets, and people. Plus, it dries on surfaces without changing their color. It dries so quiskly that you can already walk on the surface 2 hours after applying it. You can use it on concrete, bricks, stone, pavers and more.
Seal-Krete 700005 Heavy Duty Water Proofer Hi Solids
Seal-Krete Heavy Duty Water Proofer is a water-based formula combined with hi-solids formula to make it equally effective on split face, fluted or decorative blocks. It also works on fixing chalky surfaces or bare vertical substrates, aluminum siding and tilt-ups and it toughens mortar joints and it also lowers the surface pH of alkaline substrates and helps in reviving the natural colors of old vinyl and aluminum siding and stucco.
It comes in satin finish and it helps the surface resist cracking, hipping, peeling and UV rays, it works by stopping water penetration and it gives surfaces a heavy-duty breathable film to prepare them for painting.
Drylok 28613 Extreme Latex Masonry Waterproofer
Whether your existing masonry needs fixing or you need to protect a new construction, DRYLOK Extreme Masonry Waterproofer works equally well. This latex-based formula can resist up to 15 pounds of hydrostatic pressure and helps shield surfaces from radon gas penetration. It actually works by seeping through the surface pores and attaching to the masonry to create a tough barrier.
It works like a paint so you can simply apply it with a brush or a roller. It’s tintable and can help you achieve a smooth finish. In addition, it has a low-odor formula that complies with all VOC requirements.
Ames Water-based High Strength Elastometric Liquid Rubber
This waterproofing from Ames is a mixture of adhesive, tough and elastic liquid rubber. You can rely on it to work even on extreme conditions like below-grade foundations and basement walls. After applying and drying, it creates an elastic membrane that resist not only water but also cracking, peeling, fungus, mold and mildew. What you can see in the container is already a ready-to-use blend which you can apply on metal, wood, concrete and others. It’s best waterproofing for concrete block.
In case the surface has cracks, you need not to worry. This mixture runs through them in liquid from and dries up as a strong barrier. It is white in color and it can be cleaned with water easily.
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer doesn’t only give high-performance protection; it also gives the surface a beautiful glossy wet look. It’s a water-based sealer which you can use it for indoors and outdoors project and can be applied easily using a spray, a brush or a roll. Other than concrete, it can also be used on slate, brick and others.
With this waterproofing on the surface, it can resist water, chemicals and UV rays. It makes the surface shiny without changing its color. This mixture is clear and resistance to wear as well. A gallon of this can cover an approximate of 500 sq. feet.
Olympic Stain Waterproofing Sealant for Wood, Concrete, Brick
Olympic is one of the reputable brand that has been trusted since 1938. Their years of experience and excellence is enough for you to trust this stain waterproofing sealant that they created. It’s clear in color and it help you guard concrete, brick, wood and others against water that can eventually lead to damages. It deeply penetrates on the surface to give it a complete protection.
It’s free of harmful odors and complies VOC requirements. You can easily clean it with water and work on both indoors and outdoors projects. It gives you a matte finish after application. Even with one application, it can already give you the protection you need.
Rubberseal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing and Protective Coating
This rubber waterproofing and coating is named the best for a reason. It is a high-quality liquid rubber product that can be easily applied on surfaces and can withstand 150 pounds of PSI. It can stick to any materials of any shape so it is considered an ideal product for different projects. to You can use it to tend to leaks or to protect new construction.
Rubberseal is also environment-friendly. It is odor-free so you can apply it with ease. It’s said to give protection to surfaces for up to 15 years and is resistant to aging and UV exposures making it an ideal product for outdoor use. It promises to solve waterproofing problems permanently.
Ames Blue Max Liquid Rubber
Have you got leaks in your basements, foundations, etc. or you want to protect your new construction against future water damage problems? You may try solving these with the help of this liquid rubber sealer by AMES. First off, it is blue in color and is highly adhesive for up to 800% elongation. Its extreme resistant to water can work even on below grade foundations, basement walls and cisterns.
Apply it on the surface and you can see that it can remain elastic even in freezing temperatures. Make sure to apply it in a seamless way to make the surface invulnerable to water. This product is ideal for indoor use. If you want to use it outdoors, you should top coat it to give the surface UV protection.
Custom Building Products Redgard Waterproofing
Crack prevention, and waterproofing are what you can get from Custom Building Products’ Radgard Waterproofing. As per instruction, a single coat can give your tiles protection against cracking and a double coat waterproofs a surface. It seeps through cracks making the surface durable and protected.
A gallon of this is estimated to cover about 50 square feet so make sure you get the amount you need. It is considered one of the best waterproofing membrane that works even on showers. It is also very easy to apply and dry. Moreover, it can be washed off with only soap and water provide that you clean it before it totally dries up.
Armor WL550 Matte Wet-look Sealer
Armor Matte Wet-look Sealer was made to help you seal, improve and protect your concrete from damage and deterioration caused by water penetration. It is a solvent-based acrylic waterproofer that can be used indoors and outdoors. When applied, it flows through the concrete and bonds to the pores giving an enhanced and tough matte wet-look finish.
It is known to reduce water absorption on the surface by up to 95%, and with just one coat, you can already get a protection for up to 5 years. As per recommendation, it should be applied on completely dry surface. With this, you can beautify and protect your concrete at the same time.
Siloxa-Tek 8500 Ultra Concentrate Concrete Sealer
This concrete sealer from Siloxa is one of those products that provides an incomparable penetration power and heavy-duty waterproofing. It is a water-based siloxane that diffuses deep down the pores of the concrete to reduce water and moist from seeping through. Other than that, it makes the surface resistant to salt-damage, freeze thaw damage, cracking, mold, mildew and other things that may cause damage in the long run.
Application of this water proofer is also easy and it doesn’t have any effect on the surface color. It can be applied to polished, cured or even honed concrete. You can use it on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. It is low on VOC and it meets DOT specifications.
Masonry Defender All Purpose Sealer
A waterproofer that gives protection to all exterior, masonry and concrete surfaces such as brick, concrete, sandstone and more. This water-based formula is eco-friendly, almost odorless and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. With this, you can build a tough surface that can protect your concrete from water and freeze damage. It is also breathable, allowing moisture to escape to prevent cracking and delaminating.
Moreover, it doesn’t form any film, and leaves the surface color as it is. To get the best results, make sure to clean and dry the surface thoroughly before applying it. Also, this product is ideal for outdoor use only.
Laticrete Hydro Barrier
Laticrete Hydro Barrier another one of the waterproofing that receive positive feedback from those who have experienced using it. It seems thin when applied but it is enough to bear certain weights, prevent water from seeping through the waterproofing concrete block and protect it from cracks and other damages. You can easily apply it with a paint brush, air sprayer or roller.
This light blue sealer changes to a darker color when it is completely dry and is guaranteed safe. It prevents the surface from stain which can cause mold and mildew growth overtime. It is a great product for waterproofing but it is not an advisable one to use for caulking.
Conclusion
These waterproofing concrete block work best on surfaces which have not suffered from any damages, either major or minor but can also be equally effective on surfaces with issues. Always choose what can most possibly solve these problems to get the result you aim for. But more than coming up with a solution, it is still better to prevent the problems and act to it even before it happens. It doesn’t only save you time, money and effort, but also it can give you better and long-term results. So the next time you think of building something made of concrete, keep it protected and tough, and don’t forget to make it waterproof.