Cement waterproofing refers to the application of a moisture barrier to cement walls or floors. Many of these moisture barriers are created as epoxy or latex mixes that will be applied as a basement or foundation sealant. Before starting the concrete waterproofing, steps should be taken to repair and prepare the surface for waterproofing.
The first step in cement waterproofing is repairing the walls or floors to be sealed. Repairing cracks and holes in the concrete or cement will help to stop moisture from leaking through the concrete. Cracks and holes can most often be repaired with the use of mortar. Before filling the cracks and holes with mortar, the damaged concrete or cement may need to be removed from the area surrounding the point of damage.
Additional work may be needed before starting the cement waterproofing if there is a steady leak through the damaged section. In order to repair this section of the wall, a leak pipe may need to be placed in the hole with mortar surrounding the hole. If the leak reduces to a small trickle, the pipe may be removed at the discretion of the person repairing the cement. If there is a steady stream of water leaking from the pipe, a drainage system may need to be established for the water.
After all repairs are complete, the walls or floors should be ready for cement waterproofing. If the surface has been painted in the past, this paint may need to be removed in order for the water sealant to adhere to the concrete. Sandblasting, wire brushing, or sanding are three ways to remove the old paint from the concrete surface.
When the paint has been removed, the cement waterproofing compound can be applied to the desired area. The surface will need to be sprayed with a light film of water before brushing the foundation sealant onto it. If it is a floor is being waterproofed, no standing water should be left on the floor when the water sealant is applied.
Cement waterproofing often requires more than one coat of sealant. Most water sealants used in home waterproofing require a full day to dry before a second coat can be applied. Before applying the second coat, the surface will need to be sprayed with a mist of water again. There are normally no limits on how many coats of water sealant may be applied to a concrete or cement surface.