Even though concrete is an extremely durable roofing material, it’s still susceptible to water damage. Getting concrete roof waterproofing can prevent that.
Homeowners install concrete roofs assuming they’re extremely sturdy and long-lasting which they are, but that doesn’t mean they’re impenetrable. In the long run, even concrete, one of the strongest materials for housing structures, can become susceptible to water damage. The process of water damage in concrete structures is known as ‘concrete cancer.’ Getting concrete roof waterproofing is the only way to avoid water damage and make the concrete roof last much longer. However, after spending a lot on their concrete roofs, homeowners tend to be apprehensive about adding waterproofing to their roofs. Here’s why their apprehensions are wrong and why investing in waterproofing is worth the investment –
What is Concrete Cancer?
Concrete cancer is used to describe water or some other form of damage caused by elemental forces in concrete structures that are embedded with steel. Most concrete roofs are reinforced with solid steel bars or mesh. Water and air damage cause these metals to corrode over time. When solid steel corrodes, it expands. This expansion puts the surrounding concrete structures under immense pressure. They can crack or break. The assumption that concrete won’t allow air or moisture to gain access to these steel structures is wrong. Concrete, like most building materials, is porous. It can absorb moisture and trigger ‘concrete cancer.’ Not getting concrete roof waterproofing can be extremely risky for homeowners.
Preventing Concrete Cancer
Investing in top-quality concrete roof waterproofing is the only way to prevent extensive water damage to concrete structures. Avoiding concrete cancer is pointless as it only gets worse. Waterproofing experts install waterproof barriers between the steel and the concrete to ensure there’s zero water penetration. But, before doing that, these experts need to ensure that the property has adequate waterproofing systems. No property is moisture-free without an efficient drainage system. Both underground and grade level drainage systems must be installed to ensure wastewater doesn’t get in contact with the concrete structures. After that, waterproofing barriers can be installed inside the concrete structures using trowels.
Phase-Specific Projects
Concrete cancer worsens progressively. In general, there are four stages of concrete cancer. Ideally, homeowners should identify the signs of moisture damage in the first stage of designing and curing the concrete. In stage two, signs of corrosion appear, but the damage is minimal. In the third stage, the deterioration of the concrete structures is rampant. In the last stage, concrete cancer becomes visible as properties display signs of significant foundational damage. After that, providers of concrete roof waterproofing have no option but to knock down the damaged structure. That’s why homeowners must contact these experts as soon as they get a hint of concrete cancer.
Long-Term Prevention of Concrete Cancer
Long-term prevention of concrete cancer is only possible if homeowners get comprehensive concrete roof waterproofing. These processes involve a complete revamp of the gutter and downspout systems to keep rainwater coming off the roof away from foundational structures. They also involve the use of sloping to keep groundwater at bay. Lastly, the waterproofing experts use compact backfill adjacent the foundation walls and add the waterproofing barrier (e.g., a cementitious coating system).
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