by Koye Rhodes on 12th May, 2025
Concrete waterproofing is the process of protecting structures from the natural limitations of concrete, making structures resistant to water infiltration, moisture, and dampness. It involves applying specialised materials or using integral additives to prevent water from penetrating the concrete, thereby protecting the structure from damage over time.
Concrete
While Concrete is a very strong and versatile building material, it is inherently a porous material. Specifically, its porosity, permeability and susceptibility to moisture ingress. Additionally, concrete is susceptible to cracking throughout its life cycle due to shrinkage, temperature fluctuations, and loading stresses.
Water in Concrete
Once concrete hardens, water becomes its greatest enemy. In fact, water is considered the leading cause of concrete deterioration – exceeding even the damage caused by war and natural disasters.
Over time, water infiltrates through microscopic pores and cracks, transforming concrete from merely porous to fully permeable. This permeability can trigger a range of damaging effects, including reinforcement corrosion, structural degradation, and reduced durability.
Water intrusion can lead to internal leaks within walls, ceilings, and floors, weakening structural elements and allowing moisture to spread. The resulting dampness creates conditions ideal for mold growth, posing potential health risks. Ultimately, water initiates a chain of deterioration mechanisms that significantly shorten a structure’s service life.
Importance of Concrete Waterproofing
While concrete waterproofing systems make up only a small fraction of overall construction costs, selecting unsuitable solutions or applying them incorrectly can result in tremendous, yet avoidable remediation and repair expenses. Given concrete’s inherent vulnerability to water, effective waterproofing is not optional – it’s essential. Proper waterproofing ensures the long-term serviceability and durability of concrete structures.
Consequences of Neglecting Concrete Waterproofing
Beyond repairs and health concerns already mentioned above, the lack of waterproofing can also negatively affect the building’s aesthetic quality – unsightly stains, efflorescence, and paint peeling are common visual issues caused by water intrusion. In severe cases, structural settlement and shifting caused by moisture can lead to costly rework or even the need for partial demolition.
CONSTRUCTION WATERPROOFING IN NIGERIA
In Nigeria’s humid and waterlogged environments, moisture is a leading cause of structural failures in the construction sector. Water is the silent destroyer of your investments in concrete.
Moisture is one of the most overlooked threats in Nigerian construction; it slowly erodes foundations, corrodes steel, and weakens structures over time.
Industry studies indicate that water ingress is one of the primary causes of structural failures, significantly contributing to long-term durability loss.
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE WATERPROOFING
Structural concrete waterproofing can be categorised into two main types, each serving distinct purposes in safeguarding buildings against moisture intrusion:
- Above-grade Waterproofing
- Below-grade Waterproofing
Above -Grade Waterproofing
Above-grade waterproofing focuses on the protection of the visible parts of a structure exposed to environmental elements.
These include exterior walls, roofs and roof gutters, wet areas, terraces, balconies, and any other surfaces exposed to direct rain and atmospheric moisture.
The primary goal of above-grade waterproofing is to create a barrier that prevents water from penetrating the building envelope. Additionally, above-grade waterproofing plays a crucial role in preventing issues such as efflorescence, paint peeling, and mold growth, all of which occur when moisture seeps into the building exterior.
Below-Grade Waterproofing
Below-grade waterproofing deals with the parts of the building structure that are underground or in direct contact with soil. These include foundations, basements, underground parking facilities, and structures like concrete tanks and swimming pools. Below-grade waterproofing is critical due to several factors:
- It protects against hydrostatic pressure, which occurs when groundwater exerts force against the structure, especially in high water table areas like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.
- It prevents soil moisture and aggressive chemicals from penetrating the concrete, which can lead to deterioration over time.
Most importantly, the inaccessibility of below-grade areas after construction makes initial waterproofing installation quality paramount as failures in below-grade waterproofing often necessitate costly excavations and extensive remediation.
Overall, the significance of below-grade water cannot be overstated. A properly waterproofed foundation is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the entire building. It prevents water ingress that can lead to raising damp and mold growth, which compromise indoor air quality and can pose serious health risks. Effective below-grade waterproofing contributes to energy efficiency by maintaining a dry, insulated environment in basement areas.
While both above-grade and below-grade waterproofing are essential, below-grade waterproofing requires particular attention due to its long-term impact and the significant challenges associated with post-construction repairs.
Investing in high quality below-grade waterproofing solutions is not just a protective measure; it is a critical step in ensuring the value, safety, longevity and durability of any structure.
INTEGRAL CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING
Unlike conventional waterproofing, which relies on external membranes or coatings, integral crystalline waterproofing incorporates a reactive system within the concrete mix to counteract hydrostatic pressure matrix. This method, known as “waterproofing from the inside out,” transforms the concrete into a self-sealing, watertight barrier.
Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) is the world’s most trusted and original hydrophilic crystalline waterproofing admixture. First launched in 1980 by Kryton International Inc., KIM is used in the below-grade concrete during batching. The admixture enables the concrete to chemically react with water and unhydrated cement particles. This reaction forms needle-shaped crystals that grow deep within the concrete and resist water pressure, sealing capillary pores and micro-cracks. These crystals effectively block water and waterborne contaminants, creating a durable watertight barrier.
One of the significant features of integral crystalline waterproofing is its self-sealing ability. If and when new cracks form over time, the crystalline structures reactivate upon contact with water, and expand until the path of water or moisture is blocked, protecting concrete from chemical attack and reinforcing steel corrosion and minimising repair costs. This self-sealing capability makes crystalline waterproofing a robust and lasting solution, providing a level of durability and longevity that traditional methods, reliant on surface or external membranes cannot match.
In conclusion, integral crystalline waterproofing when mixed directly into concrete, transforms the concrete itself into a waterproof barrier, eliminating the need for external membranes. Since the waterproofing is embedded in the concrete, it ensures uniform coverage, including hard-to-reach areas. The self-sealing property guarantees long-term performance with minimal maintenance, providing significant advantages over traditional methods.
Leave a Reply