How to properly waterproof a concrete floor in a private house with your own hands – step-by-step instructions, selection of materials

To prevent moisture damage to your home, it is imperative that you waterproof a concrete floor in a private residence. The structural integrity of your home depends on keeping water from seeping through any concrete floor space, including garages and basements. You can save money and have the satisfaction of a job well done by doing this task yourself.

Although the procedure may seem difficult, you can achieve professional results without the need for specialized skills if you have the correct tools and instructions. Successful waterproofing depends on knowing the procedures and selecting the right materials. You will be guided through every step of this guide to make sure you have the knowledge necessary to finish the task effectively.

We’ll cover all you need to know, from surface preparation to applying the last layer of protection. After reading this guide, you should feel confident enough to take on your waterproofing project and make sure your concrete floors stay dry and strong for many years to come.

Purpose and advantages of waterproofing a concrete floor

The aim of waterproofing methods is to protect floors and concrete finishes from the negative effects of moisture, both inside and outside the structure. The properties and condition of the coating can be deteriorated by periodic or continuous moisture intrusion. Private buildings’ ground floors, garages, basements, restrooms, and cellars should all be safeguarded because they are especially susceptible.

When a concrete floor is waterproofed, water cannot enter the pores of the monolith, which leads to deformations, harm to the decorative coating, the growth of mold and fungus, and a decline in the interior microclimate. Preventing damage early on during repair is far simpler and more efficient than trying to undo the effects of water exposure or changing the coating entirely.

Types

Numerous materials can be used to waterproof concrete floors. The selection of a particular technique is contingent upon the type (laminate, tiles, parquet, linoleum, self-leveling floors, etc.), quantity of storeys in the building, impact force from moisture, etc. of the floor covering (whether it is planned or already installed).

Painting

The easiest solution is to coat the floor surface with a unique mixture (polymer varnish or bitumen emulsion). This option is typically selected for wooden floors.

The primary benefits are the materials’ accessibility, their reasonable cost, and their quick completion. One of the coating’s short lives (it will last for a maximum of 5–6 years) is one of its drawbacks.

Cast

The process, which is dependable, entails covering the entire floor with mastic or other unique compounds. Typically, two methods are employed: the cold method, which involves applying a ready-made mixture, or the hot method, which involves applying asphalt after the material has been heated to the necessary temperature. The concrete monolith is directly coated with cast waterproofing.

Glued

When using this technology, the base is covered with soil first, and then polymer or bitumen materials—which can be provided in sheets or rolls—are glued to it. usually applied at +10C or higher in temperature. Additionally, choosing between hot and cold methods is possible here.

In order to soften the material, special tools must be present when hot laying sheets. Next, it is essential to apply a unique putty with water-repellent qualities to every edge.

Impregnating

When concrete floors need to be protected, waterproofing can also be done with impregnating polymers or polymer-bitumen agents. These agents permeate the surface, fill in pores and cracks, and produce a dependable layer of protection that is resistant to moisture.

Folding

Here, they use pre-mounted formwork to fence in bulk materials that just melt into the surface. The process has a lengthy service life and is a bit like a cast, but it is more dependable. needs a layer that is thick enough. They use mineral wool, concrete, ash, perlite sand, etc. as filler. Installation is frequently costly and very time-consuming.

Plaster

If this approach is chosen, polymer additives are added to a cement solution that is sprayed onto the concrete floor’s surface. The stiffness indicators, resistance level, exposure to vibrations, and deformations of the building itself all affect how long the protective layer lasts. Plaster is applied quickly, but it requires at least two days to fully dry.

Waterproofing for concrete floor

The best option is to choose a waterproofing technology for the floor covering (concrete or any other material) while the building is still under construction. It is possible to determine the best course of action in this situation and complete the task as quickly as possible.

• When it is necessary to protect floor slabs from various leaks in rooms with high humidity
• If it is necessary to protect the floor from moisture and steam from the basement, cellar, utility room or lower floors

When a house is being built without a cellar or basement, this option is typically selected because the moisture rising from the earth will settle in the monolith of the floor or foundation. Concrete can degrade quickly due to alkaline or acidic moisture, which is another factor.

On a concrete floor

Concrete waterproofing is done after pouring, during the whole strength-gain phase, and before a decorative layer is laid (self-leveling floor, tiles, laminate, parquet, linoleum, etc.d.). With the exception of backfill, all forms of insulation are used. The floor is cleaned, leveled, primed, and waterproofed in that order.

In order to improve adhesion with the materials used to install the decorative floor layer, bitumen or polymer products used as waterproofing materials must be treated with quartz sand after being applied to the floor.

Here, the final waterproofing layer is covered with quartz sand while it’s still wet. Sand that is surplus is taken out once the layer dries completely. It is best to start following finishing two or three days later, but at least one day after finishing.

Necessary materials and tools

The material that is used to complete the work, gravel (crushed stone), sand, an insulation layer, damper tape, geotextile, mastic, and primer are all necessary to waterproof a concrete floor. The installation technology may also require a different set of tools.

A drill with an attachment for mixing compounds, brushes for dispersing compounds, a roller for applying primer and other materials, gloves, all the tools required to cut film and roll materials, and a construction or standard vacuum cleaner for superior surface cleaning are some of the items you might need.

Preparatory work

The base must be appropriately prepared before beginning any waterproofing work. First, remove the previous coating (if applicable), and then use a vacuum to clear the surface of dust and small particles. Sealing cracks, fissures, and other irregularities is essential.

To enhance the adhesion of materials to the floor, prime the surface next. First, you have to get everything ready: preheat the roll insulators, measure, chop, and combine all the ingredients.

You can properly waterproof a concrete floor in your home by using the appropriate materials and adhering to a few easy steps. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the whole process, from surface preparation to waterproofing layer application, guaranteeing that your floor is shielded from moisture damage. You’ll be able to tackle this do-it-yourself project with confidence and produce results that look professional thanks to clear, easy-to-follow instructions and advice on choosing the best products.

DIY waterproofing: step-by-step instructions

There are various approaches to waterproofing a concrete floor; the one selected will rely on the materials’ properties and their properties. It’s crucial to adhere to directions, utilize appropriate equipment, mix and apply materials according to the right ratios, and so on.

If at all possible, seek the assistance of experts; it won’t be difficult to locate a master, whether the assignment needs to be completed in Moscow or another city.

Applying waterproofing materials to the floor before pouring the concrete screed is thought to be the most labor-intensive option. Further information on this.

• Carefully leveling the surface, removing a layer of soil.
• Distribution of a layer of gravel with a thickness of at least 20 centimeters (if groundwater is close – 50 centimeters) on the base (it is advisable to choose gravel of a maximum fraction of 5 centimeters), compaction, leveling.
• Filling a layer of sand 10-40 centimeters thick, pouring it with water, thoroughly compacting it.
• Coating a layer of sand with geotextile. Geotextile strips are usually bonded by passing a construction hair dryer. This layer acts as a shock absorber, which prevents subsequent floor layers from deforming.
• Laying a layer of insulation – it is best to choose expanded polystyrene or penoplex. Tiny foam plastic is not suitable for such work, as it is not strong enough for future loads and can quickly begin to collapse under their influence.
• Checking the base with a building level, carefully processing the joints, closing the depressions with cement mortar or sand, cleaning the base from dust, priming with a roller.

• Next, a damper tape is laid along the entire perimeter of the room at the joints between the wall and the floor. It will compensate for the expansion of the concrete screed, which will appear due to temperature changes. The tape can be laid on dowels or glue.
• When all treated areas are completely dry, a roll waterproofer is installed: the strips must be laid evenly with an overlap on all adjacent walls (they capture about 15 centimeters of height). The width of the overlapping strips is 10 centimeters. If roofing felt is installed, at least two layers are laid, if different polymeric materials – one. Roofing felt is attached to the base with bitumen-based mastic. Any fused coating is fixed with a burner. Polymers are laid with a hair dryer, providing the necessary adhesion.
• After the waterproofing layer is installed, you can reinforce the floor and fill it with concrete. After the concrete screed has dried, the protruding edges of the damper tape and waterproofing are carefully trimmed.

To prevent moisture damage to your home, it is imperative that you waterproof a concrete floor in a private residence. A strong and efficient waterproof layer can be achieved by following the detailed instructions. To get the best results, start by carefully cleaning and preparing the surface.

Proper material selection is essential for effective waterproofing. Choose premium waterproofing coatings or membranes made especially for concrete floors. These products will offer a dependable defense against water intrusion, assisting in the avoidance of possible problems like the development of mold and structural damage.

It’s important to apply the waterproofing materials evenly and carefully. Since these areas are frequently the most susceptible to leaks, pay special attention to the edges and corners. Take your time to make sure there are no gaps or weak areas and that the entire surface is covered.

Maintaining the quality of your waterproofing also requires regular maintenance. Periodically check the floor for any indications of wear or damage, and fix it as necessary. By taking preventative measures, you can prolong the waterproofing’s lifespan and maintain the safety and dryness of your house.

Your concrete floor can be made more comfortable and costly repairs can be avoided by taking the time to waterproof it properly. Knowing that your home is adequately protected against moisture can give you peace of mind when the proper materials and careful application are used.

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