We recommend using backer rods also if sealing wide cracks in concrete walls or floors but first you need to have those cracks evaluated to determine the cause as other important structural repairs could be needed first.
Sealing old concrete walls.
Concrete is a porous material when fully cured.
Just as the word indicates a topical sealant lays on top of the concrete without penetrating the surface.
Peel off the foil after 24 hours and.
Each step will have an impact on the final outcome.
A layer of acrylic or epoxy protects the concrete surface and it gives a high gloss and wet finish.
Following are some tips for applying concrete sealer properly.
Seal the entire concrete wall with a waterproof masonry.
Strip any existing sealer from the surface.
Apply the concrete repair sealant to the affected area and smooth over with a putty knife.
But in order for a sealer to work it must be applied properly.
Waterproofing basement walls from inside.
Any cracks or pitting will need to be filled in before applying the sealer.
Follow the manufacturer s directions regarding dry time.
Concrete or cement sealers protect bare and painted concrete floors while offering resistance to stains and chemicals so the surface withstands the test of time.
Solvent based acrylic concrete sealers can be applied on top of previous solvent based acrylics.
Sand clean dry may be used as a filler for cracks an easier approach if you are repairing an irregular crack in a floor.
Remove all oil grease stains dirt and dust from the concrete.
To conduct a simple condensation test dry an area of the wall with a rag and then attach a one foot square piece of aluminum foil to the wall with duct tape.
You want to make sure all mold mildew efflorescence rust grease and oil are removed from the concrete before sealing as you do not want to seal these elements into the concrete.
Waterproof your concrete surfaces with a coat of concrete sealer.
Once a previous sealer has been removed you are then going to want to clean the concrete.
It forms a thin and protective film on your concrete s surface and is available in solvent and water based formulations.
If the previous sealer is compatible you may be able to reseal without removing the previous sealer.
It can also develop small pinhole openings that act as capillaries for water transmission.
Here s a step by step summary of how to seal concrete.
There are several steps to internal waterproofing the first of which involves sealing cracks and holes in the concrete walls of your foundation with hydraulic cement.
Unlike the penetrating sealers the film forming sealers wear out faster.
A concrete waterproofer helps make your home free of mildew and humidity indoors.