Concrete is a porous surface that can, over time, become weakened due to moisture corroding and expanding the steel structure within. Waterproofing is an important element in maintaining the strength of your concrete structure!
Concrete buildings are reinforced by an internal structure of mesh or steel bars. Exposure to moisture or water creates a carbonic acid that will cause these steel reinforcements to corrode. During this process, the steel expands or begins to degrade, providing more space for water to enter and crack the concrete…
Concrete spalling describes the beginning of this process that leads to degradation of the concrete structure.
Signs to look out for include cracking, crumbling, flaking concrete, rust stains or bubbling on the concrete or cement render.
Concrete cancer refers to the spread of concrete spalling. As concrete spalling continues to worsen, and more acid is created, the steel structure is exposed to more moisture and accelerates this process. Ultimately, this could make a structure unfit for purpose, unsafe to inhabit and reduce the asset value of the property it is attached to.
This Industrial Factory in Brighton, VIC is a new build and Metroseal has been contracted to waterproof all required interior and exterior areas, including the concrete building structure as pictured.