Concrete wall blocks are uniform in size. They can sometimes be obtained more easily if a ready-mix plant is not nearby, and they can sometimes be stacked more easily than a concrete wall. Another advantage of using blocks for walls is that they are already hardened and do not require curing.
Concrete blocks have one drawback: Compared to poured concrete, they are more permeable to water and water vapour. So, here are a few ways to make Block Retaining Walls Adelaide or anywhere strong.
4 Ways to Make Block Walls Strong And Waterproof
- Directly Apply A Coating to The Bare Wall
Cinder block sealant serves as the first line of defence. Systems with barriers offer strong protection against moisture intrusion and air leakage. Both are simple solutions for sealing a water-based concrete block foundation, permeable, above-grade air, weather, and vapour finishes that can be applied directly on the bare side of a block wall. Both coatings are sprayable or rollable, and they can withstand temperatures as low as 20° F.
- Make Use of A Permeable, Breathable Barrier
Through the application of block wall waterproofing products, a hydrophobic barrier that repels moisture and vapour is created inside the block and on its surface. In addition, any moisture that is already present in the block needs to be able to escape. It can either be rolled on or applied as a spray. Because it bonds directly to the substrate, it can be used in place of house wrap products.
- Fill Voids and Fix Cracks
All gaps or cracks in the block retaining walls in Adelaide must be filled and polished with hydraulic concrete or masonry caulk before you waterproof a block wall. Give cement 24 hours to dry. When preparing the surface for the installation of flashings and air barriers.
- Apply Concrete Block Sealer over Efflorescence Or Painted Walls
It might be tempting to cover up a problematic wall with paint. However, that might seal your fate. If the interior of your basement walls is painted, it must be painted off before it can be waterproofed and sealed. Before applying sealants, it is also necessary to remove efflorescence, which are white crystalline deposits that develop on the surface of damp concrete. The reasons for this are that masonry paints and sealants will not adhere as well to dirty surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Some buildings can benefit greatly from using concrete blocks as the foundation wall or the wall above grade by using the services of Retaining Wall Industries. However, concrete blocks need to be treated and sealed because they are much more porous than poured concrete and have more mortar joints. The best concrete block waterproofing products can be manually applied and sprayed on, or a liquid adhesive can be applied to primed walls.