As a business or facility owner, it’s essential that you are taking the recommended steps in helping keep your building and space safe. Doing so also ensures that you are providing your employees and customers with safety as well.
A great way to ensure that your commercial building is safe for employees and customers is by providing a safe flooring solution. Concrete flooring is the perfect choice for this! However, to optimize the safety of your concrete flooring, damp proofing and waterproofing may be needed. But what are the differences between the two?
At Custom Concrete Creations, we install and repair commercial concrete flooring. With many years of experience, you will not find another concrete flooring company like ours! In this blog, we will discuss damp proofing vs waterproofing, and detail the benefits of each!
What is damp proofing?
Damp proofing is a process that traditionally involves using a mixture coating on the surface of your concrete floors. This coating is supposed to stop the transference of ground moisture coming through your concrete. There are some disadvantages that come with damp proofing, such as: inability to seal large cracks, bug holes, surface protrusions and other damages that may occur over time. However, damp proofing is very beneficial in supplying long-lasting protection for basement walls and crawl spaces!
What is waterproofing?
So what is damp proofing vs waterproofing? Waterproofing is very similar to damp proofing, where it adds a layer of protection to the surface of your concrete. However, waterproofing is much more precise. If you don’t think that damp proofing will get your job done, then waterproofing is probably the better option..
When waterproofing, drains are often installed to move water away from the bottom of the foundation. What you choose for preventing water penetration depends on the local climate conditions. Areas that have low water tables and drier climates often build basement walls that are 10 feet tall. In areas with high water tables and annual rainfall, you will more likely see slab foundations on grade level. These foundations, although above grade, also need protection from the moisture below to prevent it from penetrating through the slab.
Which one should you choose?
When deciding between damp proofing vs waterproofing, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and space. It’s incredibly important that you are choosing the best solutions for your space, and speaking with a concrete professional will help you do just that. If you find yourself having a difficult time deciding on which method to use, contact a Custom Concrete professional, and we will help make this decision a little easier!
At Custom Concrete Creations, we will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about your concrete flooring and whether damp proofing or waterproofing will better suite your needs. If you ever need help deciding on which type of concrete flooring is best for your commercial space, we are here to help. Do not hesitate to contact us anytime!