The 3 main reasons why it pays to weatherproof concrete surfaces

Concrete is one of the most popular and durable building materials used for landscaping around a property. However, even this raw material can be damaged if it is exposed to poor weather conditions over a long period of time. Therefore, properly protecting concrete is a key step in maintaining their durability and aesthetics.

Unprotected concrete - risk of degradation and financial consequences

Concrete, despite its apparent strength, is a material that can degrade rapidly without proper protection. Exposing the surface of concrete to adverse weather conditions, such as frost, rain or strong sunlight, can lead to its gradual deterioration. Failure to protect concrete from moisture and temperatures can result in cracks forming, as well as fragments of the material falling off, leading to more serious structural damage over time. Therefore, protecting concrete from water and frost, using specialised impregnating agents, is an important part of maintenance that prevents premature ageing of the material and protects it from the destructive effects of the environment.

Impact of negligent maintenance of concrete surfaces on property values

Unprotected concrete surfaces not only degrade more quickly, but also reduce the aesthetic and usable standard of the surroundings. Examples include unsightly, neglected pavements, driveways or landscaping elements that have lost their original concrete colour and texture. This type of neglect can reduce the value of the property and negatively affect its attractiveness to potential buyers or users, where the concrete is not an aesthetic finish, but a conspicuous defect. Regular protection of concrete surfaces with special preparations not only increases the resistance of these surfaces, but also helps to maintain their attractive appearance, which is crucial from both an aesthetic and economic point of view. Impregnation is therefore widely used to protect the coating of concretes against moisture.

3 reasons to use outdoor concrete waterproofing:

1. waterproofing the concrete.

The structure of concrete is porous, which means that it can absorb water. If the concrete is exposed to moisture for a long period of time, this can lead to the formation of micro-cracks. During periods of sub-zero temperatures, there is a possibility that water lodging in the pores will freeze. This can have an adverse effect on the structure and properties of the concrete and cause corrosion. Protecting the concrete surface with suitable hydrophobic preparations for concrete prevents water from penetrating deep into the concrete, thus extending the life of the structure.

2. Protecting concrete from the weather

Concrete surfaces, especially those laid outside the property, are exposed to weather conditions such as UV radiation, rain, snow, moisture or wind. These weather conditions can lead to fading. The colour of the concrete surface can remain fresh for years to come if the right waterproofing treatment is used, whose resistance to water and the formation of stains and dirt is adapted to the type of concrete. Protecting the concrete surface from the weather therefore helps to maintain its aesthetic appearance for longer, which is important for both users and building owners.

3. reduced concrete repair and maintenance costs

Repairing concrete surfaces that have been damaged by harmful weathering can be costly and time-consuming. Protecting concrete at an early stage can significantly reduce the need for such repairs, resulting in both financial and time savings.

What do I use to protect concrete from water and harmful weathering?

The JONIEC® range includes a number of concrete impregnating preparations that are ideal for use with both fence blocks and paving stones. There is a choice of clear impregnators for concrete, which do not change the original colour of the blocks or paving stones, and coloured impregnators for concrete, which will fully cover all discolouration, dirt, impurities. Visit joniec.pl to see the full range of impregnates for concrete: Concrete chemistry - professional and versatile products - JONIEC.

JONIEC® fence waterproofings are described in detail in the article: "Impregnation for concrete fences - types, selection, correct application. Tips from JONIEC® experts".

Summary

In summary, weatherproofing concrete surfaces not only protects the structure from damage, but also contributes to maintaining its aesthetics and value. It is an investment that pays for itself many times over by extending the service life and minimising maintenance costs. Therefore, it is worth taking this step at an early stage to enjoy the durability and aesthetics of concrete surfaces for many years to come.

Contact us if you would like to know more or to purchase concrete protection products