Sealant products for floors and terraces prevent water from seeping through building materials. They are used in particular to waterproof terraces and to block rising damp. In this way, the building will be protected from moisture and will benefit from a longer lifespan. Moreover, these measures will improve comfort and protect the health of the residents.
Before choosing a sealant product for floors and terraces, it is essential to determine the origin of the moisture present in the house. This can be due to:
- the infiltration of runoff water through broken tiles, cracks, or fissures;
- the porosity of the construction materials used, allowing moisture to progress inward;
- surfaces in contact with the ground allowing water to rise by hydrostatic pressure (or osmotic pressure) up to a height of 2 m;
- the condensation of water contained in the air on cold surfaces like the floor. This phenomenon is manifested by the appearance of blisters and rings on the paint. It can be caused by the presence of water vapor or thermal bridges in the house, or by a ventilation problem.
In new construction or renovation, the effects of humidity inside the house can be mitigated by:
- a primer for floors reinforcing the adhesion of paint on this type of surface;
- a non-slip, often waterproof coating;
- a waterproof and microporous coating, especially recommended for cellars and basements because of its effectiveness;
- an anti-condensation paint reducing the occurrence of this phenomenon in a humid environment;
- an anti-humidity paint that isolates wet surfaces and is used (preventively or curatively) before applying finishes;
- a plaster hardener to improve the adhesion of the material before receiving the final coat of finish.
If the moisture affects a floor made of plaster tiles, alternative solutions can be considered such as:
- the replacement of the covering with certified water-repellent tiles;
- the implementation of a waterproof barrier;
- the creation of a reverse electromagnetic field. However, this technique is quite expensive and remains questionable.
The choice of sealant products for floors and terraces depends on the level of moisture to which the materials will be exposed. Indeed, the required impermeability is not the same to protect these surfaces from rain or rising damp. It is therefore necessary to identify the causes of water infiltration before choosing the suitable solution.
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