How do I waterproof outdoor concrete?

To waterproof outdoor concrete, use WARCO ALLESDICHT liquid-applied waterproofing. Before application, the concrete must be sound, clean, dry and free from dust, oil and grease. Remove loose or friable material, then level spalled areas and deeper defects. Close cracks and joints wider than 0.3 cm before applying the waterproofing coating; leave movement joints open and bridge them with joint-sealing tape.

On porous or highly absorbent concrete, treat the surface beforehand with a standard penetrating primer. No primer is required on dense concrete. Apply the liquid-applied waterproofing only once these preparations have been completed. The viscous waterproofing compound seals fine cracks. On concrete balconies and terraces, the fall towards the outlet must already be correct before waterproofing: the usual fall is 1 to 2%. The coating follows the existing surface profile and cannot correct an insufficient fall.

At the wall junction, form a cove and continue the waterproofing seamlessly up the wall, incorporating reinforcing fabric. Waterproofing at door thresholds, balustrade bases and outlets depends on the available upstand height and on how water is drained before it reaches the junction. Edge trim with a drip edge allows water to run off at the free edge.