The Pros And Cons of Cement Wall Sealants Promoting Passive Moisture Control

Without a doubt, property owners in North Carolina sometimes rely upon cement wall sealants to create dry premises. These materials serve as a passive moisture control. They help protect cement basements and crawl spaces against damp conditions. 

Just like other forms of moisture control, cement wall sealants offer both advantages and disadvantages. Should you consider requesting this assistance for your realty? This solution may prove helpful in some circumstances.

Some Common Types of Cement Wall Sealants

Manufacturers today market an impressive variety of specialized cement wall sealants designed to promote better cement moisture control. These formulations usually help seal faint cracks and pores in cement. And of course they make it more difficult for water to penetrate indoors. Two of the most popular broad categories of cement wall sealants include:

• Penetrating Sealers: These coatings fill in cracks and holes inside porous cement surfaces, generally without altering the overall appearance of the wall. They help make cement less apt to sustain water damage. Some examples include Siloxane and Siliconate formulations.
  
  
• Topical Sealers: Most topical sealers do exert a lasting impact on the appearance of cement surfaces to some extent. Significantly because topical cement sealers combine the roles of sealing and painting to a high degree. Hard acrylic resins illustrate this popular type of sealant.
  

The formulations employed in cement wall sealing today indeed display water-resistant properties. Specifically, at a molecular level they actually repel water droplets. These “hydrophobic” compounds benefit from sophisticated chemical engineering.

Undoubtedly, throughout the years scientists have developed some long lasting cement wall sealants. Some formulations continue functioning well for up to five years, or longer. So of course, it remains very important to verify the anticipated lifespan of any cement wall sealer used for moisture control purposes. At some point, it will become necessary to re-seal cement surfaces in order for these products to remain effective.

Advantages of Wall Sealants

Utilizing cement wall sealants as a passive moisture control method, certainly does offer some important benefits. These coatings function well within specified parameters. Consider some reasons to use them:

1. Prevent Damp Cement Basements And Crawl Spaces

Passive moisture control by means of cement wall sealants assist some property owners in preventing damp conditions all together. Specifically, these coatings help seal porous cement surfaces in basements and crawl spaces. Thereupon supplying an extra barrier against water intrusions.

2. Discourage The Growth of Molds And Mildews

Markedly, many cement wall sealants contain ingredients designed to retard the growth of molds. While toxic, these chemicals help prevent mold from damaging cement surfaces. Hence, they assist waterproofing firms in creating dry, water-resistant indoor surfaces.

3. Obtain Rapid Cement Wall Sealant Applications

Moreover, in many cases wall sealants promoting passive moisture control don’t require complex application methods. A contractor may apply one or two coatings of these materials comparatively rapidly. The ease of installing cement wall sealants contributes to the popularity of this passive moisture control method.  

Disadvantages of Wall Sealants

Not every cement wall sealant proves suitable for waterproofing every location, of course. Considerable individual variations occur. A waterproofing contractor may recommend not applying cement wall sealants for several reasons:

1. Limited Utility in Some Sites

Accordingly, it proves important to select the best type of moisture control cement wall sealant for each setting. In most cases, this type of product won’t prove effective in controlling a large water leak. Waterproofing contractors need to select different sealants with care, based upon the specific circumstances.

2. Expense

Some cement wall sealants used for passive moisture control purposes are expensive. Therefore, the size of the area undergoing sealing, the type of coating, and the number of applications certainly impact the price. In some cases, other waterproofing solutions prove more cost-effective over the long term.

3. Fumes

Ensuring adequate ventilation remains an important consideration during the application of some cement wall sealants. Many sealants contain toxic chemicals, such as anti-fungal agents. Applying these formulations typically requires the use of protective gear.  

Request Real Estate Moisture Control Services

Does your home or business in Raleigh, NC require better moisture control? Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC furnishes a full spectrum of waterproofing services. We help customers implement a variety of available drainage & waterproofing improvements. A comprehensive waterproofing inspection helps determine the best choice among passive and active technologies to help create dry, comfortable premises.

We serve residents of Raleigh, Fayetteville, Southern Pines and outlying areas. To request our assistance, simply call 919-508-7503 or 919-235-5219 now. Alternatively, please complete the convenient online contact form. We look forward to helping you by providing expert waterproofing contractor services in North Carolina!