Rebotec blog - Use cases, case studies, and more

Sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important in construction, architecture, manufacturing, and product design. Builders, architects, engineers, property owners, and manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce waste, use resources more responsibly, improve building durability, and lower the environmental impact of the materials they select. However, describing a material as sustainable does not automatically mean it is the best choice for every project.

Concrete walls, foundations, retaining walls, basements, and masonry surfaces are regularly exposed to rain, wet soil, groundwater, temperature changes, and structural movement. Although concrete appears solid, it contains pores, small voids, joints, and cracks that may allow moisture to enter. A rubber coating for concrete can create a flexible protective layer over the surface.

Waterproof paint can help protect concrete, masonry, block, mortar, and other building surfaces from moisture. It may also improve appearance, cover stains, and make walls easier to clean. However, not every product labeled waterproof provides the same level of protection.

Cement-based materials are used in foundations, walls, floors, basements, bathrooms, pools, water tanks, and many other structures exposed to moisture. Because these materials feel hard and solid, many people assume they are naturally waterproof. However, ordinary cement, concrete, mortar, and cement board are not automatically waterproof.

Damp-proofing and waterproofing are often treated as if they mean the same thing. Both are used to protect foundations, basement walls, concrete, masonry, and other parts of a building from moisture. However, they do not provide the same level of protection.