A few weeks ago when we were cleaning up the exterior of our home Steve remembered we hadn’t yet sealed the concrete walks and patios that were installed over a year ago. Oops! After a little research we decided to try a new (to us at least) waterproofing agent, Behr Premium Protector & Waterproofer. It’s a water-based, silicone waterproofing agent that forms a barrier within the surface but allows trapped water vapors to escape. And it’s guaranteed to protect the surface for 10 years. Had we known how miraculous this stuff is, I would have documented the application with my real camera. But we didn’t know what we know now so all I have to share are crummy phone pics. My apologies.
You can find out more about the application process here but it’s pretty straightforward and easy enough for even a DIY novice. Steve used a garden sprayer to apply the sealer and large pieces of cardboard to protect nearby surfaces from overspray. He let it cure for two days before testing it out. The first time he sprayed a little water on the newly sealed concrete he yelled for me to come look.
The water immediately bubbled up into these crazy amoeba-like droplets and proceeded to “roll” to the nearest low spot. It reminded me of the way mercury rolls around. The boys thought it was so cool and played with the water droplets, pushing them around with their fingers. The results were almost freakish but it was quite obvious that the waterproofer was doing its job. We made my dad and grandpa (who are both lifelong, hardcore DIYers) witness the results for themselves, too. They were AMAZED. They said they had never seen anything like it.
Anyway, I thought maybe you hadn’t either and that it was worth mentioning in case anyone out there is considering a DIY concrete waterproofing project in the near future. Or if you just want to watch water do its best cytoplasm impression. Sometimes DIY is cool.
FYI – This post was not sponsored in any way. This stuff is just really, really awesome.
images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
DIY, housekeeping, renovation