The Role of Porosity in Concrete’s Susceptibility to Water Damage

Does concrete absorb water? Yes. Because it’s porous, concrete absorbs water. Excessive moisture can lead to cracking, spalling, and other damage. 

Learning about the role of porosity in concrete’s susceptibility to water damage can help you avoid expensive maintenance and replacement costs. Let’s start by looking at what causes water damage and how to prevent it.

How Does Concrete Absorb Water?

If left unaddressed, water incursions can turn your driveway and other hardscapes into rubble. The primary sources of water that threaten your commercial concrete surfaces include the following:

• Humidity: Concrete absorbs water vapor during periods of high humidity. 
• Rain and snow: Concrete absorbs water from rain and snow. 
• Plumbing leaks: Plumbing mishaps can compromise concrete’s structural integrity, from overflowing sewage to a waterline break. 
• Freezing/thawing cycles: In winter, changing temperatures cause ice to melt and quickly refreeze, leading to cracks and depressions. 
• Groundwater: Groundwater pools beneath the surface and can quickly accumulate around your concrete.

Understanding Concrete Water Permeability

What is permeability? It measures how easily fluid travels through a material. When it comes to concrete, permeability measures how quickly water can seep through it and how that impacts the integrity of your concrete slabs.

Here are the factors impacting concrete water permeability:

Water-Cement Ratio

Working with a reputable commercial concrete company is important to achieve the ideal water-to-cement ratio—a low water ratio results in the least permeable concrete. Typically, the water-to-cement ratio varies between 40% and 60%, depending on the application.

Aggregate Size and Shape

Gravel, stone, and sand are mixed with water to create concrete. These aggregates vary in size and shape. Larger aggregate increases the pore size throughout your concrete, resulting in higher permeability—finer aggregate, such as sand, results in a more cohesive concrete mixture and lower porosity.

Curing Time

Porous concrete water absorption typically occurs during the curing process. Therefore, concrete requires a hardening phase after it’s poured. 

During this time, the concrete cures, leading to low permeability and high durability. We typically recommend waiting 7 to 14 days to avoid cracks and fissures. 

Preventing Water Infiltration in Concrete

High permeability may cause excess air and water infiltration, leading to structural damage and decreased longevity. Here are four ways you can prevent water infiltration:

• Use a low water-cement ratio to increase firmness and minimize air pockets in the mixture.
• Properly compact the mixture to create a dense material that water cannot flow through easily. 
• Use a sealant on cracks and joints to prevent potholes and damage. You can also apply coatings to maintain your concrete surfaces for many years.
• Regularly inspect the area around your concrete to ensure proper draining. Additionally, you should address any damage immediately to contain it. 

Does concrete absorb water? Yes, it does, but you can minimize porosity by paying close attention to these tips. 

Effects of Moisture on Concrete

Paying close attention to the details can minimize the effect of moisture on concrete at your facility or building. Low moisture infiltration will leave your surface strong and durable. 

Here are some of the challenges caused by high porosity:

Cracking

As water loosens the aggregate, it can impact the structural integrity of the surface. This often starts with small cracks and spalling. Spalling occurs when small flakes separate from the surface, leaving it vulnerable to further water damage.

Corrosion 

Steel reinforcement bars, referred to as rebar, hold the concrete together. Water can corrode rebar, causing it to expand and damage the concrete. 

Mold and Mildew

In warm weather, mold and mildew form on concrete. This creates a health hazard but also affects the look and performance of hardscapes. Regular cleaning can combat this warm weather hazard to your indoor and outdoor concrete areas.

Weakness

Improperly cured concrete will result in a weak structure. To improve strength, partner with commercial concrete professionals with the expertise to cure your concrete correctly.

Prevent deterioration, staining, and performance issues with proper construction techniques. Our team will help you choose the right waterproofing products and build adequate drainage systems to preserve your concrete surfaces.

Prevent Further Damage

The more water penetrating your concrete, the more damage it will cause. Water penetration and related chemical reactions weaken the concrete structure from the inside out. Aim for low porosity and adequately maintain your concrete surfaces to prevent water damage.

You can maximize your hardscapes’ efficiency, safety, and sustainability by prioritizing the appropriate water-to-concrete ratio. Our team would happily discuss the techniques for properly pouring and curing concrete internally or externally. 

Being a commercial property owner or manager involves many details. However, by partnering with a seasoned contractor, you can take proactive measures to keep your concrete in pristine condition.

Limit Concrete Porosity With the Help of an Experienced Company

If you’re looking for a top commercial concrete company in Kansas City, call the team at K&E Flatwork. The right partner for producing and maintaining your concrete surfaces is essential, even though the concept of water porosity may seem irrelevant to the daily demands of property management.

From loading docks to foundations and everything in between, you can count on us for transparent pricing and exceptional service. We aim to help clients understand what it takes to prevent water damage and other structural problems. 

Contact K&E Flatwork to Limit Water Porosity in Concrete

The team and K&E Flatwork can handle large projects, but each client receives individual attention to ensure the best possible results. High porosity can occur during the curing process or at any time during the lifetime of your concrete surfaces. Contact us today to learn ways to prevent water infiltration and damage.