{"id":36067,"date":"2023-02-21T19:05:13","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T00:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.polycor.com\/damp-proofing\/"},"modified":"2023-06-15T15:41:29","modified_gmt":"2023-06-15T15:41:29","slug":"damp-proofing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.polycor.com\/fr-ca\/damp-proofing\/","title":{"rendered":"Damp Proofing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/span>\"\"
\n

What is Damp Proofing and
Why Do You Need It?<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Contractors are spreading the message that damp proofing is an extra, but worthwhile step in preserving the beauty and integrity of limestone installations, proven by thousands of well-preserved, historical buildings in the U.S. made with iconic limestone in particular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has the consistency of cake batter, and it\u2019s something that contractors are increasingly baking into some projects where limestone veneers, walls or pavers are in constant contact with water. As they do so, they are getting the word out that it\u2019s an easy, go-to solution that will pay off in dividends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Damp-proofing defined<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The idea of damp proofing involves the creation of a durable barrier that prevents water from wicking through, and up to the surface of a stone. What used to be done with hot liquid asphalt and rubber is now greatly improved by the use of polymer-modified, cement-based coatings for masonry and concrete. The resulting coating is a sureproof method to control moisture on a building\u2019s or a residence\u2019s exterior foundation walls, retaining walls, walkways or other areas where limestone is in prolonged contact with water at or below grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The backside of a limestone paver can get overlooked in the greater scheme of a project, but it\u2019s important to know that it\u2019s susceptible to some types of moisture\u2014from humidity, dew or rain\u2014retained in the earth in certain geographies, so it\u2019s important to plan ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you are dealing with tried and true, homogeneous stone, such as Polycor\u2019s <\/a>INDIANA LIMESTONE \u2013 FULL COLOR BLEND\u2122<\/a>,<\/strong> the best practice is to keep these moisture sources in check. While Indiana Limestone is structurally stable with a psi strength that is equal to concrete, in places where a sand bed carries high alkalinity or soluble salt content, the paver absorbs that sand moisture and will stay in the stone. This has the potential to cause discoloration, creating a mottled appearance, giving the stone an uneven shading, whereas in normal conditions the limestone retains its even tonality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Nikon Z 7 Photo by Stacy Pearsall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Applied damp proofing creates a barrier between the stone and groundwater that also inhibits the development of efflorescence, a term often heard used in concrete, but also relevant to stone masonry. Commonly referred to as \u201cefflo\u201d, the term refers to light surface discoloration resulting from moisture picking up dissolved chemicals from soils or concrete walls and depositing them at or below the stones surface in the form of a visible, white powder. More about concrete vs natural stone here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, damp proofing has been used in many high-profile projects that have featured Polycor\u2019s Indiana limestone. Although it\u2019s not a new technique, it\u2019s relatively new to some contractors and hardscapers. But as they learn more about it, contractors are conveying to their clients that damp proofing is an extra, but necessary step in preserving the beauty and integrity of natural limestone whether it\u2019s used for a patio, walkway or the base layer of a veneer wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIN STONE VENEER INSTALLATION<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This quick video demonstrates the damp proofing process.<\/p>\n\n\n