How to Best Posts in Thread: Watching concrete dry

Concrete has to be constantly watered for 10 days whilst it cures. In England we either use sacks or old newspapers to retain moisture, otherwise the top layer will cure before the lower layers, thereby causing cracking and shrinkage at different rates. Sahara is a waterproofing additive, which is usually used in bathrooms where there is constant moisture. After the roof has cured,I would find the cracks and cut them into a v shape and fill with hydraulic cement. Then tile the whole roof and make sure the tiles sit on a bed of cement mixed with Sahara, with a slope so there is runoff. More expensive, but should last for many years.

 

I am beyond doing any bending like that also. A paint brush roller has threads on the end for a handle, buy the handle extension and roll on while standing completely upright - or as you said, hire a young person - don't forget to supervise though.

 

You will need to apply a concrete sealant; they come in liquid form and you can roll it on. I've seen them before at Citi Hardware and the hardware store at Robinson's but don't remember the brands off the top of my head. The different manufacturers will have their own application methods and time frame to apply after the concrete was placed. When we placed the concrete roof at our house we mixed the bags of Sahara in with the concrete and never had a leak, even before the mud bed and tile was installed. We actually mixed in the Sahara for the columns, beams and the plastering to be on the safe side.

Shawn

 

Often the consistency of water, read the directions on the can, buy a paint roller or paintbrush even and do it yourself. One of the simplest jobs there is to do, only thing to watch is making sure your coverage is correct, easy peasy.

 

You need a waterproofer/sealer on the top. Concrete is hard but not solid, it is porous and contracts when drying (becomes more porous and one of the reasons it cracks). I haven't looked at what is available here so have no idea about brands available. There are also several different roofing techniques that would solve the problem with longer term results.