How to waterproof a concrete stream
There are numerous materials with which streams can be made waterproof. For a concrete stream, you also need agents that keep moisture out. The following four options are popular.
also read
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- Sealing an artificially created stream - this is how it works
- Is wood suitable for building a stream? Tips & Tricks
Pond liner / liquid liner
Sealing the concreted stream bed with pond liner is just as practical as it is inexpensive. If you don't want to bother to lay the foil carefully, you can use the liquid variant. This can simply be spread or sprayed onto the dried and hardened concrete, is phenol-free and completely harmless to humans and animals - this is especially important in streams that lead to a fish pond.
Epoxy resin
In contrast to the black pond liner, epoxy resin is colorless and not only seals concrete, but also streams made of wood or natural stone. The material is viscous and can therefore be spread easily.
Sealing slurry
Sealing slurry or sealing slurry, as used for sealing house walls and basements, has also proven to be practicable for artificial streams. This material is mixed with water, applied to the hardened and dried concrete and then also left to dry. Sealing slurry is available as a two-component material and can also be used very well to fill cracks and other damaged areas in the concrete stream bed.
Sealing powder
In contrast to the other sealing materials, so-called sealing powder is not applied to the already dried concrete foundation, but instead is added to the cement mixture before construction. The use of this mortar additive saves you an additional work step, but has less of an effect. Sealing powder only reduces water absorption, but cannot make the concrete completely waterproof.
Tips
Getting concrete actually watertight is a lot of work and requires accuracy. Instead, you can simply do without the concrete and just cover the stream with pond liner. This also allows you more flexibility, after all, concrete structures are difficult to correct once they have dried out.
