To protect the foundations from rain and flood waters, a blind area is installed around the perimeter of the house. At good quality it not only serves as a reliable protection against the penetration of surface water to the base of the foundations, but is a decorative element of external landscaping, acting as a kind of sidewalk around the house.

Work on laying the blind area is carried out after the construction of the house is completed, so they often do not pay due attention to it. And this main mistake, which can subsequently lead to the destruction of the blind area itself, as well as the foundation of the building, since the main function of the blind area is to protect the foundation from water.

Concrete blind area is by far the most popular way to protect the foundation.

DEVICE OF CONCRETE BLINDBOARD.

1. Calculation of the thickness of the entire structure, in which all layers must be taken into account.

2. Determination of geometric dimensions. On average, the width should be taken within the range of 90-100 cm. The slope from the concrete is 3-5%.

3. Carrying out markings to the area. Limits for this future design along the perimeter of the foundation they are marked with pegs with a cord stretched along them.

5. The base soil is thoroughly compacted. To provide additional protection A clay castle is made from moisture.

6. A layer of sand cushion is laid. sand cushion It is made only from coarse and medium sand. The use of fine fraction may lead to large shrinkage, which in turn will cause cracks and damage to the waterproofing. The thickness of the layer is selected depending on the characteristics of the soil. If the soil is strong, then 200 mm of sand is enough. For unstable bases, 500mm of bedding may be required.

7. Crushed stone backfill. The construction of a blind area on such a foundation increases the strength of the soil.

8. Placing the formwork. Formwork is needed so that the concrete mixture does not flow beyond the markings. When installing formwork, it is important to remember about the expansion joint. It is necessary to install the board directly to the wall of the building. The thickness of the expansion joint is 20-40 mm. The seam is necessary to prevent cracking and deformation of the structure due to different shrinkage of the foundation and blind area.

9. Reinforcement. After the formwork is installed, reinforcement mesh is laid.

10. Installation of cross boards. Transverse boards are installed along the entire perimeter of the foundation to ensure expansion joints. The pitch of the boards is 2 meters.

11. Pouring concrete. The optimal brand is M300 (B20-B22.5). Such a solution will ensure the durability and necessary strength of the structure. Filling in each compartment is done in one step. After which it is necessary to make a compaction.

12. After pouring, the surface is ironed to increase the strength characteristics.

13. Strengthening and surface care.

14. When the concrete has gained 70% strength, the formwork can be removed.

REPAIR OF CONCRETE BLINDBOARD USING MOUNTAIN CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN ICBM REPAIR COMPOSITIONS.

During operation, due to non-compliance with the blind area construction technology or due to the use of low-quality materials, the blind area may begin to collapse. The destruction of the blind area leads to further destruction of the foundation. Therefore, it is very important not to delay repairs. will help you independently resolve the issue of restoring the surface of the blind area and prevent its further destruction.

Types of destruction:

1.cracks

2. bundle

3. crumbling

CRACKS.

Repair work should be carried out in the off-season (very/spring).

Causes of cracks:

If the coating is old, then it has been exposed to atmospheric / natural influences (expansion and contraction) for a long time. As a result, cracks form in the blind area, which will continue to collapse.

Uneven settlement of the building. Violation of the tightness of the joints between the blind area and the basement of the building. As a result, water cannot penetrate there.

Drawdown of the blind area. The reason for this phenomenon is soil subsidence or a violation of the technology for laying the coating around the house.

Stages of work:

1. Preparation. Before carrying out, the surface of the old coating should be cleaned of dust and dirt. Expand and completely remove the destroyed areas. Prime the crack with PrS-03 “Gora Khrustalnaya” primer to improve the adhesion of the repair compound to the old base.

2. Preparation of the solution. Preparation of the working solution of the MBR repair mixture is carried out directly on construction site using a low-speed forced mixing concrete or mortar mixer. To prepare a small amount of solution, use a low-speed electric drill with a mixer attachment to achieve a uniform consistency while mixing. Mixing with gravity mixers or by hand is not permitted.

To prepare a working solution of the MBR repair mixture, first pour the minimum calculated amount into a mortar mixer or into a mixing container (calculated taking into account the minimum water consumption value specified in the characteristics of the mixture) number fresh water mixing, then with the mixer constantly running, gradually load the calculated amount of dry mixture and mix for 1-2 minutes until a plastic, homogeneous solution without lumps is obtained. If necessary, to obtain a working solution of a given mobility, the required amount of water is added to it (within the amount specified in the characteristics of the mixture) and additionally mixed for 1-2 minutes.

To obtain complete readiness, let the prepared solution of the MBR repair mixture stand for 5 minutes and then stir again for 30 seconds.

!!!IMPORTANT. The dissolution of special additives in the mixture occurs gradually, so it is extremely important to mix the mixture thoroughly and, if necessary, add water in small doses while constantly stirring the solution.

4. Care of the solution. After completing work on applying a working solution of a thixotropic mixture for repairing MBR concrete, it is necessary to ensure careful temperature and humidity care of the applied coating.Immediately after applying the repair mixture, it is necessary to protect it from rapid drying under the influence of outside temperature, direct sunlight and wind. For maintenance, standard methods of caring for cement-containing materials are used.3. Laying the solution. Application of the MBR repair mixture solution is done manually plaster trowels, and compaction, smoothing and leveling of the mortar - with trowels, rules and trowels. It is better to start repairing concrete from the very beginning. top point, periodically monitoring compliance with the planned slope. After laying the repair mixture in the defective area, it is necessary to level it. Leveling is the removal of excess mixture in order to level the surface along the appropriate contour and height.

Care can be carried out in various ways:

regular irrigation of the MBR repair coating with a sprayed stream of water starting 2-3 hours (full setting) after its installation during 3 days of hardening at least 2 times a day with a water consumption of 1-3 l/m2. Smallest number moistening of the repaired surface of structures during the day, depending on the average air temperature during the day, is given in Table 1;

If it is impossible to moisten the surface with water, it is recommended to lay damp/wet burlap on the repaired surface or cover plastic film, tarpaulin, rubberized fabric;

treating the surface of the repair coating with film-forming compounds that reduce evaporation ( ).

Table 1

№ p/p	Air temperature, ºС	Minimum number of wetting of the repair coating

Failure to take measures regarding humidity conditions can lead to the formation of microcracks on the surface of the hardened layer of the repair coating, especially in hot and dry weather.

DELAYING AND CRUMPING.

Causes of delamination and crumbling of concrete:

Uneven hardening concrete mortar(occurs in spring time when pouring concrete on a cold base)

The structure is too thick

Exceeding the norm of air content in the solution

Exceeding the proportion of crushed stone in the concrete solution.

Stages of work:

1. Preparation. Before starting work, it is necessary to determine the boundaries of the damage. Cut down the damaged part, remove the destroyed parts and prime the edges of the undamaged concrete.

2. Preparation of the solution (see above).

3. Laying large and deep defects (more than 40 mm) should be filled with repair mixture. held in place by formwork.

4. Caring for freshly laid mortar.

If the damage is not repaired in time, the blind area will subsequently have to be dismantled and a new structure formed. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out everything renovation work in a timely manner.

HOW TO PREVENT THE DESTRUCTION OF A CONCRETE BLINDBOARD.

What should be done to prevent the destruction of the blind area?

If the surface of the blind area will be decorated with stone or tiles, the surface of the concrete should be treated with water-repellent impregnation “Mount Khrustalnaya”.

If the surface will not be decorated, it is necessary to coat the surface with “Gora Khrustalnaya” varnish for concrete surfaces. The varnish will protect the concrete from water penetration, increases the wear resistance of the surface, increases resistance to dirt and makes it easier to clean.

A reliable, time-tested way to protect the foundation from the effects of surface water is to install a concrete blind area around the house. The undoubted advantage of a concrete blind area is its low cost and ease of manufacture.

100% protection from moisture, which is provided by a concrete blind area with a complete coating, cannot be guaranteed by any material (without arranging a multi-tiered “pie”). The condition of the foundation directly affects the position of the entire structure. Therefore, the foundation needs major protection.

This is exactly what it is the main task blind area - protection of the foundation and base of the house. In addition to the barrier, it performs several other functions. For example, it allows you to organize more convenient movement along the blind area and gives the building a complete appearance.

Let's take a step-by-step look at how to properly make a blind area around a concrete house with your own hands. We propose to divide all the stages of arrangement into theoretical and applied.

• In the first part, we will look at what you need to know and prepare before getting started.

• In the second - how to prepare the bed and properly pour the concrete blind area.

Requirements for the blind area and rules for its construction

• width of concrete blind area, according to SNiP 2.02.01-83 should be 200 mm. more than overhang roofing material. If there is a drain, its parameters are also taken into account. The same SNiP regulates the width depending on the type of soil. The traditional (optimal) width of the blind area can be considered 1 meter. This width provides freedom of movement and acts as a path around the house;

• length. Since the foundation needs protection along the entire perimeter of the house, it is logical that the blind area should also completely surround the building. The only exception may be the installation site of a concrete porch;

• depth or level of penetration of the blind area should not exceed half of the calculated depth of soil freezing characteristic of a particular region. This parameter can be viewed in the table or you can request information from the architecture department at the location of the object.

  The ability of a concrete blind area to move with the soil gives it its functions. Otherwise, its role will be reduced to draining water, which is not enough to protect the foundation.

  Note. The depth of freezing is affected by the presence of communications in the ground.

• concrete blind area thickness. The minimum thickness of the surface layer is 70-100 mm. If increased operational load is planned, for example, vehicle movement, the thickness can reach up to 150 mm;

• slope of the blind area. SNiP III-10-75 recommends what the slope should be - from 10 to 100 mm per 1 meter of width (i.e. 1-10%). The angle of inclination is directed in the direction opposite to the foundation of the house. Slope requirements depend on regional rainfall levels and soil type. In practice, the slope is taken to be 20-30 mm per 1 m (2-3 degrees). If you do more, then in case of icing, it will be difficult to move along such a blind area;

• border. In the case of a blind area, the border is a decorative element and the decision to install it is made based on the preferences of the home owner and his financial opportunities. However, if bushes are planted in the immediate vicinity of the blind area - “root aggressors” (raspberries, blackberries) or trees that have a powerful superficial root system (poplar, sycamore), then installing a limiter is mandatory;

• plinth height. The standards establish a minimum plinth height of 500 mm for a hard type blind area and a minimum of 300 mm for a soft type. Let us remind you that the blind area around a concrete house is of the rigid type;

• height of the blind area from ground level. It is desirable that the blind area be 50 mm higher above the ground level. This recommendation is due to the fact that water should not accumulate on the edge of the blind area and turn into puddles. In winter, this is fraught with freezing and, accordingly, destruction of the structure.

• concrete blind area design has a specific device diagram, which is shown in the drawing below.

Armed with the above data, you can proceed directly to the installation of a concrete foundation blind area.

How to make a concrete blind area around a house

Preparation of material:

• concrete for blind area. Grade is an indicator of the quality of concrete; its value ranges from 100 to 1000. It indicates the proportion of cement content in concrete. The concrete class ranges from B3.5 to B8 and indicates the strength of concrete. Thus, class B 15 indicates that a concrete cube measuring 15x15x15 cm is capable of withstanding a pressure of 15 MPa.

What brand of concrete is needed for the blind area? To prepare the solution, use cement grade M 200 (class B15).

The parameters (properties) of concrete depending on the brand are shown in the table.

• sand. Which one do you need? For the bottom layer of the pillow, river or quarry sand. The main thing is that it does not contain large impurities that can damage geotextiles;

• crushed stone (gravel). Crushed stone of fraction 10-20 is suitable for the blind area;

• clay or geotexil for hydraulic locking. In practice, this layer is absent in the base cushion, because concrete drains water well;

• cement for ironing.

Composition of concrete mortar for blind area

If it is not possible to use ready-made concrete, you can mix it yourself. To do this you need to prepare:

• cement for blind area. You should know that the grade of concrete is determined by the grade of cement and its specific gravity as a percentage of the components of the solution. For the blind area, cement M400 Portland cement is used. The cement must be fresh; with each month of storage it loses 5% of its properties. It’s easy to check the freshness; just squeeze a little cement in your fist; if it shrinks into a lump, its shelf life is running out; if it crumbles freely, you can work with it;

Note. What cement is best for blind areas? Naturally fresh and of high quality. This will save on cement consumption and prepare a good concrete solution.

• sand. To prepare concrete, you need to take concrete that has been sifted and washed to remove impurities and soil;

• crushed stone It is advisable to use crushed stone of a fraction of 5-10 mm. At the same time, crushed stone is better than, for example, small pebbles;

• water. Should be at room temperature;

• additives. They are needed to give concrete frost-resistant properties. Liquid glass is often used as an additive.

The tools you will need are a concrete mixer or a mixing container, a shovel, a bucket (it’s better to take a plastic one, it’s easier to clean), a measuring container (for water), a hand-tamping log or a vibrating plate.

Preparation of concrete mortar for blind area

In practice, the solution for the blind area is prepared in portions, after all preparatory work. We will provide a ready-made recipe for cement mortar and how to mix it correctly.

The composition of the concrete solution includes: cement, crushed stone, sand, water and various additives that increase its strength. The durability and strength of the blind area depends on the ratio (proportions) of these components.

Note. Components are measured by weight only.

Proportions of solution for blind area

Note. 1 cubic meter of sand is on average equal to 1600 kg, 1 cubic meter of crushed stone is on average equal to 1500 kg.

Depending on the brand of concrete, the proportions will differ. SNiP 82-02-95 regulates the composition of the mixture for producing concrete of a certain grade.

The concrete mixture is very demanding on the amount of water supplied. Its excess reduces the strength of concrete, because removes cement flour to the top layer of the solution. This leads to the fact that the strength is distributed unevenly. In practice, it is calculated that water should be approximately half the amount of cement. More accurate data is contained in the table (water-cement ratio (W/C) for concrete).

The order in which the components are added to the solution also matters. Cement is first poured into a mixing container or concrete mixer and water is added. By mixing, the so-called cement laitance is obtained. Next, the remaining components are added to it. First, sand is poured in small portions, and then crushed stone (gravel).

Note. Professionals advise maintaining an interval of 5 minutes. between feeding components. This way the mixture mixes better.

Technology for constructing a blind area made of concrete with insulation

Step-by-step instruction:

Preparing the base for the blind area. For this purpose it is removed upper layer soil, all roots, stones, etc. are removed. Using a blanket herbicide will eliminate activity under the substrate. For example, the drugs Agrokiller or Tornado.

Advice. Considering that the blind area must exceed the edge of the roof slope by 200 mm, it is recommended to use a plumb line to accurately mark the boundary of the blind area.

Marking. To do this, we pull the rope onto the stakes hammered in the corners. To avoid sagging of the rope, you need to install intermediate stakes (at a distance of 5-6 m from each other).

Advice. How to determine the required angle of inclination of the blind area? Craftsmen install additional beacons (stretch a rope) on the base of the house. Fastening is done every 1-1.5 meters.

Hydraulic lock device. To do this, lay fatty clay in a layer of 100-150 mm or cover the bottom with geotextiles (roofing felt, PVC film, advertising banner, etc.). Please note that to prevent the film from tearing, it is better to pour a layer of sand of 50-100 mm at the bottom of the trench. A layer of sand of the same thickness is also poured on top of the film. The sand is leveled, moistened and compacted. In the case of a hydraulic lock made of clay sand layer only one. When laying the film, you should avoid tension. It must be able to move freely with the ground.

Note. Experts advise making high-quality drainage near the hydraulic lock. To do this, you need to dig a trench 100 mm deep and 200 mm wide and fill it with crushed stone or lay a drainage pipe in it, wrap it with geotextile and fill it with crushed stone. This will increase the rate of water drainage.

It is worth noting that many people ignore this stage of work. In practice, this attitude results in the fact that the water passing through the expansion joint goes directly under the foundation, and when it freezes, it leads to an increase in pressure on it.

Backfilling of crushed stone. The layer thickness varies from 50 to 100 mm. The gravel is leveled and compacted. Since crushed stone is difficult to compact, some recommend using a special grid for laying it, which is used in landscape design for the construction of gravel paths. We note right away that this will increase the cost of the blind area without much need.

Backfilling with sand.

Laying communication pipes. To do this, a depression is made in the sand for pipes and storm drains.

Insulation of the blind area. Expanded polystyrene or penoplex is laid on the compacted sand with which crushed stone and communications are covered. Only hard insulation is suitable for the blind area, but it is afraid of point loads, so it must be laid on a sand cushion.

Advice. Cold bridges can be eliminated by laying insulation in two offset layers.

Reinforcement of concrete blind area. This is done by laying reinforcement mesh with cells of 50x50 or 100x100 mm or by knitting a reinforcement cage.

Advice. Chain-link mesh is not suitable for reinforcement - it is too flexible.

If insulation is not intended, the reinforcing mesh is laid directly on the crushed stone to a height of 20-30 mm. Which will contribute to better distribution of concrete.

Formwork installation. Boards or plywood are installed strictly according to level. To level out the pushing force of concrete, the formwork is reinforced with stakes that are installed on its outer side. During installation, do not forget that the formwork is removable, which means that all seams will be visible after its dismantling. In this case, the blind area will have an ugly appearance. Therefore, when installing boards, you need to ensure that the internal seams are invisible.

Construction of expansion joints. To do this, we install wooden slats and boards (on edge), which are pre-treated with an antiseptic or tarred. The recommended distance between the expansion joints of the blind area is 2-2.5 meters. Expansion joints must be made diagonally in the place where the formwork turns (at the corners). The purpose of the expansion joint is to compensate for the thermal expansion of concrete during operation. They are installed level, taking into account the angle of inclination of the formwork, because When pouring concrete, they are guided by them. An alternative to wood can be Guerlain butyl rubber tapes (10 RUR/m) or a hydro-swelling elastic cord, for example, Penebar Rapid SW45 A/B.

How to seal the seams in the blind area?

According to reviews, those who ignored the formation of expansion joints had cracks after the first winter. Many people believe that wood swells and allows moisture to pass through. You can seal the resulting cracks with special sealants, such as TEKTOR 103 mastic (225 rubles/piece), ISOSEAL P-40 (280 rubles/piece).

Pouring a concrete blind area. When pouring concrete, you need to ensure that no air pockets are formed and that the cement mixture evenly fills the entire space. It is important that no bumps or depressions appear when pouring. Their presence will lead to stagnation of water in these places. If it is not possible to do the entire blind area at one time, part of it is poured, and then work is resumed.

Advice. When pouring a blind area, you can use a technique for uniform distribution of concrete - bayoneting. To do this, the concrete is “pierced” with a rod, and the solution fills the entire space.

How to properly pour a concrete blind area around a house - video

Protection of concrete blind area from destruction

Many people are interested in how to cover the concrete blind area around the house. After all, after pouring the solution, the blind area must be protected from heaving, deformation, destruction, and exposure to moisture, rain, and snow. Let's consider how and what is the best way to do this.

Ways to protect the foundation blind area:

Ironing of concrete blind area around the house

How to iron a blind area with your own hands?

• Dry ironing method - freshly poured concrete is sprinkled with a layer of cement (2 mm) followed by grouting. Dry cement binds to the concrete mortar and increases its ability to withstand the effects of water.

• Wet ironing method - 12-14 days after pouring (when the concrete has dried), you need to walk over the surface of the blind area with a cement-sand mortar (1:1) with the addition of lime paste (10% of the volume of the mixture).

Coating the blind area with a primer

Primers are suitable for this deep penetration, such as AURA Unigrund KRAFT (90 rubles). Primer solutions are used when additional finishing is planned. For example, tiling or painting. If this is not in the plans, it is better to use a water repellent, for example, Eskaro Aquastop Waterproof W (1200 rubles) or GKZh-11 (195 rubles/5 l). Concrete hardeners such as Monopol 1 (1,600 rubles/5 kg), Monolit-20M (1,200 rubles/10 l), Protexil (3,600 rubles/20 l) or Ashford Formula ($120/10 l) are gaining popularity.

Protecting the blind area with liquid glass

Solution from liquid glass and cement - this is a more budget option protective composition(primer, water repellent), providing a similar result. A solution with liquid glass is prepared from a mixture of cement, water and liquid glass in a proportion (ratio) of 1:1:1.

Covering the blind area with a layer of enamel

The enamel must match certain parameters in terms of frost resistance, vapor permeability, moisture resistance, and environmental friendliness. Has proven itself to be excellent polyurethane enamel ELAKOR-PU (220 rub/kg).

Covering the blind area with tiles and stones

Lay tiles (ceramic, clinker, paving), pebbles or a natural stone. In this case, concrete acts as a binding solution.

• It is advisable to install a storm drain near the blind area, which will drain the flowing water and prevent siltation of the area;

• To ensure uniform drying of the poured concrete, the blind area is covered with film. Thus, evaporated moisture will be retained on its surface. Since it is difficult to cover a wide blind area with film, it can be periodically moistened. The time until complete hardening with a blind area thickness of 100 mm is 1.5-2 weeks;

• after completely dry The blind area is removed from the concrete. You should be careful here, because... Removing the blind area can lead to damage to the edges of the blind area.

This order of work and taking into account all these nuances guarantees the long-term full functioning of the concrete blind area.

Do-it-yourself concrete blind area around the house repair

To the most common problems applies:

The appearance of cracks in the blind area

How to repair cracks in the blind area?

Elimination depends on the depth of the damage (cracks, crevices, concrete breaks):

• no more than 1 mm. Self-healing is used. Such a crack is not dangerous and is usually rubbed away by friction during walking;

• no more than 3 mm. Involves the use of “cement dough”. Shallow cracks can be sealed (filled) with a liquid cement solution (1 part cement to 1 part water);

• 3-30 mm. Such cracks are considered large. To eliminate them, you can use a special sealant such as the above-mentioned TEKTOR 103, ISOSEAL P-40. You can seal the crack with freshly prepared concrete mortar. However, before this the crack needs to be widened. In cross section it should resemble a cone. Apply primer over the entire area of ​​the crack. Any will do, for example, Ceresit ST-17 (450-500 rubles/10 l). Next, the solution is poured. You can use the so-called hydroseal, a special cement-based solution that hardens in 15 minutes. An example is Lugato 5-Minuten Mortel putty (410 RUR 5 kg)

• crack depth exceeding half the thickness of the blind area, this is already a cracking of concrete and refers to significant damage. It can only be eliminated by expansion followed by pouring new concrete.

Delamination of the surface of the blind area over the entire area

In the language of masters, this process is called concrete dusting or delamination (delamination). The reason for this phenomenon may be several factors. For example, uneven hardening of concrete occurs if concrete mortar is poured onto a cold surface (observed during work in early spring) or make the blind area thicker. Increased air content in the concrete mixture. Excess of crushed stone parts in the concrete composition.

What to do if the concrete blind area crumbles?

If the process is just beginning, then the surface should be covered with “cement paste” or a composition that contains liquid glass (proportions: cement, water and liquid glass - 1: 1: 1).

If the damage has reached significant proportions, then radical measures must be taken:

1. determine the boundaries of the damage to prevent its spread;
2. cut out part of the concrete;
3. cover the edges of the blind area with a primer;
4. apply a new layer of solution;
5. cover with film until completely dry.

If you start it, you will have to completely dismantle the blind area and fill in a new one. The measures described above will help extend the life of the blind area and save on alterations and reconstruction.

The cost of installing a concrete blind area without material

And the last thing that interests everyone who wants to order the construction of a blind area is the prices for a concrete blind area. If you entrust the work to craftsmen, then the estimate must contain the costs of the work, which are presented in the table (approximate data as of the end of 2015)

Service - work on the blind area of ​​a private house	Doing the work yourself	The cost of a master’s work per sq. m.
Material price	We do not take into account, because the cost will be the same
Removing the old blind area (dismantling)	0	65
Marking and excavation (depth 600 mm)	0	300
Hydraulic lock made of clay	0	100
Laying film or geotextile	0	40
Backfilling the sand layer + tamping (5 mm.)	0	80
Formation of crushed stone layer (100 mm)	0	80
Installation of a storm drain	0	250
Pipe laying (per m.p.)	0	50
Construction of a concrete blind area (ready-made concrete)	0	300
Construction of a concrete blind area (mixing concrete)	0	650
Total	Saving	About 1200-1400 rubles

Please note that it is unlikely that you will be able to negotiate a significant discount here. After all, this price does not take into account the cost of materials. For a complete picture, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the cost of materials for the production of a concrete blind area per 1 m.

Conclusion

Agree, it’s a good incentive to make a concrete blind area with your own hands. Moreover, from the given instructions it is clear that this work does not require special tools, any special materials, only the desire to protect the foundation of the house with a reliable barrier.

Today, the construction industry is developing rapidly all over the world. Every day new buildings and structures are being built and erected. Great importance in this matter is not only quality building materials, but also aesthetic appearance. When constructing a building, special attention must be paid to the blind area. What is it? The blind area is most often made of concrete or sand-cement mixture.

Scheme of the blind area of ​​the house

It is a paved strip from 20 cm to 1.2 m wide, adjacent to the foundation or plinth of the building.

During the operation of a building, gradual destruction of the concrete blind area occurs. It can only be protected through timely repairs, including painting and applying protective mixtures.

If you need to purchase paints and varnishes, we recommend visiting the website of the company “TD Lakokraska-Ya” lakokraska-ya.ru.

The reason for the decrease in appearance and its destruction is the formation of microcalcification on its surface, which resembles dust and consists of lime and carbon dioxide. These are the main reasons for the deterioration of its appearance. This is of great practical importance, since as a result, corrosion of the material is observed and subsequently the material itself is destroyed. front side concrete. Let's take a closer look at how to paint a concrete blind area.

Use of polymer paints

Construction of reinforced concrete blind area

To ensure that the tiles always remain in good condition, the concrete blind area can be painted with polymer paints. Polyurethane enamel is most often used for these purposes, acrylic paint, primer-enamel. All of them are quite effective.

Their big advantage is that they do not require preliminary priming of the surface. Some of them, for example Betil, can be used for negative temperatures. Aqua concrete is water-based paint who found wide application for processing freshly prepared concrete. Polymerdecor is resistant to chemical agents such as alkalis and acids.

They are applied to the surface in the usual way in 1 or 2 layers, are inexpensive and have high efficiency. They prevent the formation of surface corrosion. Before applying any paint, the tiles must be cleaned, otherwise the painting may not be effective. This is very important for the blind area. You can purchase a similar product at any hardware store that sells paint and varnish products.

Protective composition Elakor

Types of blind area at home

You can paint a concrete blind area using special protective solutions. These include Elakor. This drug is prepared on the basis of polyurethane, which is the active principle. It is used to prevent dust formation and other concrete structures, preventing their destruction. It is applied thin layer. A distinctive feature is that Elakor penetrates several centimeters inside, and a special protective film is formed on the surface. The latter contains very durable crystals that are resistant to moisture and chemicals.

The solution penetrated into the concrete blind area increases the strength of the structure and its wear resistance. Outer protective layer adheres to the surface as much as possible and forms a single material with the entire structure, as a result of which it does not peel off or collapse. The service life of the coating is up to 15 years, while the surface is less susceptible to mechanical destruction and does not become slippery.

Application of enamels

Tiles can be well protected with enamel. The Polak mixture gives a good effect. It has good adhesive properties and inhibits the effect of harmful chemicals on the surface of the concrete blind area. Its composition resembles epoxy paints. Benefits this method are: coating resistance to ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, moisture and weather resistance. In addition, there is the possibility of a color scheme for the concrete blind area. The tile becomes more durable and wear-resistant. The effect lasts for decades. In addition to enamels, it is advisable to use various resins, for example, polyurethane, to treat concrete blind areas. They are very elastic, quickly polymerize, prevent corrosion, and are resistant to chemical irritants.

Resins have the ability to quickly and deeply penetrate the material and increase its resistance to adverse factors environment. Painting will require a roller or brush, varnish, paint, enamel or other solution. All of the above means will be able to protect your blind area, and the tiles will serve for many years.

In order to protect the foundation of the house from the penetration of atmospheric moisture, a blind area must be made around each building. Various materials are used for its manufacture, but concrete is most often chosen for this purpose.

Concrete, being an artificial stone, has sufficient strength to last for several decades. But anyone, even a not very experienced builder, knows that concrete structures located on outdoors Quite quickly they become covered with cracks, cavities and other defects. The culprit of these processes is water - the most terrible enemy of concrete structures. Penetrating into the pores of concrete, it freezes and contributes to the formation of micro-fractures in the material, which subsequently turn into serious defects.

And, if with concrete walls water drains quickly, then the blind area, which has a slight slope and is almost horizontal, is exposed to moisture much longer and therefore needs protection.

It is advisable immediately after installing the blind area, but even if quite a lot of time has passed and it has begun to crumble, it is not too late to use the achievements modern science and restore its integrity and functionality.
For this purpose, special substances called “concrete impregnations” are used.

Impregnations for concrete, their types and purpose

There are two types of means to improve the properties of concrete. These are additives and impregnations.

But, if additives are used to introduce into the concrete mixture during its preparation, then impregnations are applied after the concrete has acquired the necessary strength. They are used not only for protection, but also to restore the properties of those in use.

Unlike additives that change the properties of the entire mass of concrete, impregnations are able to affect a depth of no more than 5 mm. But this is quite enough to significantly extend the life of the structure.

All impregnations for concrete are divided into two large types:

• made on the basis of inorganic compounds;
• made on the basis of organic compounds.

The effect of inorganic mixtures on concrete is based on their ability to react with soluble external molecular compounds of the structure, turning them inert to other reactions. Thus, the top layer of concrete becomes immune to the effects external factors.

Organic impregnations are liquid mixtures containing polyurethane, epoxy resins. When in contact with concrete, they fill all, even the smallest, pores of the outer layer of concrete, providing it with the ability to resist aggressive environmental factors and repel water. They give the material additional strength and prevent the formation of cement dust.

If you are faced with the task of choosing an organic impregnation, then you should know that the polyurethane composition is the most versatile, coping with almost all tasks. Other compounds are not so functional and are used to solve highly specialized problems.

The following classification of impregnations for concrete is based on their division according to purpose:

• Colored impregnations - used at the final stage of processing the concrete surface. If you want the blind area to fit perfectly into the overall exterior of the building, then you should think about giving it a color that is in harmony with the appearance of the house.
  In previous years, this was done by painting the blind area paint and varnish materials, but such a coating is extremely short-lived and requires constant restoration. It turned out to be much more effective to use colored impregnating compounds, which, penetrating 2–3 mm into the thickness of the blind area, create a durable colored layer. But color impregnation alone is not enough; you will also have to cover the blind area with a layer of a water-repellent mixture.
• Dust-removing impregnations - mainly used for treating dust-producing concrete floors with intensive use.
  It is not necessary to cover the blind area with such a composition, because it should not be subjected to large mechanical loads. But if you consider that the same impregnation will give it moisture resistance, then you can achieve two goals in one application.

• Protective impregnations - their main task is to give the top layer of concrete water-repellent properties. They fill all the smallest pores, making the concrete almost hydrophobic.
  Their use helps prevent the occurrence of cracks, chips and efflorescence of the blind area surface. After their use, concrete becomes immune to the effects of fungus, mold, harmful substances and UV radiation. Thus, these mixtures are almost universal protective agent, which cannot but affect their cost.
• Strengthening impregnations - when exposed to them, the top layer of concrete is subject to modification, increasing its strength. Substances penetrate concrete to a depth of 5 mm.

These impregnations are made on the basis of sodium and potassium. IN last years Lithium is also used as a base, which can not only increase the strength of the base, but also give it hydrophobic properties.

Rules for using impregnations

Better results when using impregnating compounds can be achieved if you treat a new one. But this method is also suitable for old structures. The only condition for its use is the need to repair the surface of the structure in use:

• it must be cleaned of dirt and dust;
• cracks and chips need to be repaired;
• It is advisable to dry grind the concrete using special grinding machines(if possible).

There is no point in applying impregnation to an uneven, flaky surface. New structures are treated no earlier than 15 days after they are poured.

The remaining rules are the same for both new and old blind areas:

• The impregnating composition must be applied at temperatures from +5 to +40 degrees. Carrying out work outside of this temperature range is fraught with deterioration in the properties of both the impregnation and the treated surface.
• Impregnation must be applied to a dry surface of the blind area; work should not be carried out during fog or rain.
• The blind area should be treated using products personal protection skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
• Impregnation is applied in several layers, and a certain time must pass between their application. Typically, the second layer of impregnation is applied approximately 1 hour after the first, when the surface becomes sticky, and the third - 2 hours after the second. But this general recommendations, the instructions for each composition contain more specific instructions. The time for complete drying of the impregnation is approximately 12 - 14 hours.
• To apply impregnations, you need to use brushes and rollers made from materials that are resistant to solvents.

Thus, to restore the properties of the old blind area you will have to work hard, but this will allow you not to have to deal with removing the old one and preparing the base for pouring new blind area, installation of formwork and concrete works. At the same time, the old blind area will acquire a completely civilized appearance and will protect the foundation of the house from destruction for many years to come.

In order for the foundation of the house to be durable and strong, it is necessary to provide reliable protection foundation from water. A blind area is often used for this. Without it, moisture will contribute to the foundation. Except functional purpose, it plays a decorative role, making the appearance of the house complete.

Why do blind area defects occur?

To make a strip around the perimeter of the building, materials such as concrete, cement, paving stones, natural and artificial stone are used. The first option is the most common. Asphalt and some other materials are rarely used. But sooner or later any blind area begins to collapse.

Defects appear in the form of deep or superficial cracks, displacement and subsidence of individual fragments, crumbling of individual edges or areas. It is also possible for the tiles to peel off from the base of the object. Before strengthening this strip, it is necessary to identify the reasons why it is subject to destruction:

1. Incorrect installation technology. These include the lack of a waterproofing layer, lack of compaction and unevenness of the backfill, and non-compliance with standards for width and depth. Perhaps the work was carried out in the hot season, before rains or early frosts - all these factors affect the uncured solution. There is also a possibility that the correct recipe for the concrete composition was not followed, for example, a lot or little binder was added: in the first case, the surface will crack, and in the second, it will crumble.
2. Lack of damping layer. Expansion joints are located between the slab and the base, becoming a shock absorber and contributing to the correct distribution of the resulting vibrations. Their absence will increase the risk of defects appearing on the blind area.
3. Making a strip around the perimeter of the building without tilting towards the outside. Rain moisture stagnates on flat surfaces, which negatively affects artificial stones And cement coatings. A slight slope away from the object will allow water to drain naturally. Without it, small cracks will form, which over time will turn into deeper tears.
4. No reinforcement in . This procedure is not mandatory according to current standards, but it gives the water drainage strip the necessary strength.

How to restore the blind area?

Cracking, partial collapse and peeling of the drainage strip around the house indicate that it is time to make repairs. To prevent further deformation of the coating and moisture penetration into the foundation of the house, repair all defects immediately. In case of severe damage and deep subsidence of fragments, it is advisable to completely replace the destroyed coating. The choice of method depends on the type of material:

1. If the blind area is made of tiles, then it is easier to simply replace its defective parts with new ones. Before this, you need to partially fill the recesses with sand.
2. Restoring an asphalt strip involves dismantling the deformed section. The resulting pit must be cleaned, and its edges and bottom are treated with liquid resin. Only after this is new asphalt laid, which is carefully compacted with a roller.
3. Defects in a strip made from a mixture of glue and concrete can be eliminated using moisture-resistant polyurethane foam and special polymer materials. Such mixtures penetrate into all cracks. They harden quite quickly. Cement is not suitable for this task, because... it will only cover the top of the crack, not the entire cavity. Large defective areas are best replaced completely.
4. Restoring protective tape from cobblestones involves replacing damaged fragments. For this purpose you need a hammer and a chisel. Having removed the deformed cobblestones with their help, you will need to pour them onto empty seats a mixture of crushed gravel and sand to level the layer. After this, you need to compact it, fill everything with mortar and cement and place a suitable fragment on top. Small cracks can be sealed with concrete mixture.

One of the most problem areas drainage tape is where it connects to the base of the property. Most of the problems appear due to the peeling of the coating from the foundation of the house. For minor peeling, use waterproofing fillers or sealant. During repairs, experts recommend performing the following work:

1. Clean any defects that have appeared (cracks, cracks) from various kinds garbage, as well as earth and sand. Small cracks can be combined into one zone and expanded.
2. Fill all recesses with concrete mixture. To ensure durability, add steel reinforcement mesh during pouring.
3. After the solution has hardened (this will take several days), treat the surface with a primer for exterior use.
4. For prevention, you can dig holes about 20-30 cm deep. Fill them with solution.
5. Fill gaps and cracks with the same material that was used to install the tape around the house.

It is recommended to carry out work to restore the blind area in early spring or late autumn. At these times of the year, defects open up better, and the concrete mixture is in a “calm state”, because it will expand if the air temperature gets very warm.

Ironing

This procedure will help to avoid the appearance of large cracks and gaps that appear on the drainage tape during its operation. Ironing allows you to strengthen the surface of the strip, increasing its level of hardness and strength. This procedure also improves the waterproofing qualities of the blind area.

Despite the name of this technology, iron has nothing to do with it. In most cases, cement is used and special remedy: SPEKTRIN, PENTRA, Lithurin, etc. It may include components such as liquid glass, granite and quartz filler, corundum, sodium aluminate, etc. The procedure itself is:

• wet;
• dry;
• polymer.

Dry ironing

This type of procedure is performed as quickly as possible after the blind area has been poured - approximately 1-2 hours. After some time, the tape will still be wet, which is good for the procedure. Detailed instructions:

1. Take dry cement and sprinkle it on the wet area. This must be done so that the layer has a thickness of 2 mm.
2. Place the cement evenly using any suitable sieve. Pour the material into it and lightly tap the device.
3. The resulting layer of cement must be leveled. Use for this purpose hand grater made of polyurethane. It takes a little time to harden the surface.
4. Due to porosity and moisture concrete mixture The water-repellent tape will become stronger and more durable. This will ensure proper adhesion to the dry cement.
5. You can walk on the coating, which has been reinforced with iron, after a day.

Wet ironing

The difference between this procedure and the previous one is only in the material. In this case you need to use cement mortar, which should be quite liquid. The optimal ratio of sand and cement is 1:1. Add lime paste to them, which should be approximately 1/10 of the total volume of cement. It is possible to prepare a mixture from other components: liquid glass, glue.

Wet ironing should be carried out no earlier than 2 weeks after the blind area is poured. During this time, the ratio of moisture and strength in the coating should stabilize. Apply the prepared mixture with a spatula or sprayer.

Polymer ironing

This method involves the use of polyurethane impregnation. Compositions for concrete are very popular - Elakor, PENTRA, SPEKTRIN, Lithurin, etc. They are sold in any hardware store. The polymer ironing technology is similar to the dry method. The exception is that after applying the composition, it is better to level it over the concrete surface with a metal trowel.

Polyurethane impregnation allows you to achieve a higher quality coating. The described method can be used even at 0°C. Dry and wet ironing can only be carried out at positive temperatures. Regardless of the method chosen, the drainage tape must be covered with film or other material that can retain moisture.

The use of impregnations for concrete blind areas

Most often, concrete is used to make a drainage strip, since it is an accessible and inexpensive material that lasts for decades. When exposed to air, any concrete structure becomes covered with cracks and other defects. Once in the pores of the material, water freezes and contributes to the appearance of micro-tears in the structure.

The blind area is exposed to water longer than other structures. If you did not take protective measures after installing the strip and it has already begun to crumble, then you can restore its original appearance using.

Types of means

To effectively treat the blind area and restore it, you first need to choose the appropriate composition. There are impregnations made on the basis of organic and inorganic compounds:

1. Organic products are liquid mixtures containing epoxy resins, polyurethane, and acrylic. In contact with concrete, they fill all the pores of the outer layer of the material, which provides it with the ability to repel water and resist the aggressive effects of external factors. Such compositions make the material more durable and prevent the appearance of cement dust.
2. Inorganic agents react with external molecular compounds of the coating, which may dissolve. As a result, they become inert. Thanks to this, the top layer of the material becomes immune to external factors.

How to use impregnation for restoration?

Achieve best result it is possible if you use the described means to treat new concrete surfaces, but this method is also suitable for old blind areas. Before using impregnation, perform the following steps:

1. Clean the drainage tape from dirt and dust.
2. Repair all chips and cracks.
3. It is advisable to do it dry using a grinder.

There is no point in applying impregnation if the surface is uneven and flaky. The new structure should be treated no earlier than 15 days after it is poured. For application, adhere to the following rules:

1. Apply impregnation at temperatures from +5 to +40°C. If you carry out work outside this temperature range, the properties of the impregnation may deteriorate.
2. Treat the blind area using personal protective equipment for the respiratory system, skin and eyes.
3. Apply impregnation to a dry strip to drain water. Do not perform the procedure during rain or fog.
4. To apply the product, use rollers and brushes that are solvent resistant.
5. Treat the blind area in several layers - some time should pass between applications. The second time the impregnation is applied approximately 1 hour after the first, and the third - 2 hours after the second. These are general recommendations, since the instructions for each composition have their own instructions.

To ensure that the concrete blind area does not collapse and copes well with its function, it is important to waterproof it. Often pressed brickwork or clay is used for this purpose. In rare cases, an asphalt screed is used, the layer of which is on average 30 mm.

To protect the blind area when large cluster groundwater If there is poor drainage, be sure to install a ditch along its perimeter. Before filling, cover it with waterproofing. Excellent choice will become materials, the main one of which is polypropylene. Suitable for solving the problem polyvinyl chloride film. A polyethylene material and roofing felt are practically not suitable for this purpose.

There are two ways to waterproof a blind area:

1. Penetrating method. It is very popular, although it appeared relatively recently. It involves increasing the strength and durability of the blind area due to the influence of hydraulic pressure. This can be achieved due to the fact that insulating materials are able to penetrate deep into the pores of the structure - approximately 40 cm. As a result, a crystalline structure is formed, and water does not pass through the body of the material.
2. Painting method. Involves protecting a concrete blind area using bitumen mastic. It should be applied to a dry and clean surface over primer using a brush. If necessary, the walls can be easily leveled with mortar. The mastic must be applied in layers, the thickness of each of which should not be more than 2 mm. If you apply the composition to a damp and uncleaned surface, cracks or swelling may appear.

It should be added that bitumen mastic used for horizontal adhesive waterproofing And How glue solution. Before installation, materials for processing the blind area must be cut into small pieces with allowance for overlap during installation. Before processing concrete structure perform high-quality grinding. It can be easily accomplished using a soft-lined roller, but the applied mass must be at least 70 kg.