Processing the blind area around the house: technology and materials for protection

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

Methods for repairing blind areas made of various materials

Types of blind area repairs
The blind area can be made of various building materials. In accordance with this, the repair of the blind area is carried out using appropriate technology.

Repair of paving slabs (paving stones)

A blind area made of paving slabs requires repair in two cases:

• One or more tiles are damaged. This situation can occur if the blind area is used incorrectly, as well as with strong mechanical impact on the structure. To carry out repairs, it is necessary to remove damaged elements, fill the freed area with sand and lay new elements using the appropriate technology.
• Subsidence and lowering of sections of formwork. The formation of such a defect is the result of improper installation of the sand cushion. To repair the blind area, it is necessary to remove the tiles from the damaged area and make a high-quality cushion of sand and crushed stone. Then lay new tiles, following the necessary technology.

Restoration of asphalt blind area

If damage to the asphalt blind area is detected, the following work is required:

Repair of asphalt blind area

• Complete removal of the damaged area.
• Cleansing from existing contaminants.
• Covering the entire restored surface with liquefied bitumen.
• Laying a new layer of asphalt.
• Compaction with a roller.

How to treat it against destruction?

After erecting a rigid blind area or restoring its surface, secondary protection of the outer layer is performed using impregnations from atmospheric aggressiveness.

The retail chain offers impregnations of organic and inorganic composition:

1. Organic ones contain acrylic, epoxy resins and polyurethane, which come into contact with concrete or paving stones, fill all external pores, which repels water.
   The most popular impregnation is FOB-F7 and can be used for any hard surface covering from concrete to granite. Advantages: the highest degree of sealing, chemical and impact resistance, does not accumulate dirt, creates a non-slip surface, tenfold increase in wear resistance, prevents the formation of chips and cracks. Disadvantages: high cost, 6200 rub./10 l.
2. Inorganic silicate potassium-lithium impregnations enter into a chemical reaction with Ca(OH)₂ present in the facing layer under the influence of which hydrosilication occurs. Advantages: durability, high strength 20% higher than the original condition, excellent water resistance. Disadvantages: high cost: 700 rubles/kg.

Reinforcement and filling of the blind area

At the next stage of work, formwork and reinforcing mesh are installed. The formwork is made of boards and placed at a selected distance from the walls of the house, repeating the shape of its contour. The reinforcing mesh is leveled using wooden blocks as backing. The mesh sheets must be fastened to each other using binding wire. The mesh should have a slight slope in the direction from the house - depending on the width of the blind area, the edge adjacent to the wall is set 3-5 centimeters higher than the far one. Subsequently, the concreted surface will repeat this angle, and water falling on the blind area will not collect on it, but will roll out. Accordingly, next to the wall the concrete thickness (7-12 cm) will be slightly greater than at the edge.

The prepared areas are filled with solution. This is done gradually and carefully. The solution should tightly fill the entire intended space both under and above the mesh, so that voids do not form inside the concrete, which could lead to the destruction of the entire structure.

If it is not possible to cope with pouring concrete in one day, then a piece of board or timber is placed perpendicular to the wall along the line of the end of the next fragment of the mesh. It will not allow the solution to flow further into the space free from it, forming a so-called “tongue”. To ensure the strength of the structure, embedded parts can be laid in concrete. The laid, leveled concrete is ironed, sprinkled with dry cement. When the concrete has set, the board must be removed and pouring can continue. This technique ensures the solidity of the blind areas poured on different days, and of the entire protective structure as a whole.

The concrete hardening process is traditional: the finished blind area is covered with film and sprinkled with water in hot weather. After 2-3 days you can walk on the blind area or move on to finishing work, choosing the material to your liking.

What is the best way to finish the outside: options with photos

The main materials include:

Clinker tiles

Clinker tiles are an environmentally friendly material made from molded clay and fired at high temperatures. The main advantages are durability. Declared by the manufacturer, it is 50 years. The material is also distinguished by its moisture resistance and chemical inertness.

The facade part can be anything (smooth, corrugated or artificially aged, imitating natural, processed stone).

The downside is low thermal conductivity properties, as a result of which the tiles require insulation. In addition, you should take into account the considerable weight and high prices. Fragility is a parameter that affects transportation conditions. Manufacturers, taking care of their customers, have provided the option of tiles with glued insulation on the back side.

Bricks

The material is reliable and resistant to moisture penetration into the wall. The main advantage is the versatility of bricks, a large selection (ceramic, hollow, slotted, hyper-pressed) in different colors. Can be done in the same style as the walls of the house.

When facing the base with red brick, obtained by high-temperature firing, it does not require facing work and serves as a protective, decorative role. The large weight of the material must be taken into account when laying and pouring the foundation. Cladding will be more expensive than clinker tiles.

Natural stones

To decorate the basement façade surface the following is used:

• granite,
• gravel,
• dolomite stone,

which have the necessary strength characteristics. Marble is not used because of its high cost. The disadvantages of natural stone are its large mass, which complicates delivery and installation. Additional reinforcement of the base is necessary so that it can withstand such heavy material. The disadvantages include the high price of the products.

Artificial stones

Modern production has replaced finishing stones of natural origin with artificial ones, minimizing the disadvantages of natural materials. It is lighter, easier to install, does not require maintenance and is affordable.

The artificial stone is based on granite chips of small fractions

Panels

Sheet panels assembled from plastic, metal, cement materials. The front part can have any color imitation stone, wood, brick.

The panels are resistant to excess moisture, ultraviolet radiation, changes in external temperature, and are highly durable. Plastic-based panels are less durable. When exposed to mechanical stress, the panel becomes covered with cracks, so they are rarely used for cladding the base of a brick house.

Siding

These advantages have made the material popular, especially in those buildings where the foundation does not have additional reinforcements. To fix the material, you need a frame to which the panels are attached with self-tapping screws.

Plastering

It is considered one of the most expensive and labor-intensive methods, although there is no talk about the effect. The perfectly smooth surface of the basement of a brick house can cause admiration.

To protect the facade from moisture, sun, and frost, a protective finishing layer with special acrylic agents is applied to the treated surface.

The most popular plaster with stone chips of small fractions

Construction of a blind area and its finishing with natural stone

When constructing a blind area, it is important to follow certain rules. And only in this case will all work be completed efficiently and quickly. Firstly, for the installation of a blind area, it is important that its width is not minimal

It would be better if it was 20 cm more than the roof overhang

Firstly, when constructing a blind area, it is important that its width is not minimal. It would be better if it was 20 cm more than the roof overhang. And only in this case will all work be completed efficiently and quickly

And only in this case will all work be completed efficiently and quickly

Firstly, when constructing a blind area, it is important that its width is not minimal. It would be better if it was 20 cm more than the roof overhang. Then the water will not be able to harm the walls and foundation of the house

The optimal width is 1 m, and a possible width of 60 cm. The type of soil may also affect the width

Then the water will not be able to harm the walls and foundation of the house. The optimal width is 1 m, and a possible width of 60 cm. The type of soil can also affect the width.

The blind area does not tolerate interruptions during pouring or cladding. At the same time, do not forget about expansion joints. This will help avoid cracking and destruction of the monolithic foundation.

Another important point is that when constructing a blind area, you need to make a slight slope away from the house. If further cladding is done with natural stone, then a slope of 5-10 degrees will be sufficient. You can create a slope using the underlying layer, which will create the overall appearance of the entire structure.

The installation of a blind area is not a whim or a tribute to fashion, but the creation of a complex and functional system to protect the building. This system has three functions: decorative, protective. practical.

Due to the fact that this structure is located in the most visible place, its original appearance is bare concrete. And in order to hide such an unsightly truth of life, its finishing will be done. The material must be combined with the facade of the building, with the overall design

The protective function provides that the installation of a blind area is necessary to protect the foundation and other parts of buildings from water. With this simple design, the house will last much longer.

The advantage of installing a blind area is that the thermal insulation properties of the house increase. The structure can be easily insulated, thereby ensuring a microclimate inside the house

This function becomes truly important if the house has a basement.

The construction of the blind area is carried out during the construction of the house. Then we can say with confidence that all work has been completed as efficiently as possible, and it will also be possible to avoid cracks on the outer surface of the base.

Constructing a blind area around a house is the process of pouring concrete into a pre-installed formwork or dug trench. To give reliability to the entire structure, a sand and gravel cushion is laid at the bottom of the trench, and a reinforcing mesh is installed in the concrete layer.

The height of the plinth depends on the type of material used to construct the blind area. For example, if it is crushed stone or gravel, then a height of 30 cm will be sufficient. But if it is concrete or paving stones, then 50 m.

It is impossible to imagine a blind area without finishing. This is also not a difficult job, which has a lot of advantages.

Finishing is done either with slabs of different thicknesses or with cobblestones. Of all types of natural stone, granite, marble, sandstone, shell rock and many others are usually used. The advantages of finishing with natural stone are the strength and long service life of the structure, attractive appearance, and the structure is not subject to fading.

But there are also disadvantages that are worth remembering. Natural stone is quite expensive. And before choosing a material, you should know that some types will require the use of special waterproofing additives

When constructing a blind area, natural stone is often chosen also because it goes well with the classic and country style. If the building is built in Art Nouveau style, then it is better to use paving slabs for finishing.

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.

Ironing of the blind area.

Despite the name of this technology, iron has nothing to do with it. In most cases, cement and a special product are used: 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 a polyurethane hand float for this purpose. It takes a little time to harden the surface.
4. Due to the porosity and moisture content of the 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 a 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, PVA glue and cement.

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 blind area has moved away from the base

After the first year of operation of the house, the blind area often moves away from the base. This occurs due to shrinkage of the structure or violation of construction technology. You can help the trouble both when the blind area has moved away from the base of the house, and when the structure has sagged in some places.

In cases where the structure has moved far away from the base, it is worth first establishing the reason for this action. Often a gap is formed not due to soil mobility, but due to a disruption in the working process of the structure. In this case, you need to make the blind area again, completely dismantling the old structure and creating a new one.

If the reason for the formation of a gap is excessive heaving of the soil, then it is worth slightly reinforcing the blind area itself, creating a connection with the foundation using rods. This will prevent the gap from increasing in size, always remaining at the same level. And the crack itself, which appeared in the area of ​​the base, should be sealed with soft materials that allow maintaining the temperature regime and freedom in relation to both structures.

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The clutch material is masked with finishing borders, slopes or decorative elements. This will add beauty to both the base and the entire building as a whole.

How to paint a concrete blind area

Today, the construction industry is developing rapidly all over the world. Every day new buildings and structures are being built and erected. Not only the quality of building materials, but also the aesthetic appearance is of great importance in this matter. 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.

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 front side of the concrete itself is destroyed. 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, acrylic paint, and enamel primer are most often used for these purposes. 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 at low temperatures. Aqua concrete is a water-based paint that is widely used 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 highly effective. 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.

The importance of timely completion of work

The timeliness of current or major repairs of the blind area helps to protect the foundation from external influences - temperature changes (frost - heat), duration of operation, preservation of strength, thermal insulation, resistance to precipitation, flood (in some areas).

The blind area gives a complete aesthetic appearance to the building, helps with movement around the building, and correctly distributes the load on the foundation of the house.

The consequences of lack of repair are as follows:

1. Penetration of water to the plinth and base of the building.
2. Gradual complete destruction of the path near the house with the impossibility of movement and washing the facade.
3. Germination of various plants, tree roots located next to the house into its foundation.
4. Lack of good thermal insulation and additional protection from frost.
5. The appearance of cracks on the base leading to the base, fungi or mold.
6. Lack of aesthetics and decorativeness of the structure.

Melt water and swollen soil will annoy home owners less if the surface is restored. The repair will preserve the structure itself and make the owner’s costs ergonomic (save money).

For example, a person will be too lazy to buy some cement to repair cracks that appeared on the blind area after winter or improper use, and next year he will have to replace a larger area or the entire structure.

Acrylic paints for concrete walls

Most often, acrylic compositions, which are divided into organic and water-based, are used to decorate walls (both internal and external). Solvent paints form a coating with high mechanical strength that is resistant to temperature changes, moisture and other aggressive influences.

Many of them (for example, “Akrial-Lux” from KRASKO price - 140 rubles / kg) allow work in the winter. And yet, in private homes, organic paints and varnishes are rarely used. The reason is a sharp unpleasant odor, difficulties with tinting and a relatively long drying time.

Water-soluble acrylic paints do not have all these disadvantages. But they are inferior to “organic” in terms of strength and durability of the coating. However, in suburban properties the load on the facades and internal walls of buildings is much lower than in industrial areas, so most often the owners of private houses give preference to water-soluble emulsions. They are produced by almost all large “paint” companies, both domestic and foreign. The average cost of the product at the moment is 125-200 rubles/kg.

Another option for finishing concrete walls is alkyd enamels.

Interestingly, they can be used not only on mineral, but also on metal and wooden surfaces. The paint layer adheres firmly to materials with completely different properties thanks to the binder – alkyd resin.

In air it polymerizes, forming a smooth and elastic coating with good adhesion. Alkyd compositions are extremely durable (much stronger than acrylic), but it should be noted that they are solvent-soluble. with all the ensuing consequences - unpleasant odor, long drying time, etc. The cost of products of this kind is relatively low.

For example, the price of PF-115 universal enamel from TEX in a 2.5 kg container is about 500 rubles. Alkyd enamels come in three levels of gloss: glossy, semi-gloss and matte. For outdoor work, it is reasonable to give preference to the first type - a smooth paint layer lasts on average 15-20% longer than a rough one.

Necessary materials

To repair the blind area, you need to use high-quality materials and strictly follow construction technology.

Let's consider the list and quantity of materials required to perform work to eliminate defects in the protective strip.

To repair a concrete blind area (width 1 meter, thickness 10 centimeters) you will need:

To prepare concrete (1 m2):

• cement M 500 – 32 kg;
• screenings or crushed stone (5-10 mm) – 0.08 m3;
• sand – 0.05 m3;

For the pillow:

• geotextiles, PVC film – 1m2;
• sand – 0.05-0.1 m3;
• screenings or crushed stone (3-10 mm) - 0.1 m3;

Reinforcement:

• reinforcement, diameter 6 mm – 12 m.p.;
• reinforcing mesh 50x50, diameter 3 mm – 1m2;
• reinforcement mesh 150x150, diameter 3 mm – 1m2.

To repair a tiled blind area (1 meter wide), consumption per 1 m2:

Pillow:

• clay – 0.05-0.1 m3;
• geotextiles, PVC film – 1m2;
• sand – 0.15-0.2 m3;
• screenings or crushed stone (3-10 mm) – 0.1 m3;

Finishing layer:

• cement M 500 – 10 kg;
• sifted sand – 2.5-10 kg;

Front layer:

• tiles – 50 pieces;
• border – 2 pcs.

General principles

Depending on the soil on the site and the purpose of the building, different materials and layer structure can be used, but there are some points that are always present:

• the blind area has a general slope “away from the house”, its minimum value is 3% (3 cm per meter);
• There must be an expansion joint of 1-2 cm between the protective coating and the foundation (lay roofing material in two layers, polystyrene foam or EPS, cover with sand, fill with sealant);
• when waterproofing and insulating the foundation, the material rises to the level of the blind area;
• the base should hang over the expansion joint and it should not interface with the protective coating (a gap of 1-2 cm is left).

Another popular type of protective coating for house formwork is paving slabs or paving stones.

Why paint a concrete structure?

Modern construction products allow you to add color to the product at the production stage or apply color to the finished structure:

• path,
• blind area,
• plinth,
• walls,
• floor.

The question of the advisability of painting disappears after becoming familiar with the performance characteristics of special paints and practical use:

1. Protective functions.
   The additional coating serves as a reliable, strengthening protection for concrete from precipitation, temperature changes, mechanical damage, and intensive use. The paint layer does not wear off for a long time, is durable, wear-resistant, prevents the penetration of moisture, and is fire-resistant;
2. Aesthetic. A large selection of colors allows you to choose an individual shade that fits perfectly into the interior and outdoor landscape. An unsightly path can take on the shade of ornamental stone, marble or granite. Multi-colored compositions will significantly refresh the interior;
3. Operational. The surface becomes smoother and does not accumulate dust. The resulting thin film prevents the appearance of small cracks, shedding, and grass germination. The service life of the painted blind area increases;
4. Economical and easy to apply. No special skills are required to work with the material.

The only drawback is the high price for a quality product.

Preparing the site

Laying paving slabs on a blind area begins with preliminary site preparation. The builders call it a bed. If there is an old coating, it will have to be dismantled. You should also remove part of the foundation hidden under the pillow. If the house is new, the soil layer should be removed. If you want to install a storm sewer system, you should take care of the recess on the side opposite to the foundation.

The depth of the blind area is chosen taking into account the height of the foundation layers. Most often it is 150 mm, but when installing a stock, a parameter of 400 mm is used. If the soil layer consists predominantly of clay, there is no need to build a clay castle.

When land is removed, large soil piles appear. It is necessary to foresee in advance where they can be placed. Otherwise, the embankment will create a number of problems when moving around the site. The bottom layer is pre-compacted until it becomes as dense as possible and stops moving.

Is the blind area crumbling? Use modern concrete impregnations!

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 in the open air are quickly covered with cracks, sinkholes 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 water quickly drains from concrete walls, 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 to carry out protective measures 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 of 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 to protect new concrete structures, but also to restore the properties of those in service.

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 external factors.

Organic impregnations are liquid mixtures based on acrylic, polyurethane, and 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.

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 with paints and varnishes, 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 an 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.

Rules for using impregnations

Better results when using impregnating compounds can be achieved if you treat a new concrete surface. 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 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 personal protective equipment for the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
• 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 these are 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.

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DIY blind area repair

It is best to carry out restoration work in early spring or late autumn, then all defects are best revealed, and the concrete is at rest (does not expand under the influence of high temperature and sunlight).

It is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the protective strip and make timely repairs. This is not particularly difficult and does not require special efforts or qualifications in construction.

Step-by-step instruction

One of the most problematic areas of the blind area is the place where it connects to the base of the house. Approximately half of all problems occur when the blind area separates from the foundation.

If the peeling is small, you can use sealant or waterproofing fillers.

If a large gap forms, it must be eliminated immediately, but this will require much more effort, time and money.

When repairing on your own, professionals advise carrying out the following work:

1. Clear the gap of sand, soil and debris.
2. Fill the cracks with concrete. For durability, steel reinforcing mesh can be added during concreting.
3. A few days after the solution has hardened, the surface must be treated with a primer for external work.
4. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to dig a hole of 20-30 centimeters and fill it with solution.
5. To eliminate cracks and cracks, it is best to use the material that was used to construct the blind area.
6. In the event of complete destruction of the protective tape due to soil subsidence, the destroyed part should be completely dismantled, the soil should be removed, and the lining layer should be restored. Clay is compacted into the recess in a 20-centimeter layer, then sand in a layer of 10-15 centimeters, which can be moistened and compacted again. Cover the sand with crushed stone or broken brick in a layer of 10 centimeters. Then the formwork is constructed and the concrete is poured. For reliability, the repaired area is covered with reinforcing mesh. To achieve a better connection, the old section needs to be increased by 1-2 centimeters.

Why do you need to paint concrete floors?

For many ignorant people, this may seem strange - does the monolithic structure of concrete really need any more protection? Yes, that's true, and it's very simple to explain.

First of all, the structure of concrete is not at all monolithic or homogeneous. In fact, it is a conglomerate of components that are different in both chemical composition and size. That is, the silicate crystalline bonds formed during the ripening process are densely intersected with insoluble inclusions of different fractions (quartz sand, fragments of shells, crushed stone, gravel, etc.) All this predetermines a pronounced porous structure - in such a “mix” one cannot exclude small gas bubbles, cavities, cracks, etc. In such voids there may remain air, cement laitance, unbound water or water that has entered from the outside after the concrete has matured.

Concrete under a microscope - the heterogeneous, clearly porous structure of the conglomerate is clearly visible.

Naturally, all this creates conditions for surface erosion of concrete under the influence of temperature or humidity changes, due to mechanical, including abrasive load. The well-known negative property of concrete floors to generate dust is precisely this.

To this we must add the instability of concrete to chemical influences, for example, from technical fluids spilled on the floor.

So, moisture, temperature changes, abrasion load, chemical exposure - just everything that a concrete floor experiences, for example, in a workshop or garage. And if you leave it “as is”, then after a few years there will be no trace left of the solidity of such a floor.

This is what a concrete floor that has no protection from external influences can turn into.

There are many ways to protect concrete surfaces, varying in complexity and effectiveness. But painting can be considered one of the simplest, and at the same time, effective. It would seem that this is a very thin layer of paint and varnish - but what we are looking at is a completely different floor in terms of wear resistance. The paint tightly seals the pores of the surface layers, preventing water from entering them from the outside, that is, closing one of the main paths of erosion. And since special compounds are used for such purposes, they also dramatically increase the surface’s resistance to abrasive loads.

As a result, gender provides a lot of advantages:

1. Surface dusting is almost completely eliminated.
2. Increases resistance to mechanical loads of various kinds.
3. Paint becomes a barrier not only for water, but also for other liquids, including chemically active ones. That is, the floor is protected from such influence.
4. As a result of the above, the durability of the coating increases significantly.
5. Caring for a painted floor is much easier and more effective than caring for a regular concrete floor.
6. Painting the floor even allows you to use concrete of reduced grade strength for pouring, without a significant loss of wear resistance. And this is savings during construction.
7. Creating such protection does not require any complex technological operations involving special equipment or tools. You can do everything yourself.
8. Painted floors are simply prettier than boring gray concrete surfaces. By the way, it has been noticed that labor productivity on production sites with painted floors is significantly higher than on “bare” floors.

Agree that, for example, in a garage with a painted concrete floor it will be much more comfortable to work than on a “bare” dusty surface.

So, for a very reasonable price you can get effective protection. It is clear that it will not last forever, but repainting it after a few years is also not a big problem. Moreover, if the floor, thanks to such treatment, remains intact and not “beaten” by erosion.

High-quality blind area is easy

1. CARBON ECO slabs are laid on the prepared base (compacted sand) (thereby we protect the foundation from frost).
2. To reliably protect the blind area from the negative effects of moisture, a profiled PLANTER-geo membrane is laid on top of the thermal insulation. It is recommended to form a connection between the sheets by overlapping the membranes into four tenons and additionally gluing the joints with PLANTERBAND tape; geotextiles should also be joined together with adhesive tape.
3. Next, you can begin to form the finishing layer of gravel or plant substrate; another layer of sand is poured under the tiles or natural stone.

Repair the blind area - Why cracks occur

It is quite difficult to immediately determine why various kinds of cracks appear in the blind area for a specific situation. Or rather, there are many reasons for the occurrence of expansion joints. But still, as practice shows, there are three main ones:

Cracks in the blind area

1. Time factor. During operation, the blind area is repeatedly exposed to temperature changes. That is, the expansion of the material in heat and compression in winter. As a result of these phenomena, cracks appear in the diversion strip. If they are not eliminated immediately, then over time, as a rule, they increase and completely destroy the blind area.
2. Uneven settlement of the building. The formation of cracks in the blind area occurs due to a violation of the tightness of the joints between the canvas and the base. The covering moves away from the house, and water begins to penetrate into the resulting gap. Such a case requires immediate elimination of the deformation. Otherwise, destruction of the drainage cloth cannot be avoided.
3. Drawdown of the blind area. A fairly common, everyday reason that occurs as a result of soil subsidence. In addition to natural disasters, it is not uncommon that the cause is a gross violation of the technology (building codes and regulations) for laying the coating.

Repair the blind area – Equipment for repair

In order to properly repair the covering, to qualitatively repair the blind area around the house with your own hands, you will need the following construction equipment:

• Shovel;
• bucket;
• wheelbarrow for transporting building material;
• perforator;
• building materials for heat and moisture insulation;
• building level;
• sand;
• crushed stone;
• fittings

Repair the blind area - How to carry out the repair step by step

First step: Preparation for pouring cement mortar.

Before starting the main construction work, you should thoroughly clean the surface of the old drainage coating from dust and dirt. Properly widen the cracks and remove completely destroyed areas of the cover. To improve adhesion, prime the edges of the cracks well. To properly seal the cracks that appear, to save cement mortar, you can use pieces of old destroyed canvas - lay them out in the pits before pouring concrete.

Preparation for pouring the solution

Second step: Preparation of cement mortar.

Preparation of cement mortar (concrete): sand - 2.6 parts, cement M500 or M400 - 1 part, crushed stone - 4.5 parts, water - 125 liters per 1 cubic meter. ready-made solution, as well as other additives. Working time with the finished mixture is 1.5-2 hours.

Preparation of a solution for repairing a blind area

Third step: Laying concrete.

It is better to start pouring concrete with your own hands from the highest point. At the same time, periodically monitoring compliance with the planned slope. High-quality repairs of large areas of damaged fabric should be carried out using reinforced mesh. After pouring, the concrete solution is compacted and leveled.

Concrete laying

What repair mixtures are used?

Restoration work on the surface of the blind area is conventionally divided into 2 types - sealing single cracks and restoring large deformed areas.

Cracks must be covered as soon as possible after they are identified in order to prevent water from entering them and the development of processes of destruction of the blind area. For this purpose, special polymer, epoxy and adhesive compositions are used.

The manufacturer includes technical instructions for each of them, which describes in detail the procedure for use and areas of their application.

Grouping the sizes of defects on the surface of the blind area by degree:

• cracks no more than 5 mm;
• chips from 10 to 20 mm;
• recesses up to 40 mm;
• deep destruction up to 100 mm;
• deep damage of 400 mm until the reinforcement is completely exposed - here the use of any repair mixtures is ineffective, a complete replacement of the damaged area is required.

For concrete

Basic repair materials for concrete blind area:

Epoxy compounds

Applicable:

• ED-16/20, Russia, 600 rub./kg;
• Epoxy 520, Czech Republic, 890 RUR/2kg;
• USIN KR 416, Germany, 4975 RUR/0.75l;
• Repair Technokolla, Italy, RUB 3,600/1.8l.

Advantages:

• frost resistance,
• water resistance,
• connection strength,
• affordable prices.

Flaws:

• flammable material,
• You must follow safety rules during restoration work.

Sealants, polyurethane

Applicable:

• ELASTOSIL PU 20, Russia, 260 rub./0.6 l;
• 3M PU 575, Russia, 275 RUR/0.6;
• Rubberflex.Pro, France, 300 rub./0.6 l.

Advantages:

• good adhesion,
• long period of use up to 25 years,
• applicability for external repairs in the temperature range from - 35 to + 45 C.

Disadvantages: contains toxic substances and is difficult to dispose of.

Self-expanding tapes

Applicable:

• PSUL, Russia. 190 rub./1 m.p.;
• G-Flex/ GX-7615/ Alchemy, Ukraine, 200 rub./m.p.;
• Waterstop 1520, Greece, 245 rub./m.p.;
• FUMAX, China, 320 rub./m.p.;
• Hydrotite.CJ-0720, Japan, 360 rub. m.p.

Advantages:

• increased connection reliability,
• moisture resistance,
• frost resistance,
• large selection of sizes and configurations.

Flaws:

• high price,
• do not allow pressure on the material during installation.

For granite

Basic repair materials for granite blind area:

1. Polyester adhesive putty Tenax Solido, Italy, RUB 3,200/l. Advantages: wide range of application for all types of natural stones, strength of joints and permissibility of work in a humid environment and in frost. Disadvantages: high cost.
2. Polyester adhesive putty Nitor 50, Italy, 1500 rub./l. Advantages: high-quality connections, wide range of applications for all types of natural stone. Disadvantages: high cost.
3. Polyester adhesive putty FLUIDO TRANSPARENTE, Italy, 1200/0.75 l. Advantages: good adhesion, durable seams that can be processed. Disadvantages: high price.

1. Liquid adhesive putty AKEPOX 2000, Germany, RUB 5,738/1.5 l. Advantage: easy processing, strength, frost resistance, water protection. Disadvantages: only for horizontal seams.
2. Thick adhesive-putty Solido Colorato, 3G Pagl, Italy, 630 RUR/0.125 l. Advantage: high thickening rate, high-strength joints, frost resistance, moisture resistance. Disadvantages: high price.
3. Thick adhesive-putty Crystal, crystal-transparent, 3180 rub./l. Advantage: hardens quickly, easily processed, high permissible temperature. Disadvantages: high price.

Why do blind area defects occur?

A common option for a blind area is a concrete path around the entire building. Sometimes along its perimeter one can observe traces of initial or serious damage: crumbling of the filling material in certain areas or edges, the appearance of small or deep cracks, subsidence of the track surface in some places, noticeable displacements of certain areas. Possible causes of defects:

1. Violation of technology and rules for the construction of an element. These include the absence of a protective waterproofing layer, uneven pouring of the working solution without mandatory compaction, and incorrectly selected depth and width parameters. The quality of the hardened mortar cannot be influenced by frost, summer heat or subsequent rains. Incorrectly selected proportions of mortar components can weaken the future structure. For example, exceeding the proportion of binder leads to cracking of the surface, while a shortage leads to concrete spalling. If you do not prepare a layer of sand and gravel on heaving soils, the solution poured directly onto the ground after hardening will be defenseless against deformation processes.
2. Lack of the required slope away from the base of the building. Atmospheric moisture will not be removed, and its stagnation on the flat areas of the path encircling the house will gradually lead to cracks. When frozen, ice turns small defects into deep tears.
3. The absence of a reinforcing frame in a concrete structure weakens the element. The strength of an unreinforced path may not be enough to withstand shifts and soil subsidence.
4. Absence of temperature damping joints of 1-2 cm: transverse - every 1.5-2.5 m of the track, longitudinal - between the base of the house and the monolith of the element. Seams help smooth out and absorb fluctuations in linear dimensions in individual areas. Without damper layers, the risk of defects increases many times over.

Destruction of the concrete blind area. The lack of a protective coating is one of the reasons for this result.

For what purposes is painting used?

Paint is an excellent method used in the construction of a blind area to protect it from destruction. And this is the most important condition that guides the selection of the desired composition.

The benefits that can be obtained are variable and depend on the type of paint chosen, the components in its composition used by the manufacturer:

• additional wear resistance (epoxy, polyurethane);
• deep penetration into the top layer of water repellents (similar to the effect of liquid glass), provides the ability to resist damage from water flows;
• some have the ability to process concrete without a primer;
• for some species - work not only with fresh pouring, but also at low temperatures;
• undoubted decorativeness - color combination, giving stylistic correspondence.

The blind area is created from variable materials, but the use of paint is most in demand when it is created from high-quality grades of cement. Neither natural stone nor crushed stone is recommended to be coated with a coloring composition. If small reinforced concrete slabs were used, they must first be cleaned of dirt and repaired.

We make the blind area ourselves

The technology for constructing a blind area includes several stages that even a beginner in construction work can handle.

Preparation

To begin creating a protective coating around your home, prepare:

• pickaxe;
• twine;
• roulette;
• tamper;
• pegs for marking;
• waterproof film (geotextile);
• concrete mixture;
• boards for formwork;
• hacksaw;
• level;
• nails;
• reinforcement material, welding machine and wire cutters;
• usually a trowel, spatula;
• sealant for processing seams (it is better to purchase a polyurethane compound).

Marking

Arrangement of the blind area around the house begins with preparing the area for construction. At this stage, it is necessary to mark the perimeter of the future “tape”, or rather the trench for it, using pegs. There are several recommendations in this regard:

• The step between the beacons is 1.5 m.
• The depth of the trench will depend on the soil, but the minimum value is 0.15-0.2 meters. If the ground is “heaving”, then the depth increases to 0.3 m.

Marking for concrete blind area using pegs

The easiest way to apply markings is to proceed in the following sequence:

1. Drive metal or wood pegs into the ground at the corners of the house.
2. Install intermediate beacons along the perimeter of the building.
3. Stretch the cord or rope, connecting all the pegs.

Healthy! At this point, a sealant can be used to separate the sheeting from the foundation.

After this, the slope of the system is formed; for this, a trench is dug in which the depth of one of its sides will be greater. To compact the resulting ditch, it is enough to use wood. First, you need to place the log vertically, lift it and sharply lower it down with force. This will compact the bottom of the trench.

Formwork

Very often, recommendations for the construction of this type of coating do not contain a description of the creation of formwork, but beginners should not neglect such an “assistant”.

To prevent concrete from spreading, it is necessary to prepare the formwork

For formwork you will need boards on which it is better to immediately mark the height of the future cushion. At the corners, fasten the improvised “box” with metal corners (bolts from the outside).

Important! If you do not want to remove the formwork after the construction of the concrete blind area is completed, then be sure to treat the wood with an antiseptic compound and wrap the boards with roofing felt. Scheme of formwork for blind area

Scheme of formwork for blind area

Making a pillow

In order for a concrete blind area to be made according to all the “canons” of construction, it is imperative to prepare a sand or clay base for it. The thickness of the sand layer can reach up to 20 cm. It is best to lay the pillow in several layers, moistening and thoroughly tamping each subsequent layer. At the final stage, the surface needs to be leveled.

Waterproofing

The waterproofing device involves laying several layers of roofing material or other geotextiles on the pillow.

In this case, it is worth paying attention to the recommendations of experts:

1. The material needs to be “wrapped” slightly onto the walls to create an expansion joint.
2. Roofing felt must be laid overlapping.
3. A thin layer of sand is poured on top of the geotextile, and then 10 cm of gravel.
4. If you plan to install a drainage system, then it is laid close to the resulting “water seal”.

Waterproofing of the blind area is carried out using geotextiles or roofing felt

Reinforcement, pouring and drying

Above the level of 3 cm from the layer with crushed stone, it is necessary to lay a metal mesh in increments of 0.75 m. After this, you need to mix the concrete and pour it in equal portions into the resulting formwork sections. In this case, the poured composition should reach the level of the upper edge of the wooden “box”.

Reinforcing a blind area for a house using metal mesh

Healthy! After pouring, pierce the surface with an iron rod in several places to allow excess air to escape.

The composition can be distributed using a trowel or a rule. To increase the resistance of concrete, 2 hours after pouring, ironing is performed. To do this, the surface is covered with a layer of dry PC 400 3-7 mm thick.

Healthy! To prevent the composition from cracking, it must be moistened with water 1-2 times a day.

After pouring and leveling the mixture, it must be covered with polyethylene.

In addition to how to properly fill the blind area, you need to take care that it does not crack during the drying process. To do this, you need to protect the coating from precipitation and sun using plastic film. It is believed that the blind area dries completely in 10-14 days. However, according to the regulations, at least 28 days should be allowed for drying.

Knowing all these recommendations and the correct proportions of solutions, you can improve your home without the participation of specialists.

Acrylic-based paint for concrete floors "Texipol"

"Texipol" is made on the basis of acrylic resins.
This dye contains a solvent of organic origin. This circumstance significantly affected the price of acrylic paint for concrete floors. On the other hand, the performance of the coating has improved significantly. The film coating that forms on the surface of concrete after painting is not afraid of temperature changes. The dye is not destroyed under the influence of most acids, petroleum products and alkalis (the exception is concentrated alkalis), as well as alcohols, antifreeze or coolants.

Texipol paint for concrete floors can be used to treat concrete, asphalt concrete surfaces and cement screeds. The coating reliably protects the material from moisture, aggressive chemicals and abrasive loads. as a coating with wear-resistant properties for industrial workshops, shopping centers, warehouses and garages.

Texipol mixtures are suitable for processing concrete, cement and asphalt.

After painting, the surface becomes glossy.

Consumers are offered three color options:

• beige;
• grey;
• red-brown.

These colors are basic, but for customers who place a large order, the manufacturer meets halfway and provides the opportunity to choose any RAL shade. The dye spreads well and has excellent coverage. At the same time, Texipol is used very sparingly if the floor surface has been carefully prepared beforehand.

Texipol paint cost table:

Note! Since the dye contains an organic solvent, the material has a pungent odor. During its application, it is imperative to use personal protective equipment.

After the polymerization process is completed, the unpleasant odor completely disappears.

What it is?

First you need to understand what a “blind area” is. Dictionaries define the word as an asphalt or concrete strip designed to drain rain and flood waters away from the foundation of a building. In addition, she:

• eliminates excessive moisture of the foundation and adjacent groundwater, which can erode the structure and cause excessive shrinkage;
• protects the building from overgrown tree roots near the house.

A blind area is always a strip along the perimeter of a building with an angle of inclination from the house. This angle allows water to roll down without lingering at the base. The blind area consists of:

• bedding layer;
• outer layer.

The type of blind area is determined by the type of material of the outer layer. It can be made of clay and crushed stone, concrete, asphalt and paving slabs.

Functions performed

A properly equipped blind area ensures the longevity of the structure, preventing the destruction of the foundation and structures of the house by moisture from precipitation and melt water. A blind area without concrete, created with your own hands, is a temporary measure that does not solve the entire complex of problems of such a design.

In addition to the function of a horizontal hydrobarrier, the blind area (especially insulated) reduces the freezing of the soil around the house, which reduces the likelihood of it swelling (rising), and also reduces the thermal conductivity of the building. A blind area without concrete does not prevent periodic moisture of the soil close to the foundation and, as a result, the harmful effects that hard plant roots can cause to it. The protective device also gives the building an aesthetically complete appearance and can be used as a pedestrian path.

Errors

Many newcomers are dishonest when it comes to organizational work. They make the following mistakes:

They did not take into account the width and depth of the blind area. Incorrect calculations will lead to complete destruction of the structure

It is important to remember that the width of the system must be at least 1 m, 35 cm greater than the roof overhang. They did not make a slope from the foundation. This leads to stagnation of water in the area

The blind area gradually collapses, then the foundation begins to deteriorate. The insulation layer was not installed. Insulation is necessarily used when arranging blind areas near residential buildings. If you do not insulate the system, it will quickly collapse under the influence of frost heaving forces. The waterproofing layer was not installed. This is the most important stage in the creation of the design in question. Without waterproofing, the system is completely destroyed within a few days. There was no provision for water drainage. The sidewalk is flooded with sewage and groundwater. The foundation of the building is gradually being destroyed.

Beginners believe that some points in the scheme for arranging a soft blind area can be omitted.

Experts also advise not to save on purchasing materials.

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How to make a blind area at home with your own hands

First, markings are made along the perimeter of the building using pegs and laces. The following is the order of work:

• The plant layer and some soil are removed. The depth of the trench depends on the size of the underlying layer and the thickness of the protective coating. Usually - 25-30 cm.
• The bottom is treated with herbicides. This is necessary to prevent plants from growing in this area. They are able to destroy even concrete and asphalt, and they grow instantly between tiles or paving stones.
• The bottom of the trench is leveled, forming the required slope and compacted.
• The underlying layer is laid and compacted, maintaining the slope. It is advisable to compact everything using a vibrating platform. Manual tamping is ineffective. Density is especially important when laying concrete, but it is advisable to compact it well under tiles or paving stones: it will not collapse or warp.
• A protective coating is laid.
• A drainage groove is formed.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with Winter storage for dahlias: cellars and basements

It's very short and sketchy. Each coating has its own characteristics, and each needs to be discussed separately.

Repair of blind areas made of other coatings

You can independently repair a blind area built from materials other than concrete as follows:

1. Made from asphalt concrete. Clean damaged areas from remnants of old material. Cover the area to be repaired with a layer of heated bitumen and wait until it hardens. Pour asphalt concrete into the hole and roll it with a heavy roller. The direction of movement of the roller is from the edges of the backfill to its center. The level of the new layer should be slightly higher than the level of the blind area. In this case, high-quality coverage will be provided.

1. From paving slabs. Remove damaged elements from their places, then fill the voids with a small amount of sand. Place a new tile on this sand and hammer it down using a rubber hammer. If some areas of the formwork, lined with paving stones or tiles, have sagged and sank, then remove the tiles and recreate a new high-quality cushion of crushed stone and sand underneath them. Lay tiles or paving stones on the new pad in accordance with all the rules.
2. From cobblestones. If it is necessary to repair a cobblestone surface, remove the old mortar from the damaged area and remove the stones from their places. Clean the vacated areas, fill them with crushed stone and compact them. Pour cement mortar onto the crushed stone and place the prepared cobblestone on it. Fill all the cracks between adjacent stones with a liquid mixture of cement and water.

Regardless of whether the blind area of ​​an apartment building or a small country house is being repaired, the rules are the same for all structures. This will significantly reduce the risk of similar problems occurring in the future.

Thus, the blind area around the house performs an important function in protecting the foundation from sedimentary waters and floods. Making a low tide yourself is a great way to inexpensively and efficiently protect a building from excess moisture. A well-constructed blind area, regardless of the type of structure, can serve for decades without requiring repairs. If it quickly fell into disrepair, then there are obvious violations in the technology of its construction.

Tile covering

If the width of the blind area allows you to organize a sidewalk path around the house, it is optimal to line the concrete structure with paving stones or external tiles. True, this should be foreseen in advance in order to deepen the cast-off itself to level the surface of the sidewalk and lawn. The concrete layer, accordingly, will be less thin than in the version without cladding.

Any products are suitable for cladding:

• Concrete paving slabs;
• Porcelain tiles;
• Clinker paving stones.

When installed correctly, this finish additionally protects the blind area from mechanical loads and rainwater.

Along the perimeter of the cast-off along the width of the sidewalk, it is necessary to install curbs that will hold the paving stones in place and also complete its appearance. The penetration is usually carried out below the tile level by 300-400 mm.

For finished cast-off concrete, the tiles should be laid not on concrete mortar, but on sand. This will help keep the main structure intact without causing overvoltages.

It’s easy to do the work yourself:

• Any type of waterproofing (penetrating, roll) should be applied to the concrete base;
• Next, a layer of dry sand at least 3-5 cm thick is laid and leveled;
• The tiles are being installed. It is not difficult to lay it on sand, it is easy to adjust the location of the fragments and the pattern;
• The seams are rubbed with a dry cement-sand mixture.

As a result, the cladding turns out to be quite high - the thickness of the tiles is usually 3 or more centimeters plus a sand cushion. A properly selected curb stone or a blind area pre-lowered at the base will help hide the rise.

For convenience, sand can be replaced with a cement-sand dry or moistened mixture in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2.

In parallel with laying the tiles, it is necessary to install gutters to drain water. These can be concrete inserts for the blind area or separate metal or polymer systems.

After completion of the work, the tiles must be watered with a hose or watering can so that the cement-sand mixture is compacted, the binder is activated and hardening processes begin.

How to prevent cracks from appearing

The blind area will last a long time and will not collapse if it has a slight slope away from the building to quickly drain water, which will prevent the base from getting wet and gradual destruction. Ideally, insulating slabs should first be laid on a sandy base to protect against frost, then geotextiles and a drainage membrane, and gravel should be poured on top. If the blind area is made of tiles, then you will need another layer of sand on top.

To prevent damage, a special expansion joint is made between the building and the blind area to cover the entire depth of the foundation; it ensures free shrinkage of the structure. Correct proportions and transverse reinforcement with metal mesh add strength to the concrete layer.

Any blind area can collapse over time, so it is necessary to regularly inspect it and, if signs of deformation are detected, immediately repair and eliminate the causes of cracking. Then the base will be in order, and the blind area will last a long time, looking neat and beautiful.

Second method: we paint concrete by applying dye to the surface of the concrete product

Most often, this method is used by the majority of both craftsmen and DIYers when making figures and small architectural forms. Some people prime the surface before painting, some putty, some paint it without any treatment. These actions depend on the final surface obtained.

When making artificial stone in molds, everything is simpler. The quality of the surface depends on the quality of the form. Usually it is quite high. Therefore, additional treatment of the stone surface is not required.

It’s a completely different matter when a figure is molded on a frame and not at once, but gradually, layer by layer. If the last face layer is made from the same mixture as the base layer, it will need to be refined to an acceptable condition.