Can You Use AquaDefense on Concrete Floors? A Comprehensive Guide

Mapei’s AquaDefense membrane has already made a name for itself as a top waterproofing and crack isolation solution.

This sophisticated liquid-rubber formula, which dries quickly, does an amazing job of keeping moisture out and halting the formation of tile cracks.

Following application, AquaDefense dries into a thin layer that prevents water damage to floors below.

The waterproofing membrane Mapei AquaDefense is used by both professional contractors and do-it-yourself builders.

AquaDefense is intended for use on a specific set of substrates, despite its many advantages. Is one of them concrete?

Finding out if AquaDefense is safe to use on concrete floors is essential if you plan to tile and waterproof over one.

Is AquaDefense Safe for Concrete Floors?

The manufacturer, Mapei, suggests concrete as one of the best substrates for AquaDefense.

According to their website, AquaDefense can be applied to plywood and ceramic finishes in addition to concrete. Thus, AquaDefense is a good option if you were thinking about waterproofing a concrete floor.

Although AquaDefense works well on concrete floors, there are a few things you should be aware of.

How to Apply AquaDefense to a Concrete Surface

AquaDefense will stick to a concrete floor, keep it waterproof, and stop tile cracks from appearing. There are a few things that could go wrong, though. It’s also important to keep these points in mind before starting your project.

• A dry, solid, stable, and structurally sound concrete floor should be the first surface on which AquaDefense is applied. This is in accordance with the instructions given by Maapei.
• Secondly, AquaDefense shouldn’t be applied on freshly laid concrete. Before you apply a layer of AquaDefense, let it completely dry for at least two to four weeks. Concrete shrinks as it dries.

As a result, the AquaDefense layer might also get thinner. The likelihood of tiles cracking is high if there are tiles on top. To avoid AquaDefense failure, do not apply it to freshly laid concrete.

• Concrete that has dried must be treated with AquaDefense. The AquaDefense may take longer to dry if the concrete floor is extremely wet. There is a significant chance of efflorescence at that point.

Making sure there are no leaks in any drains close to the concrete floor is a smart idea. You can wait for the dry months when it doesn’t rain a lot if you’re doing this project outside.

• A more robust waterproofing product, like Mapelastic Smart, is appropriate for outdoor concrete floors, like those found on driveways or balconies. Compared to AquaDefense, this two-component cementitious mortar is more effective at waterproofing.
• Avoid using AquaDefense on concrete floors that are cracked or damaged. It makes sense that many do-it-yourself builders would rather cut corners. However, applying AquaDefense on cracked concrete floors is a quick fix that will backfire a few months later.

If the concrete is damaged, make a plan for fixing it. Before applying AquaDefense, fill in any cracks that may be present and allow them to cure.

Before using AquaDefense, make sure the concrete is always clean. Long-standing concrete floors may have accumulated impurities like oil, grease, adhesive, and a variety of other materials. These impurities may have an impact on AquaDefense’s ability to stick to the concrete floor.

• Additionally, you should make sure that the concrete floor has an adequate surface profile (CSP). Tiles and AquaDefense will bond better with a CSP of 1 to 3.
• You can use a primer if the concrete floor is uneven. Use a primer compatible with AquaDefense for compatibility reasons. Planitop Fast 330 and Eco Prim T Plus are two examples. Another useful tool is a leveler.

How Can Concrete Floors Be Covered with AquaDefense?

Because AquaDefense is a premixed formula, it is incredibly simple to use. Use this detailed guide to apply it over concrete.

• Step 1: Check for Damage or Cracks in the Concrete Floor

You will have to make repairs to the floor if you find any damage or cracks, which will set you back a few steps. However, you can move on to the next step if there aren’t any.

• Step 2: Clean the concrete floor

Generally speaking, liquid dish soap is powerful enough to remove any impurities from a concrete floor. Use a brush to scrub it after adding a solution of dish soap and water.

Give the floor a few days to completely dry after rinsing it with water. Keep in mind that AquaDefense performs poorly in damp conditions.

• Step 3: Use a roller to apply AquaDefense

The best tool for applying AquaDefense to a concrete floor is a roller brush, though there are other options as well. With this kind of brush, you can apply a sufficiently thin layer without spending a lot of time.

All over the concrete floor, brush the product. Observe the corners carefully.

• Step 4: Allow it to dry before testing for flooding

It takes thirty to fifty minutes for AquaDefense to dry. However, you must give it about 12 hours to cure completely. The climate and the area where you live will determine this. You can test the AquaDefense by flooding it after it dries to see if it functions. The tiles can then be laid if everything goes according to plan.

What Advantages Does Applying AquaDefense to a Concrete Floor Offer?

AquaDefense’s suitability for use on concrete floors has already been demonstrated. But first, why would you want to use AquaDefense? On a concrete floor, what advantages does it provide?

• It Waterproofs the Concrete: Concrete is a material with a lot of pores. In other words, water can pass through it with ease. Assume that you wish to construct a shower on top of your concrete floor.

It will be disastrous if you tile directly over it because there is a good chance that water will seep into the rooms below. You can prevent water damage to the rooms below by applying a layer of AquaDefense.

• It Makes Tile Installation Easier: Concrete is a good substrate for tiles. But AquaDefense is, too. A tile-friendly membrane can be used to waterproof a concrete floor if you intend to tile it.
• It Isolates Cracks: AquaDefense’s ability to isolate cracks is another feature that contributes to its popularity. A thin membrane made by AquaDefense absorbs any movement in the concrete floor.

These movements would reach the tiles and cause them to crack in the absence of such a membrane. If you want your tiles to last as long as possible over a concrete floor, it helps to have a barrier between them.

• It’s Easier to Use than Most Waterproofing Products: AquaDefense can be used in place of many waterproofing and crack isolation products. However, its ease of application is one of its strongest points.

Simply take a roller, dip it into the premixed formula, and apply AquaDefense to the concrete floor. Drilling or cutting are not used.

Will an AquaDefense Waterproofed Floor Leak?

There are two possible answers: yes and no. One excellent waterproofing membrane is AquaDefense. If you apply it improperly or leave gaps in the concrete floor, it will leak.

It would be best to use AquaDefense over your floor with extreme caution. Although the manufacturer only suggests a thin layer, make sure there aren’t any gaps between the layers.

A concrete floor cannot be compared to drywall. The particles in concrete are spaced slightly apart and are not smooth.

To produce a solid and consistent membrane, you must get a significant amount of AquaDefense in between these particles.

What Is the Difference Between Concrete Sealers and AquaDefense?

Despite its effectiveness, AquaDefense cannot compete with concrete sealers. The latter are products designed specifically for concrete floors that are waterproof.

Concrete sealers that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, such as Foundation Armor and Masonry Defender, will stop water from seeping through your concrete floor. Nevertheless, AquaDefense crack isolation capabilities are absent from some of these sealers.