Painting concrete - Painting concrete preparation and sealin

[gail]

I can't get paving for various reasons - cost mainly - but am happy with the painting on the concrete. Now I need to renew the paint because it is beginning to peel. I've been told to wash it well with hydrochloric acid/water mixture. OK. Now I want to seal it because the concrete block is the ceiling of the unit below and I think the water is getting through.

It seems the type of sealant used is of the upmost importance. I am an absolute novice, but you can see that the need is important. Can anyone please make an informed suggestion about the type of sealant I should use. I'm in Australia, so I guess trade names might not be helpful. Ta Gail

[gail]

:(

[Tony McC]

I'm not sure a standard concrete sealant would be adequate. In a situation where your floor is the roof of a home or property beneath, some form of tanking is normally used. This involves a waterproofed membrane chemically bonded to the concrete, and, as you guessed, brand names in Ireland or Britain probably count for nought in your country.

I'd consult a local builder or structural engineer.

[gail]

Thanks, Tony. I must admit, I thought this would be the respnse. I have just had to let our builder go. He has been here 'renovating' my downstairs unit for nine months. My daughter came home from UK and hit the roof - literally.

He's gone and I guess I will have to employ that engineer that I had wanted in the first place.

I appreciate your help. Thanks again. Gail.