Concrete slabs are a type of construction often used as a house roof. Besides being fire-resistant, concrete slabs also have high durability. Nevertheless, concrete slabs still require careful maintenance to avoid problems like water seepage.
For those unfamiliar with the term "concrete slab" and its maintenance, this article will explain everything you need to know about this building structure.
What Is a Concrete Slab?
A concrete slab is a construction structure that serves as a kind of roof panel or floor in a house. Generally made of concrete, many people use it for construction purposes due to its high durability.
Additionally, concrete slabs are useful as acoustic insulators, ensuring the people inside the building remain comfortable and protected from external noise. Concrete slabs are also fire-resistant, enhancing building safety and providing protection against fire hazards.
Types of Concrete Slabs
Concrete slabs come in several types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you're not familiar with the different types of concrete slabs, read the following the explanation:
1. Conventional Concrete Slab
A conventional concrete slab is reinforced concrete made using a mix of cement and other materials like sand and aggregate. The steel reinforcement in a conventional concrete slab increases its flexibility. Before making a conventional concrete slab, you must prepare wood to serve as formwork.
Formwork is the mold for the concrete slab. Typically, the formwork is set up first according to the planned shape. Then, steel is arranged inside the formwork. Once the steel is in place, the pre-made cement mixture is poured in. Generally, a conventional concrete slab takes 20-25 days to dry.
The advantage of a conventional concrete slab is its simple construction process and readily available materials. However, it takes a long time to complete and requires a large amount of material.
2. Floor Deck Slab
A floor deck slab is similar to a conventional concrete slab but with different formwork materials. The floor deck refers to formwork made of steel and typically has a thickness of 6-10 mm and a width of 80-100 cm.
Although the floor deck is expensive, it can be reused as formwork multiple times, making it more economical and reducing waste compared to wooden formwork. Additionally, the floor deck design can reduce concrete mix usage by up to 30%.
Unlike wooden formwork, this concrete slab can be installed without many support poles because it is much stronger.
3. Ceiling Brick
A ceiling brick is a type of concrete slab that measures 25 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm and has a hollow center that can be filled with steel reinforcement. For installation, arrange the ceiling brick with steel reinforcement before placing it on the wall beams.
This type of concrete slab is lighter than the conventional one. It also saves up to 30% of the materials used. Additionally, a ceiling brick can also dampen sound and block heat, ensuring building occupants remain comfortable.
Despite these advantages, a ceiling brick has lower strength than the conventional concrete slab and is not recommended for buildings with long spans. The maximum span for the ceiling brick is about 4 meters. Additionally, avoid drilling the ceiling bricks once they are installed, as this could cause them to crack.
Tips for Maintaining Concrete Slabs
As mentioned earlier, concrete slabs are highly durable. However, you need to maintain them to ensure they last longer. Here are some maintenance tips for concrete slabs:
1. Apply Waterproof Coating
Applying a waterproof coating can add extra durability to your concrete slab. One common issue with concrete slabs is water seepage during rain and you can prevent this by applying a waterproof coating.
You can use waterproof cement as a coating for your concrete slab. Alternatively, you can use cement with water shield technology, such as Semen Merah Putih.
2. Regular Inspections
To maintain the durability of concrete slabs, conduct regular inspections. If you find water puddles during inspections, clean them immediately and identify the cause. Water puddles can lead to moss and mold growth, causing damage. Ensure the building's drainage system is working well to prevent water puddles.
3. Address Cracks Immediately
Cracks are a common issue with concrete. If you find any cracks, whether large or small, like hairline cracks, patch them immediately to prevent further problems. Use special patching materials available at building supply stores because water can still seep through if you don’t.
These are some essential details about concrete slabs you need to know. One common issue with using concrete slabs is water seepage. For this, it's advisable to use Semen Merah Putih Watershield from the beginning of construction.
Semen Merah Putih Watershield has water-repellent technology that gives walls a lotus leaf effect, providing protection against water seepage from all sides.
With these various advantages, you can rest assured about the quality that Semen Merah Putih offers. If you have further questions about Semen Merah Putih products, fill out this contact form.
