Waterproofing Exterior Concrete Steps in London with Bell Asphalt Co.

Hey there! If you’ve got exterior concrete steps at your place in London, you’ve probably noticed how the weather here can really take a toll on them. Rain, cold snaps, and that occasional burst of sunshine—it’s a lot for concrete to handle.

That’s where waterproofing comes in, and honestly, it’s a game-changer. Bell Asphalt Co., a trusted name in the UK for over 50 years, knows exactly how to keep those steps solid and safe. Let’s chat about why waterproofing matters, how they get it done, and why they’re the go-to folks for this job in London.

Why Waterproofing Exterior Concrete Is a Big Deal

Concrete’s tough, right? But here’s the thing—it’s full of tiny pores that soak up water like a sponge. In a city like London, where it’s wet more often than not, that water can sneak in and cause all sorts of trouble. Think cracks from freezing winters, crumbling edges, or even mold creeping in. It’s not just about looks either—wet steps can get slippery, and nobody wants that headache.

Bell Asphalt Co. gets it. They’ve seen how unprotected steps wear down fast, costing you more in repairs or even a full redo. Waterproofing isn’t just a fancy add-on—it’s about keeping your steps standing strong, saving you cash in the long run, and making sure your place looks good. With their help, those steps can handle whatever London throws at them.

 London’s Weather: A Special Challenge

Let’s be real—London’s weather is no joke. We’re talking around 600mm of rain a year, plus those chilly freeze-thaw cycles in winter. Add in the constant foot traffic on your steps, and you’ve got a recipe for wear and tear. Bell Asphalt Co. knows this city inside out, and they’ve spent decades figuring out how to protect concrete steps from its quirks. Whether it’s a cozy home in Richmond or a busy spot in Highbury, they’ve got your back.

How Bell Asphalt Co. Waterproofs Your Steps

So, how do they do it? Bell Asphalt Co. has this down to an art. They don’t just slap on some sealant and call it a day—it’s a full-on process that makes sure your steps stay watertight and sturdy. Here’s the rundown of how they work their magic.

Step 1: Getting the Surface Ready

First things first, they clean those steps like nobody’s business. High-pressure jet washing blasts away dirt, grime, and old coatings. If your steps are a bit beat-up—cracks here, damp spots there—they’ll fix that too. They might add some concrete or render to level things out, dry out any wet patches, and rough up the surface a bit so the waterproofing sticks like glue. It’s all about setting up a solid base.

Step 2: Priming Things Up

Next, they roll on a high-bond primer. No oily stuff here—Bell Asphalt Co. skips that because it can bubble up in the summer heat, and that’s a mess you don’t want. The primer seals the concrete and makes sure the next layers grip tight. For bigger jobs, they might even speed things up with some heat to dry it fast—usually in an hour or two. It’s quick, but they don’t cut corners.

Step 3: Adding the Chase Line

Here’s a cool trick they use: a chase line. They cut a little groove—about 25mm by 25mm—along the sides of your steps with an angle grinder. This is where the waterproofing ends, locking it in so water can’t sneak underneath. They fill it with mortar or a slick mastic seal, and it blends right in. Without this, water could creep in at the edges, but Bell Asphalt Co. isn’t about to let that happen.

Step 4: Laying Down the Waterproofing

Now for the star of the show: mastic asphalt. This stuff’s been around forever for a reason—it’s awesome at keeping water out. They heat it up to 210°C, mix in some limestone, and spread it on in two coats. The first is about 10mm thick, the second bumps it up to 25mm total. They toss in a layer of sheathing felt too, so the asphalt and concrete play nice together, even when the temperature swings. At corners and edges, they add extra reinforcements to keep it all seamless. It’s tough, flexible, and perfect for London’s ups and downs.

Step 5: Finishing with Solar Reflective Paint

To top it off, they paint on some solar reflective goodness. This keeps the asphalt from overheating in the summer sun, which can mess with its look and strength. Plus, it makes your steps look sharp—choose a color you like, and it’s a win-win. It’s the kind of detail that shows Bell Asphalt Co. cares about the long haul.

The Techy Stuff and Materials

Bell Asphalt Co. isn’t messing around when it comes to know-how. Their team’s got top-notch qualifications—think City & Guilds or NVQ Level 3—and years of experience. Mastic asphalt is their go-to because it’s tough as nails, bends without breaking, and goes on smooth. But they’re not stuck in the past—if your steps need something different, they’ve got liquid waterproofing options too. These rubbery coatings are great for tricky spots and dry fast.

They’re also big on keeping things green. Mastic asphalt is carbon-zero, and they offset whatever emissions come from their work. It’s a nice touch for a city that’s all about sustainability these days.

How Long It Lasts and Keeping It Up

Done right, those waterproofed steps can last 20 years—sometimes even 30 if you treat them well. Check them every couple of years, maybe reseal if needed, and you’re golden. If something does go wrong, repairs are a breeze. They cut out the bad spot, clean it up, and patch it with fresh asphalt. No fuss, no huge bill—just steps that keep on going.

Why Go with Bell Asphalt Co.?

Here’s why folks in London love them:

● They Know Their Stuff: 50+ years in the game means they’ve seen it all.

● Built to Last: Their work stands up to rain, frost, and stomping boots.

●Your Style: Pick your paint color or tweak the system—they’re flexible.

●Safe Steps: No cracks or slippery spots, just solid footing.

●Wallet-Friendly: Long life and easy fixes keep costs down.

●Eco Vibes: Carbon-zero materials and offsets? Pretty cool.

It’s all about giving you steps that boost your property and make life easier.

Real Stories from London

Take the two homes on Church Road in Richmond—Bell Asphalt Co. rebuilt their stone steps with a waterproof base, stopping leaks and adding bonus space underneath. The owners couldn’t stop smiling. Or the Missing of the Somme monument—they fixed its water problems with mastic asphalt, keeping history intact. From old landmarks to modern flats, they’ve got it covered.

What Makes Bell Asphalt Co. Different

They mix old-school skills with fresh ideas. Mastic asphalt’s a classic, but they’ve got neat tricks like Merazzo flooring—a fancy asphalt look only they do—and hybrid systems for special jobs. They’ll work around your schedule, back their work with a 15-year warranty, and genuinely care about getting it right. Skip the DIY stress or rookie contractors—Bell Asphalt Co. delivers the real deal.

Wrapping It Up

Waterproofing your exterior concrete steps in London isn’t just smart—it’s essential. With Bell Asphalt Co., you’re getting a team that knows how to beat the weather, uses the best stuff out there, and keeps your steps looking and working great for years. Whether you’re sprucing up your home or keeping a business safe, they’ve got the skills and heart to make it happen. Give them a shout for a free chat—your steps deserve it, and you’ll love the peace of mind.

If you need more information, click on this link.