How To Ground Your Concrete Patio Safely

Grounding, also known as 'Earthing', is the ancient practice of connecting with the energy of the Earth. To ground yourself outdoors, you can take off your shoes and walk barefoot on grass, soil, gravel, rock, sand, brick, or concrete. However, not all concrete surfaces are suitable for grounding. Concrete that is painted, sealed, or has a plastic layer underneath will not allow you to connect with the Earth's energy. To ground yourself on a concrete surface, it needs to be unsealed or wet with a water-based sealant and in direct contact with the soil.

Concrete is made up of water, sand, crushed stone, and cement

Concrete is a composite material composed of water, sand, crushed stone, and cement. It is the second-most-used substance worldwide, after water, and is the most popular building material.

Water is responsible for the flow of concrete and its final strength. It must be clean and free of impurities, as anomalies can affect the structural integrity of the concrete. Water binds all the ingredients together, and the amount of water in the mix compared to cement is called the water/cement ratio. The lower the ratio, the stronger the concrete.

Sand is the fine aggregate, while gravel or crushed stone is the coarse aggregate in most mixes. These aggregates give concrete its strength.

Cement, usually in powder form, acts as a binding agent when mixed with water and aggregates. Portland cement is the most common type, known for its excellent binding capabilities and fast setting time. It consists of a mixture of calcium silicates, aluminates, and ferrites.

Additionally, concrete often contains a small amount of trapped air, which helps it withstand freezing temperatures.

Concrete patios can be built without a vapour barrier or sealer for grounding

When building a concrete patio, it is important to consider the soil preparation. The ground should be levelled and compacted to provide a stable base for the concrete. However, if the ground cannot be made completely level, there are still ways to ensure a successful concrete pour, such as using low-slump concrete to prevent it from running downhill.

In some cases, a vapour barrier may be necessary to protect the concrete from moisture intrusion. Vapour barriers can help prevent water vapour from rising up through the concrete and causing damage over time. This is especially important for indoor concrete projects, as moisture can lead to flooring damage, poor climate control, and even health risks such as radon gas exposure.

However, if the primary concern is grounding, then a concrete patio can be built without a vapour barrier or sealer. By connecting the concrete directly to the soil and leaving off the sealer on top, you can create a direct connection with the Earth's energy. This allows you to practice Earthing by simply kicking off your shoes and standing on your patio.

Additionally, sealing a concrete patio is important for protecting it from stains, foot traffic, and sun damage. However, sealing is not necessary for grounding purposes. When sealing a concrete patio, it is essential to start with a clean and fully cured surface, choose the right sealer, and apply it evenly to ensure maximum protection.

Concrete is a good conductor when barefoot

Concrete is composed of aggregates, water, and cement. The type of aggregate used can influence the conductivity of concrete; for example, black steel slag, a byproduct of steel production, increases the conductivity of concrete compared to other aggregates. The wetness of the concrete also plays a role; wet concrete is more conductive than dry concrete as the water molecules allow ions in the cement to move more freely, facilitating the flow of electricity.

The thickness of a concrete structure affects its ability to block electrical currents; thicker walls or structures will hinder the flow of electricity more effectively. Additionally, higher temperatures increase electron movement, making concrete slightly more conductive in warmer weather.

Concrete is an excellent insulator when dry. However, when it comes into direct contact with the earth, its properties change. Concrete that is in contact with the earth is considered a very good conductor. This is why it is the only acceptable ground electrode method allowed by the military in bomb storage vaults and aircraft hangars.

To ground yourself and connect with the energy of the Earth, you can stand, walk, run, or sit barefoot on concrete surfaces. However, it is important to note that painted or sealed concrete will not provide the same grounding effects as unpainted or unsealed concrete.

Concrete is better for grounding than grass, rocks, or dirt

Another reason concrete is superior for grounding is that it ensures a more consistent connection to the Earth. Grass, rocks, and dirt can be uneven and inconsistent, leading to potential gaps or interruptions in the grounding connection. Concrete, on the other hand, provides a solid and continuous surface that maintains better contact with the Earth. This is especially important for electrical grounding, as any disruptions in the connection can compromise safety and functionality.

Additionally, concrete is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications. It can be employed for grounding in both indoor and outdoor settings, as long as it is unsealed or has a water-based sealant. This flexibility is not offered by grass, rocks, or dirt, which are limited to outdoor environments and may not always be accessible or practical for grounding purposes.

Moreover, concrete is a durable and long-lasting material. It is less susceptible to degradation and corrosion than other grounding options, such as metal rods that can corrode over time. Concrete's durability ensures that the grounding connection remains reliable and intact for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.

In summary, concrete offers superior grounding capabilities compared to grass, rocks, or dirt due to its higher conductivity, consistent connection to the Earth, versatility in application, and durability over time. These advantages make concrete a preferred choice for establishing a safe and effective grounding connection.

Moist surfaces provide greater grounding benefits than dry surfaces

Grounding, also known as "Earthing", is the ancient practice of connecting with the Earth's energy by simply taking off your shoes and standing, walking, running, or sitting barefoot outdoors. This can also be done indoors on unpainted or unsealed concrete or tile floors built directly on the Earth.

In addition to concrete, other surfaces that can ground you include grass, soil, gravel, stone, sand, and brick. Natural bodies of water such as the ocean, lakes, and streams, as well as most living trees and plants in the Earth, will also provide grounding benefits.

To maximize the benefits of grounding, it is important to do it regularly, even if it's just for a little bit of time. Research has shown that grounding can provide several health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and lower stress levels.

Frequently asked questions