Concrete is known to be one of the real hard substances that we use in abundance for most of the construction purposes but, it is still susceptible to damage and mutilation. The factors that affects the deterioration of concrete are ice, salt, early/heavy traffic, weather to mention the most important of all.
Frost/ice/snow whatever we call it plays a dangerous role in deteriorating a concrete structure. During winter water frequently freezes and thaws on the concrete thereby soaking into the upper layer of the concrete. As we all know water increases in volume by 9% when it freezes, hence the internal pressure blows apart the concrete and create cracks. To endure this kind of conditions concrete needs to be air-entrained (trapping air bubbles), a minimum of 4000 PSI or 6 bag mix (564 lbs cement per cubic yard) and a maximum of 4 inch slump (minimum amount of water mixed). Additionally the concrete must be moist cured at 50F for 7 days to attain the 3/4th strength and it is left covered with insulated blankets for 28 days to attain full strength to be able to sustain harsh freeze-thaw cycles. A liquid curing compound is sprayed on the surface of the installed concrete so that the water from the top layer does not evaporate.
Heavy traffic bearing concretes can be protected from cracking by the use of pre-cast or re-enforced concretes with steel re bars which equally distributes the force applied all over the structure and increases the durability. Moreover the construction ground should be stamped even and compacted before pouring the concrete so that there are no chances that the concrete is uneven in the surface below.
Deicing salts can cause heavy damage to concrete. The chemical ingredients can react with the concrete and disintegrate the consistency, gradually corroding the concrete structure. To protect concrete against harsh chemicals or even harsh weather, layers of concrete coatings may be applied. Discussed briefly below are a few common layers.
1. Concrete overlay - This thin coating of concrete overlay serves as a basic protection mechanism. It is used in restoring uneven, cracked and chipped surfaces. To make this overlay more effective sometimes polymer resins are mixed with the overlay to provide more strength and durability.
2. Acrylic Sealer - This sealer protects the interior as well as exterior surfaces from damage. This coating is available in both water and oil bases and has both glossy and matte texture.
3. Polyurethane Coating - This coating is a thicker variant of sealers providing superior durability and protection from damage. This coating may be applied to interior or exterior surfaces and has the flexibility to provide colorful look by addition of pigments.
4. Penetrating Sealers -As the name suggests it penetrates to the top layer of the concrete creating a barrier against moisture, deicing chemicals etc. They provide a great protection from freezing temperatures too.
5. Epoxy Coating - This kind of coating is very resistant to superficial injuries or chemicals. Once the actual coating has been applied to the concrete structure a textured top coating may be applied for anti-slippery features and better overview.
Frost/ice/snow whatever we call it plays a dangerous role in deteriorating a concrete structure. During winter water frequently freezes and thaws on the concrete thereby soaking into the upper layer of the concrete. As we all know water increases in volume by 9% when it freezes, hence the internal pressure blows apart the concrete and create cracks. To endure this kind of conditions concrete needs to be air-entrained (trapping air bubbles), a minimum of 4000 PSI or 6 bag mix (564 lbs cement per cubic yard) and a maximum of 4 inch slump (minimum amount of water mixed). Additionally the concrete must be moist cured at 50F for 7 days to attain the 3/4th strength and it is left covered with insulated blankets for 28 days to attain full strength to be able to sustain harsh freeze-thaw cycles. A liquid curing compound is sprayed on the surface of the installed concrete so that the water from the top layer does not evaporate.
Heavy traffic bearing concretes can be protected from cracking by the use of pre-cast or re-enforced concretes with steel re bars which equally distributes the force applied all over the structure and increases the durability. Moreover the construction ground should be stamped even and compacted before pouring the concrete so that there are no chances that the concrete is uneven in the surface below.
Deicing salts can cause heavy damage to concrete. The chemical ingredients can react with the concrete and disintegrate the consistency, gradually corroding the concrete structure. To protect concrete against harsh chemicals or even harsh weather, layers of concrete coatings may be applied. Discussed briefly below are a few common layers.
1. Concrete overlay - This thin coating of concrete overlay serves as a basic protection mechanism. It is used in restoring uneven, cracked and chipped surfaces. To make this overlay more effective sometimes polymer resins are mixed with the overlay to provide more strength and durability.
2. Acrylic Sealer - This sealer protects the interior as well as exterior surfaces from damage. This coating is available in both water and oil bases and has both glossy and matte texture.
3. Polyurethane Coating - This coating is a thicker variant of sealers providing superior durability and protection from damage. This coating may be applied to interior or exterior surfaces and has the flexibility to provide colorful look by addition of pigments.
4. Penetrating Sealers -As the name suggests it penetrates to the top layer of the concrete creating a barrier against moisture, deicing chemicals etc. They provide a great protection from freezing temperatures too.
5. Epoxy Coating - This kind of coating is very resistant to superficial injuries or chemicals. Once the actual coating has been applied to the concrete structure a textured top coating may be applied for anti-slippery features and better overview.
ENJ Construction is a fort mcmurray alberta canada company that provides services for construction, landscaping, stucco installation and concrete. To find out more information about ENJ construction for your stucco, concrete and landscaping services in fort mcmurray alberta, please visit our website for a quote on concrete in Fort McMurray.
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