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Great concrete info
by John Elrow
Although concrete may seem pretty tough, it actually is
vulnerable to many environmental factors. People often overlook
the fact that concrete is porous. And as with porous surfaces,
moisture, stains, molds, and other environmental hazards can
seep in, wrecking havoc on your beautiful concrete surfaces.
Your concrete is always vulnerable to water. These porous
surfaces will allow moisture to loosen your vinyl tiles or ruin
your carpet.
How does water get in my concrete, (and how do I stop it)?
Water can enter concrete in two ways: from the top side or from
the ground. Water entering from the top is called positive
moisture. It comes from rain and other liquids that spill on
the concrete surface. Ground moisture is called negative
moisture. It comes from the natural moisture of the ground over
which the concrete is laid.
Concrete surfaces act like sponges when exposed to water. It
will draw water until it is saturated, or if there is no more
water available. It will then disperse the water until it
reaches equilibrium state.
What does water do to my concrete?
Water may cause many processes that can lead to noticeable
damage. Water causes the rebar to rust. This in turn weakens
the concrete.
Water also activates alkali disintegration. During the curing
process of concrete, the alkali in the concrete becomes
dormant. As water seeps into the concrete the alkali begins to
react again with the concrete around it. This destroys the
concrete from within.
Water is also causes mold, mildew and algae to grow. Mold has
been known to influence severe health problems. Algae, on the
other hand, cause the concrete to become slick and discolored
while mildew often give off a bad odor and stains organic
materials.
Up to 60% of homes have basements that suffer from this sort of
problem. This could seriously affect the resell value of your
home and make your home a health hazard to its occupants.
The moisture must be stopped to stop the damage.
To protect your concrete walls or floors, you need to have them
protected with a concrete sealer. Concrete sealers protect
concrete from deterioration brought about by road salt, stains,
oil, moisture, and molds. It also provides a layer of protection
that allows for easier sweeping and cleaning.
You will most likely need only one application of concrete
sealant to keep your concrete surfaces protected.
Needed Equipment
First of all, you need to assemble the needed equipment. First
of all, you must wear protective clothing since you are about
to work with potential irritants. Gather a stiff brush and a
water bucket. You will also need some rubber gloves, goggles
and small-particle filter to protect you against chemical
agents. You will also need some paintbrushes and a paint
roller. Make sure there is proper ventilation at the place you
are to work with the concrete sealer.
How to Apply
1. Clean the Floor. Your surface must be free of dirt, grime,
grease, and oil. The stiff scrub brush will help remove
stubborn stains. Use a commercial cleaner to help remove the
dirt. Stubborn stains might need some soaking in a detergent
solution before they can be removed. Rinse thoroughly with
clear water. A second application may be required.
2. Apply Sealer: Before painting the floor, make sure you test
the sealer on a small patch of floor. This will tell you if the
floor is clean enough or if there are still imperfections that
should be remedied. Uneven density in the concrete may result
in a blotchy appearance that may be undesirable. Apply the
sealer using a paint roller with an extension handle. Use the
brush to cut in when working the perimeter. Start in a rear
corner and work your way out of the area you are working on.
Work the sealer into the surface. Spread it in a way that all
the puddles are eliminated and apply a relatively thin uniform
coat. You will probably only need one coating. Allow the sealer
to dry. This will take a few hours.
3. Clean Up: Don’t forget to wash up with soap and warm water
immediately afterwards. Remember you had just dealt with a
potentially hazardous chemical. Always keep safety in mind as
you work on your area. Also, dispose of the roller and the
brushes you used for the job. Concrete sealers may require that
you use these equipments just once.
About The Author: For more great concrete info and advice check
out: http://www.concrete-stop.com
©Copyright 2005 Mark Jansen -
This article may be republished as long as this section is
included and all links are left live.
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