Time-Tested Performance
The chemical action which results in the setting and hardening of concrete is dependant on the presence of water. Although there is normally an adequate quantity for full hydration at the time of mixing, it is necessary to ensure that the water is either retained or replenished to enable the chemical action to continue. A significant loss of water due to evaporation may cause the hydration process to stop, with a consequent reduced strength development. In addition, evaporation can cause early and rapid drying shrinkage, resulting in tensile stresses which are likely to cause cracking unless the concrete has achieved sufficient strength to withstand these stresses. Methods of curing are therefore designed to maintain the concrete in a continuously moist condition over a period of several days or even weeks. **
Improper curing can easily reduce the strength of even the best concrete by half.
Many other properties of hardened concrete also are affected by its moisture content. These include elasticity, creep, insulating value, fire resistance, abrasion resistance, electrical conductivity and durability.
SEAL-IT Concrete Sealant penetrates into the pores of the concrete, chemically reacts with the alkali within the concrete, to become an internal membrane below the surface.
The concrete is not only aided in the curing process, but ultimate protection is provided in one application.
Due to its chemical reaction, SEAL-IT Concrete Sealant forms a silica aero gel, which maintains optimum moisture levels in the concrete throughout the curing process. This helps in keeping the integrity and consistency of the cement gels constant throughout the concrete. After the curing process the concrete is denser, harder and permanently sealed. This results in a higher quality concrete.
SEAL-IT Concrete Sealant allows the concrete to continue to hold enough moisture throughout the curing period in order for the cement to hydrate. Moisture loss, due to temperature and environment during the curing process is also retarded, therefore the concrete will not spot dry or dry unevenly.
*ASTM-C-156. Results: Significant improvement in curing against hairline checking and spot drying.
The concrete is not only aided in the curing process, but ultimate protection, in one application.
Properly cured concrete provides improved durability. Well-cured concrete has better surface hardness and therefore is more watertight.*
*Compression strength (surface coat only). Results: +15% at 8 days; +23% at 31 days
Less downtime and not time restrictions, when curing and sealing concrete, is a major benefit to trades-people and building owners. Other sealer applications must be delayed for a minimum of 28 days after the concrete has been pored.
*Credited to Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures CPCA “What is Curing?”
**Credited to Concrete Practice and Material Fifth Edition