Time-Tested Performance
Concrete surfaces may be damaged by frost action either before or after the concrete has set. If the temperature falls below zero before the final set, the expansion of water while freezing exerts a force sufficient to destroy the cohesion between particles of the green concrete. The surface of concrete frozen before the final set has taken place, scales badly and becomes pitted. The imprint of frost crystals may often be seen on the broken surface.
Disruption of set concrete by frost is caused by the expansion of water in the pores during freezing. Pressures are developed within the material progressively as ice formation continues. Scaling and cracking occur when the concrete cannot withstand the stress of the expansion and contraction associated with freeze/thaw.
As liquid changes to ice, there is an expansion of approximately 9%. When ice changes back to liquid, stress is released. When salt is added to the equation, the rate of expansion is doubled.
The use of de-icing salt exceeds 10 million tons in the US each year on roads, and about 3 million tons in Canada.** This salt use, increases the expansion rate, thereby increasing the damage done to concrete surfaces. SEAL-IT Concrete Sealant is the ideal preventative solution for freeze-thaw damage. SEAL-IT Concrete Sealant fills the voids and pores in the concrete and provides an internal seal, which will prevent the moisture penetration, thereby retarding deterioration, cracking, spalling and other damage caused from the stress of freeze-thaw conditions.
*ASTM-C-666. Results: Improved resistance to freeze-thaw damage.
*ASTM-C-666. Using 5% NaCl. Results: Improves resistance to salt attack during freeze/thaw conditions in presence of moisture.
Concrete exposed to damp conditions such as road surfaces, reservoirs and dams, has a greater potential for damage from frost and freeze-thaw conditions. SEAL-IT can significantly reduce damage associated with freeze-thaw with their specialized knowledge and experience.
*Concrete Material and Practice Fifth Edition
**Salt Institute
Concrete Protection
Whether applied below, on, or above grade, SEAL-IT Concrete Sealant is highly effective and versatile in a wide range of commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential applications, including sidewalks, curbs, driveways, parking decks, basements, tunnels, concrete bridges, concrete walls, concrete floors, gunite structures etc.