Protect Concrete From Freeze / Thaw Damage
Permanently protect concrete from freeze / thaw damage by waterproofing the substrate. This stops the moisture from freezing and causing the freeze / thaw contraction and expansion. Concrete is one of the most durable building materials known to man. It can still be vulnerable to deterioration from weather, salts, and the freeze / thaw cycle. Concrete absorbs moisture when it gets wet and when the concrete is exposed to freezing weather, the water inside the concrete expands causing damage to the substrate. Therefore, it expands up to 9% which can exert upwards of 100,000 pounds per square inch of pressure! It then thaws when the weather gets warmer and the concrete contracts. This process of freezing and thawing can damage the concrete slab, cause cracking and spalling (divots that chip out of the surface of the concrete ), and greatly reduce the longevity of the concrete.
Salts from coastal exposure of ocean air, de-icing salts, or efflorescence leeching from the ground underneath can damage concrete as well. This can lead to the demolition and replacing of expensive concrete slabs, driveways, walkways, sidewalks, etc. and no one wants to go through that process. In addition, it can be extremely wasteful and hard on the environment
Solutions
This can all be prevented by applying a waterproofing deep penetrating sealer to your new or old concrete. For instance, my personal favorite that I use often for clients is Extreme Penetrating Sealer. Concrete Chemistries’ Extreme Penetrating Sealer crystallizes through the concrete as it cures, strengthening the slab while permanently waterproofing the substrate. This process makes the concrete completely impervious to salts and moisture, eliminating the chance for water to get into the concrete and freeze. Extreme Penetrating Sealer also protects against ASR (Alkali-silica reaction) while leaving the concrete breathable. Since the concrete will not “sweat” it makes for easier ice and snow removal during the winter. The ice doesn’t bond to the concrete like it would when it’s porous ( before it’s sealed ).
Applying Extreme Penetrating Sealer is a cost effective way to prevent damage from salts and freeze / thaw expansion and contraction. It’s easy to apply and it can be applied to moist concrete as well. The night time temperature just has to be 50º or above to ensure proper curing. You can even apply it to concrete that already has water trapped inside. Although it might take a second application to make the concrete completely waterproofed. Usually if the concrete needs a second application, much less sealer is needed during the second application since the majority of the concrete is already sealed and non-porous from the last application.
Protect your investment and increase the longevity of your concrete by grabbing some Extreme Penetrating Sealer today!
