The building materials market is constantly evolving. Today it is very common to find concrete floors and walls. They are used both in industry and in private homes. With proper implementation, this coating has high strength characteristics and service life. At the same time, such a floor is inexpensive, which helps to reduce expenses during repairs. But in order for the surface to serve for a long period of time, retaining all its properties, special concrete hardeners and strengthening impregnations for concrete are used. It is about them that we will talk today.
Why are they used? Benefits
Concrete hardener - an impregnation that improves the properties of the floor covering. Users report the following benefits:
- High wear resistance.
- Low surface dust generation.
- Fire safety.
- Shock resistance.
- Easy to clean.
- Increased coating life.
Types and features
Concrete hardener (topping) is of different types. The following should be highlighted:
- Dry. What it is? This concrete hardener is a mixture of high quality cement and mineral additives that have increased abrasiveness. Usually the composition contains corundum or granite chips. It also includes surfactants. They are designed to improve the adhesion of the composition to the concrete solution. Among the advantages of dry mixes, reviews highlight low cost.
- Chemical. This impregnation is a solution of s alts and oxides that enhance the crystalline bonds of cement with crushed stone, gravel and sand. After the solution has set, impregnation reduces moisture absorption.
- Two-component. This concrete hardener is based on epoxy resin. It penetrates into the thickness of the already frozen solution. The resins then bind solid particles together during polymerization. The result is a monolithic surface that is resistant to moisture.
- Based on polyurethane resins. These are penetrating compounds that work in the same way as the previous ones. But after crystallization, they can withstand a lower load.
Please note that for the normal reaction of the hardener with concrete, certain requirements must be met. It is not recommended to apply compounds if the surface temperature is less than +10 degrees Celsius.
Flaws
Are there any disadvantages to such compositions? As practice shows, they have no shortcomings. Among the minuses, one can note only the requirements for application andstorage temperature. The composition can only be stored at temperatures from +5 to +30 degrees Celsius. At the same time, it must be protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Next, we will look at the most popular compositions.
REFLOOR LI-CH120
This is a two-component impregnation for concrete. Typically, this composition is used for industrial floors. It is a liquid, chemically active composition. Designed for hardening and dedusting bases. Suitable for indoor floors, outdoor areas, garages and parking lots. Gives concrete strength and resistance to mechanical stress. The surface does not crack due to the appearance of a single layer of double crystalline s alts. A floor treated with a two-component impregnation has a soft sheen and does not need to be periodically updated.
Ashford Formula
This is a quality impregnation designed to strengthen the concrete floor and prevent it from dusting. The country of origin is the USA. The material can be used both on freshly laid and dry concrete screeds. Abrasion resistance when using this impregnation increases up to 50 percent. Compressive strength increases by 40 percent. At the same time, the floor is not afraid of moisture and does not absorb it.
Protexil
Is a universal composition. Suitable for:
- strengthening freshly poured floors;
- dedusting floors;
- restoring worn ties.
This product is a deep penetration impregnation. "Protexil" works at a depth of up to five millimeters. Maybebe used even on low-grade concretes. After soaking the compound, the concrete surface is resistant to:
- mechanical stress;
- abrasion;
- moisture;
- aggressive chemical attack.
Among the pluses note the affordable cost. But the downside is the increased cost. It will increase if the surface is old. The product itself is applied in two coats.
Lacra
This is a universal deep penetration primer. Absorbs to a depth of 6mm. At the same time, the mixture is able to strengthen fragile and porous structures. This composition is used in the preparation of external and internal coatings for decorative finishing or before using leveling mixtures. As consumers note in their reviews, "Lacra" is able to enhance the adhesion of the base by 15 percent. At the same time, the consumption of building materials is reduced, which are then applied to such a floor. Another plus is the exclusion of the formation of microorganisms and mold. This is achieved through the presence of fungicides. "Lakra" does not need to be diluted. Stacked both mechanically and manually.
Elcon Aqness
This composition penetrates to a depth of 35 millimeters. It is a silicone water repellent that forms a water-repellent coating. At the same time, the vapor permeability of mineral materials is maintained. The composition does not change the color of concrete after processing. It is used not only on floors, but also on facades, basements, andalso on foundations. Protects against mold growth. Therefore, the composition is relevant in the treatment of pools and saunas. Among the shortcomings in the reviews note the high price.
Elakor-ED
This is an epoxy hardener that penetrates to a shallow depth (no more than two millimeters). Suitable for preparing screeds before installing self-leveling floors. Promotes increase in resistance to mechanical loadings in 2 times. Protects the floor from moisture and completely removes dust. When leaving, it is permissible to use any detergents. Outwardly, such a floor resembles varnished. "Elakor-ED" is suitable for warehouses, garages, parking lots, workshops and showrooms. Also, the composition is completely environmentally friendly, so it can be used at food industry facilities.
Lithium concrete hardeners
Lithium has a low density. Among the features of this element, it is worth noting its relationship with metals and alkalis. Therefore, such impregnations do not react with the alkaline environment of the cement slurry. Thus, lithium penetrates deeply into the pores of the cement and does not evaporate during the entire service life. Therefore, the lithium-based concrete hardener reliably protects the floor from chemical and abrasive effects for many years. Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Apply such a chemical concrete hardener at the final stage of pouring the screed with concrete. Lithium provides waterproofing, protects against gasoline, grease and other substances. That is why it is so often used in industry. Also lithium liquid hardenerconcrete prevents dusting that occurs when the top layer is partially destroyed.
One of the famous products in this category is Pentra-Protect. It is intended for surface treatment in service areas and industrial premises. The composition has an oil-repellent ability and resists moisture. Such a coating is resistant to fire and does not change its appearance over time. Also, the concrete floor treated with this compound is easy to maintain - reviews note.
These products do not contain dyes, and therefore do not change the color of the floor. But if necessary, you can choose models containing dyes. Lithium impregnations can have more than 20 shades.
Specific application
The technology for applying these compounds may differ:
- Dry mixes should be applied to freshly poured concrete. When it will be possible to stand on it, a hardener should be used. In this case, there is no need to be afraid that the integrity of the surface will be violated. The dry composition is distributed in an even layer over the entire area. The thickness of the layer is different for each manufacturer, so you should pay attention to the instructions. At the final stage, grouting is performed. It can be done with an electric or hand trowel.
- Liquid hardeners should be applied after the concrete has partially set. The composition is applied 5-7 hours after pouring. The hardener is applied with a paint roller, spray gun or a wide brush withlong handle.
- Compounds based on polyurethane or epoxy have their own nuances. So, these hardeners should be used only after complete drying and hardening of the surface. When preparing the composition, the proportions of the base and hardener must be observed. All ratios are indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions. Also note that the viability of such formulations is extremely limited. Therefore, they are prepared in small portions. The volume should be such that a serving can be used up within 30 minutes of work.
Consumer Reviews
So, we have considered what a concrete hardener is, and what types it comes in. Of course, this is quite a useful composition for any concrete pavement, which gives it greater strength and prevents the development of microorganisms.
In their reviews, both ordinary consumers and construction specialists emphasize the numerous advantages of hardeners. Of course, you can also find negative comments about the material, but here it is worth noting that the quality of the product largely depends on the manufacturer. Therefore, it is worth giving preference to proven brands. The concrete hardener has a number of advantages, so it is definitely worth paying attention to when making repairs.
