The building materials market is constantly evolving. Today you can often 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 a service life. At the same time, such a floor is inexpensive, which helps to reduce the cost of repairs. But in order for the surface to serve a long period of time, while retaining all its properties, special concrete hardeners and reinforcing impregnations for concrete are used. We’ll talk about them today.
Why are they used? Benefits
Concrete hardener - impregnation, which improves the properties of flooring. Users note the following benefits:
- High wear resistance.
- Low dust formation on the surface.
- Fire safety.
- Impact resistance.
- Easy cleaning.
- Increased coating life.
Types and Features
Concrete hardener (topping) can be of different types. It is necessary to highlight the following:
- Dry. What it is? This concrete hardener is a mixture of high quality cement and mineral additives, which have increased abrasiveness. Usually in the composition there is corundum or granite chips. Also included are surfactants. They are designed to improve the adhesion of the composition with concrete mortar. Among the advantages of dry mixes, reviews highlight low cost.
- Chemical. This impregnation is a solution of salts and oxides, which strengthen the crystalline bonds of cement with crushed stone, gravel and sand. After solidification of the solution, the impregnation reduces the absorption of moisture.
- Two-component. This concrete hardener is based on epoxy resin. It penetrates the thickness of an already frozen solution. Further, the resin in the polymerization process bind to each other solid particles. The result is a monolithic surface that is resistant to moisture.
- Based on polyurethane resins. These are penetrating compounds that work the same as the previous ones. But after crystallization, they withstand a lower load.
Please note that for the normal reaction of the hardener with concrete, certain requirements must be adhered to. It is not recommended to use the compositions if the surface temperature is less than +10 degrees Celsius.
disadvantages
Are there any disadvantages to such formulations? As practice shows, they have no shortcomings. Among the minuses, only the requirements for application and storage temperature can be noted. The composition can be stored only at temperatures from +5 to +30 degrees Celsius. At the same time, it must be protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Next, we will consider the most popular formulations.
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. It is called for hardening and dust removal of the 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 salts. The floor treated with two-component impregnation has a soft shine and does not need to be periodically updated.
Ashford formula
This is a high-quality impregnation, designed to harden the concrete floor and eliminate its dust. Country of origin - USA. The material can be used both on freshly laid and on dry concrete screeds. Abrasion resistance when using this impregnation increases 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.
"Proteksil"
It is a universal composition. Suitable for:
- strengthening freshly poured floors;
- dust removal of floors;
- restoration of worn couplers.
This product is a deep penetration impregnation. "Proteksil" works at a depth of up to five millimeters. It can be used even on low-quality concrete. After absorbing the composition, the concrete surface is resistant to:
- mechanical stress;
- abrasion;
- moisture;
- aggressive chemical influences.
Among the advantages, affordable cost is noted. But the downside is increased consumption. It will increase if the surface is old. The product itself is applied in two layers.
Lacra
This is a universal deep penetration primer. Absorbed to a depth of six millimeters. 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 say in their reviews, Lacra is able to enhance base adhesion 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 due to the presence of fungicides. Lacra does not need to be diluted. It is stacked both mechanically and manually.
Elcon aqness
This composition penetrates to a depth of 35 mm. It is a silicone water repellent that forms a water-repellent coating. At the same time, 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, basement areas, as well as on foundations. Protects against mold. Therefore, the composition is relevant when processing pools and saunas. Among the shortcomings in the reviews, a high price is noted.
Elacor-ED
This is an epoxy hardener that penetrates to a shallow depth (not more than two millimeters). Suitable for screed preparation before installation of bulk floors. Helps to increase resistance to mechanical stress by 2 times. Protects the floor from moisture and completely removes dust. When leaving, it is permissible to use any detergents. Outwardly, this floor resembles varnished. Elacor-ED is suitable for warehouses, garages, parking lots, workshop rooms and exhibition halls. Also, the composition is completely environmentally friendly, therefore, it can be used at the facilities of the food industry.
Lithium concrete hardeners
Lithium has a low density. Among the features of this element, it is worth noting its affinity with metals and alkalis. Therefore, such impregnations do not react with the alkaline environment of the cement mortar. So, lithium penetrates deep into the pores of cement and does not evaporate during the entire period of operation. Therefore, lithium-based concrete hardener reliably protects the floor from chemical and abrasive effects for many years. It is used both indoors and outdoors.
Apply such a chemical concrete hardener at the final stage of concrete screed pouring. Lithium provides waterproofing, protects against gasoline, grease and other substances. Therefore, it is so often used in industry. Also, lithium liquid concrete hardener prevents dusting, which occurs during partial destruction of the upper layer.
One of the famous products in this category is Pentra-Protect. It is designed for surface treatment in service areas and in 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 composition is easy to clean - reviews say.
These products do not contain dyes, and therefore do not change the color of the floor. But if necessary, you can choose models containing coloring matter. Lithium impregnations can have more than 20 shades.
Application specifics
The technology for using these formulations may vary:
- Dry mixes must be applied to freshly poured concrete. When it will be possible to stand on it, you should use a hardener. You do not 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 layer thickness of each manufacturer is different, so you should pay attention to the instructions. At the final stage, grouting is performed. It can be done with an electric or manual trowel.
- Liquid hardeners need to be applied after partial setting of concrete mortar. The composition is applied 5-7 hours after pouring. The hardener is applied with a paint roller, spray gun or a wide brush with a long handle.
- Compositions on a polyurethane or epoxy basis 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 the portion can be consumed within 30 minutes of operation.
Consumer Reviews
So, we examined what concrete hardener is, and what types it happens. Of course, this is a rather useful composition for any concrete coating, which gives it greater strength and prevents the development of microorganisms.
In their reviews, both ordinary consumers and specialists in the field of construction emphasize the many advantages of hardeners. Of course, you can find negative comments about the material, but it is worth noting that in many respects the quality of the product depends on the manufacturer. Therefore, it is worth giving preference to trusted brands. Concrete hardener has several advantages, therefore, when performing repairs, it is definitely worth paying attention to it.