A concrete structure or screed made in the yard often has to be protected from external influences of moisture, frost and the sun.
Therefore, the question begs how to properly strengthen the outer layer of the specified material, make it moisture resistant, strong and durable. To do this, use such special technology as concrete ironing. This process in many cases is necessary during construction.
After
concrete work is completed, water can soon be seen on the surfaces. This is due to the fact that the heavy components of this material - cement, sand and gravel - fall down, displacing water. As a rule, the top layer becomes sandy and less durable due to a decrease in the concentration of cement. And in order to protect and strengthen it from water and other atmospheric and physical influences, a technology is used - iron concrete.
The quality of this process depends on the observance of certain requirements and, first of all, the top layer of this material should not be allowed to dry out. Before ironing, it must be moist and not exposed to direct sunlight.
In general, this process is simple. At home, you can make ironing concrete with your own hands. The main thing is that you need to know what methods exist for implementing this process and what material to use in this case.
There are two ways to implement such a protective coating. The first is the fermentation of concrete with cement sieved on a sieve. This is a dry method of this process. There is also a "wet" method - sifted cement diluted with water with the addition of water glass or sodium aluminate. Other impurities and additives that improve moisture resistance and coating strength may also be present in the mixture.
In the first case, using dry cement, quartz powder can be added for strength. In this way, the ironing of concrete is carried out on horizontal surfaces. At the same time, cement is poured into a fine sieve and evenly sprinkled on freshly laid concrete, tapping on the sieve. The specified layer should be within three millimeters.
Then a spatula or a special trowel-trowel compact the dry mixture over the entire surface of the concrete. Cement in this case draws moisture from the surface of fresh concrete and turns into batter. Now this mixture is smeared to a smooth glossy surface over the entire area of the horizontal
concrete screed.Another method is used on surfaces from which dry cement can fall. In this case, use the "wet" method. For this, it is necessary to sift the cement first into the container and prepare the mixture by adding water and various reinforcing impurities and moisture-protective components.
Then, with a spatula, this mixture is applied to the concrete surface with a layer of the same thickness as in the first method. It is also necessary to smooth out evenly using a trowel-trowel.
The wet method is considered more moisture resistant and durable. It can also be used on horizontal planes of freshly laid concrete. This method is the most effective.
If concrete is ironed in a place where direct sunlight is possible, it is better to plan the work so that it is done after sunset, in the evening.