Impregnation for concrete floors: overview, characteristics, purpose. Strengthening a weak screed with a primer, liquid glass and silicate impregnations Impregnations to enhance the strength of concrete

Impregnations for concrete floors have two main functions - to strengthen and, as a result, to remove dust (dust removal occurs just mainly due to hardening) of the concrete surface. Because of this, these impregnations are also called liquid concrete hardeners. Also, polymer impregnations slightly increase the chemical resistance of concrete, but it is not necessary to talk about imparting chemical resistance to the surface, as it is usually understood. In recent years, during the period of development of polished concrete technologies and the fashion for it, it can be said that impregnations began to have a decorative function as components of this technology.

The main types of impregnations are:

• silicon, they are also silicon-limiting, they are also silicone (based on magnesium or sodium fluorosilicate, based on sodium silicates, based on potassium silicates, based on colloidal polysilicates),
• lithium(based on lithium silicates; these impregnations can also be attributed to silicon, but, historically, they are positive in the Russian construction market as a separate group),
• epoxy(based on epoxy resins),
• polyurethane(in this case, the use of water-borne polyurethane varnishes as an impregnation of the concrete base is implied),
• based on PVC solutions(as actually impregnations, and varnishes).

Epoxy impregnations, which were the main polymer impregnations of concrete in Russia 20 years ago, are practically not used at present, giving way to silicate-based impregnations, which either have better final characteristics of treated concrete, or, if the characteristics are comparable, are cheaper. For the same reasons, water-based polyurethane varnishes are rarely used as concrete impregnations. Impregnations based on PVC solutions are the cheapest, but in terms of the final effect they are significantly inferior to all other types of impregnations.

Impregnation (hardener) of concrete based on magnesium or sodium fluorosilicate is the oldest (known since 1905), but is currently practically not used due to its inefficiency and toxicity.

Impregnations based on potassium silicates are more common in Europe, and those based on sodium silicates are more common in the USA. Otherwise, they have similar end-resistance characteristics of reinforced concrete.

The main differences between impregnations (liquid hardeners) based on potassium silicates and impregnations based on sodium silicates are:

• concrete treated with sodium silicate-based impregnations has a shorter effective service life than concrete treated with potassium silicate-based impregnations;
• impregnations based on potassium silicate are more expensive than impregnations based on sodium silicate;
• on concrete bases treated with impregnations based on sodium silicates, strong efflorescences form on the surface.

Common problem areas for liquid hardeners based on both sodium silicate and potassium silicate are:

• they cause an alkali-silicate reaction - ASR (basically, alkali-silicate reactions can be described as follows: hydroxide ions in the pore solution react with certain types of silica that may be in the aggregate, which leads to internal stresses that can cause destruction or cracking , while these processes can occur within a few days or only after many years, as a result of which a network of small cracks and, sometimes, large cracks - the so-called "card cracks" - is formed on the surface of unprestressed concrete);
• when applied to concrete, they absorb moisture rather than repel it;
• tend to react with the concrete too violently and not completely, leaving lime agglomerates isolated over the entire surface of the concrete.

Liquid concrete hardeners based on lithium silicates and colloidal polysilicates belong to the latest generation of impregnations. They do not cause an alkali-silicate reaction (ASR) with all the ensuing consequences, do not give efflorescence and do not absorb moisture. The surface treated with lithium silicate impregnations can be polished to a glassy state using polished concrete technology. Impregnations based on colloidal polysilicates are ideal for strengthening concrete during the grouting stage, which is why they are often called "liquid toppings". There is only one, but a big, minus - the high price for these materials of the latest generation, even for domestic Russian ones. Comparison of different types of chemical hardeners

Comparison of different types of chemical hardeners

This article used information from the site http://litsil.ru

Concrete is a very durable material. It copes well with adverse weather conditions and high loads. But concrete is not able to resist such a process of destruction as surface abrasion, as a result of which cement dust is formed on the surface of the floor. To combat this phenomenon, special impregnating compounds are used.

The need for impregnation for concrete

Concrete is a porous material. Its strength depends largely on the process of cement hydration. As a result of this process, the pores of the concrete may contain the gel substance of the cement mortar, moisture and air. All this negatively affects concrete during operation.

The presence of micropores causes two main disadvantages of this material:

• low hydrophobicity. Moisture seeps through the pores;
• insufficient density of concrete, contributing to a decrease in the strength of the finished floor.

Modern technologies make it possible to transform the porous structure of concrete and turn it into a waterproof stone, which is especially important when creating concrete surfaces in contact with moisture.

With the help of impregnations for concrete, the following tasks are solved:

• protection of concrete surfaces from chemicals and negative environmental factors;
• increasing the strength of concrete;
• increase in wear resistance of concrete surfaces;
• dust removal of concrete structures;
• strengthening of aged concrete structures;
• increasing the service life of concrete surfaces;
• improving the appearance of concrete floors.

Classification of concrete impregnations

Impregnations for concrete, depending on the composition, are divided into two types:

• organic (polymer);
• inorganic (silicate).

Organic impregnations work according to the following principle: the binder of these liquid compounds fills the pores of concrete, endowing the surface with the ability to resist aggressive media and repel water. In addition, impregnations of this type prevent dusting of concrete and make it more durable.

Inorganic impregnations have a different principle of action. They do not fill the micropores of concrete, but react with external molecular compounds, which eventually dissolve and become inert to other reactions. As a result, the concrete surface ceases to dust and acquires such additional qualities as strength and water resistance.

The most common today received organic impregnations, which in turn are divided into:

• acrylic;
• polyurethane;
• epoxy.

Acrylic compositions

Acrylic-based impregnations are notable for their low price, but at the same time they demonstrate good quality. They protect concrete very well from the effects of chlorides and moisture. In addition, they are highly resistant to ultraviolet radiation, retaining their color throughout the entire period of operation.

Acrylic impregnations are used for dedusting concrete floors that experience very little stress. For all their positive qualities, these compositions are not durable, so they need to be updated periodically (about every 2-3 years).

Polyurethane impregnations

Polyurethane impregnations are more effective than acrylic ones. They provide the concrete surface with dust removal, resistance to chemicals, moisture resistance, high strength at the same time. Polyurethane impregnations can be used to coat concrete, cement screeds of the M350 brand, concrete and metlakh tiles, and bricks. They penetrate the concrete layer to a depth of 6 mm and can be used both indoors and outdoors, but under awnings. In addition, the use of this type of impregnation requires the presence of a waterproofing layer under the concrete base, which limits the access of capillary moisture to the concrete structure.

Concrete after applying polyurethane impregnation receives a number of additional properties:

• the strength of concrete increases to M600, regardless of its original brand;
• wear resistance increases by 8-10 times;
• impact resistance is doubled;
• improves the water resistance of concrete and resistance to aggressive chemicals;
• dusting of concrete is completely excluded;
• simplifies floor care;
• improves the appearance of the concrete pavement.

The popularity of polyurethane impregnations is facilitated by their properties such as quick and easy application of the composition, low cost of equipment used for this process. On the treated surface, you can move on foot after a day, and by transport - after three days.

Epoxy impregnations

Epoxy-based impregnations can be both colorless and colored. They are more often used indoors, because under the influence of ultraviolet light they acquire a yellowish color. Epoxy impregnations are a two-component mixture, the mandatory components of which are a hardener and epoxy resin. As a hardener, phenols, tertiary amines or their analogues are used. The proportions of hardener and resin can be very different and depend on the field of application of the impregnation.

Compared to other impregnations, epoxy compounds have such advantages as:

• high strength;
• high resistance to abrasion;
• minimum moisture permeability;
• a slight degree of shrinkage;
• The use of epoxy impregnations allows you to create concrete floors with a shiny surface or with an attractive “wet concrete” appearance.

Epoxy impregnations, when applied, do not emit such a pungent odor as polyurethane ones, but in comparison with them they are less resistant to chemical and mechanical stress. Epoxy impregnations can be used in facilities such as medical facilities, food processing plants, swimming pools, basement walls in buildings erected in areas with high groundwater levels.

Functional properties of impregnations

Depending on the functionality, concrete impregnations are divided into:

• strengthening;
• water repellent;
• dedusting;
• coloring.

Hardening impregnations

Impregnations of this type are in most cases made on the basis of inorganic compounds - silicate primers. They do not form a protective layer on the concrete surface, as they penetrate deep into the material and change its structure. Due to this property, the impregnation does not peel off and provides the concrete surface with high wear resistance with complete dust removal.

Previously, deep penetration impregnations were made on the basis of sodium and potassium silicates. Now they have been replaced by new compositions based on lithium silicates. When using lithium impregnations, the possibility of efflorescence on concrete is excluded. Concrete floors treated with such impregnations acquire high resistance to mechanical abrasion and moisture, and also stop dusting. Deep impregnation increases the strength of the surface layer of concrete by 2-3 times.

Water-repellent impregnations

Water-repellent (water-repellent) impregnations penetrate into the pores and cracks of concrete, protecting it from moisture penetration and the effects of such negative factors as:

• microorganisms, mold, fungi;
• saline/acid precipitation;
• UV rays;
• efflorescence formation.

Water-repellent impregnations increase the frost resistance of concrete structures used outdoors. They also protect indoor structures from moisture, but do not protect the foundation from groundwater penetration. This problem is solved using a whole range of measures for waterproofing a concrete structure.

Impregnations of this type are presented on the construction market in a very wide range. The most effective and expensive are the two-component compositions used to treat hydraulic structures, such as swimming pools. This type of impregnation, in fact, can be called universal, but if concrete does not need such a set of qualities, then it is better to purchase specialized impregnating compounds, which are cheaper and do an excellent job with the assigned tasks.

Dedusting impregnations

Impregnations of this type are widely used for exposed concrete floors that undergo heavy loads, as well as for the protection of outdoor areas. Such a wide scope is due to the properties of impregnations, which, in addition to dust removal, also provide high wear resistance and strength of concrete surfaces.

Anti-dust compositions are used for the purpose of:

• prevent dust formation;
• increasing wear resistance and extending the service life of concrete surfaces;
• protection of the concrete floor from destruction, exposure to acids, alkalis and oils;
• facilitate the maintenance of concrete floors.

Coloring compositions

Staining of concrete can be done with ordinary paint or special color impregnation. Painted surfaces are less durable. With constant travel / through loads, the paint layer cracks and peels off.

Colored impregnations penetrate deep into the concrete up to 3 millimeters, due to which the color of the floor remains for a long time, regardless of the intensity of exposure to various loads. But the concrete surface treated with a coloring compound must be additionally coated with a protective water-repellent impregnation.

Overview of impregnations from different manufacturers

Currently, manufacturers offer a huge range of concrete impregnations of various types. This section presents those that have gained a good reputation among builders and are very popular.

Reinforcing primer for concrete floors Protector.

This composition strengthens the concrete surface, removes dust and improves the resistance of concrete to chemicals.

Impregnation Protector is used in the arrangement of concrete surfaces for various purposes: floors, roads, footpaths, runways. The composition is produced in containers of 20 liters. The cost of 1 liter is 180 rubles.

Hardening impregnation Retroplate

It is used for dust removal and hardening of low-grade concrete (less than M300), as well as old and new mosaic floors.

When working with this impregnation, the following nuances must be considered:

• impregnation cannot be used on uncured concrete (at least 14 days must pass after pouring);
• the composition is applied at an air temperature not lower than +5 degrees.

The composition is produced in buckets of 20 liters. The price of one liter is about 400 rubles.

Organic impregnation Proteksil

Designed specifically for the treatment of floors in industrial facilities. It perfectly protects the concrete floor from the effects of aggressive environments, high mechanical and transport loads.

Technical and operational characteristics of Proteksil:

• penetration depth - 5-10 mm;
• material consumption - 0.3 liters per square meter;
• operating temperature range - from -40 to +80 degrees;
• drying time is up to six hours at a temperature of +20 degrees;
• the cost of impregnation is 170-190 rubles per liter.

Universal impregnation Monolit 20-M

It is a water-based composition, so it is environmentally friendly and non-flammable.

Impregnation acts on the concrete floor as follows:

• increases the water resistance of concrete by three grades;
• increases wear resistance and hardness by 30%;
• reduces warping of concrete and formation of shrinkage cracks;
• removes dust from concrete;
• improves concrete adhesion;
• increases resistance to organic acids and oil products.

The consumption of impregnation Monolith 20-M is one liter per 3-5 square meters (depending on the porosity and condition of the concrete). The price of one liter is 130 rubles.

Aquastone impregnation

This impregnation provides dedusting and protection of the surface of concrete, mosaic floors and cement-sand screeds. It exhibits excellent penetration, providing high strength and hardness to the concrete surface. Recommended for use on both industrial and domestic floors. It can be applied to substrates with high humidity. The price of one liter is 220 rubles.

Impregnation Aquasol

Impregnation refers to water-repellent compositions and is used to protect against moisture and other harmful atmospheric influences of any building materials made on the basis of cement. One liter of this impregnation costs 210 rubles.

Epoxol impregnation

It is an epoxy water-dispersion composition and is used for hardening, dust removal and protection of concrete and magnesia floors, cement screeds. It increases the compressive strength of concrete by 2-3 times and prevents the formation of cracks. Epoxol can be applied to wet concrete. Recommended for hardening floors in warehouses, pharmaceutical and food industries, in public and residential buildings, medical and children's institutions. The price of one liter is 380 rubles.

Impregnation Ashford Formula

The impregnation is a water-based silicate polymer. It is recommended for hardening concrete pavements of indoor and outdoor areas of logistics terminals, warehouses, production shops, markets, shopping centers, garages, parking lots, runways and other objects with increased traffic and pedestrian traffic. The cost of one liter is approximately 110 rubles.

When choosing an impregnation for concrete, the following should be considered:

1. Silicate (inorganic) compounds are used when:
   • it is necessary to dedust the concrete floor at minimal cost;
   • the concrete surface has significant irregularities and roughness;
   • the floor will be subjected to heavy use (drag of heavy objects, high temperature effects).

1. Polymeric (organic) impregnations are best used in case of:
   • intensive exposure to chemicals on the concrete pavement;
   • high requirements for the aesthetic appearance of the concrete floor;
   • dust removal of mosaic floors.

When using impregnating compounds, the following requirements must be considered:

• no impregnation is applied to a fresh concrete floor, even if it is already possible to walk on it. It must take at least two weeks for the concrete to mature and gain the strength necessary for the application of impregnations;
• the concrete surface must be well dried. The presence of water in the pores of concrete is unacceptable. The floor must also be thoroughly cleaned of dust and dirt;
• it is best to apply impregnations at an air temperature of +20 - +25 degrees and humidity - no more than 90%;
• the temperature of the concrete floor should be at least +10 degrees, although some impregnations can be used at lower temperatures;
• it is advisable to wipe the concrete floor with fine quartz sand before applying water-repellent compositions in order to give it anti-slip properties;
• all visible defects in the concrete pavement must be removed - cracks and chips must be sanded;
• solvent-resistant brushes and rollers should be used for work;
• when working, it is necessary to observe safety precautions, using personal protective equipment (respirators, clothes made of cotton fabrics, shoes with rubber soles, gloves).

When the casting of reinforced concrete structures was just gaining momentum, builders put up with the fact that this material is porous. Today the situation has changed, because impregnating compositions have appeared on the building materials market, with the help of which it is possible to significantly improve the technical and operational properties of the described products.

The need for impregnation

Impregnation for a concrete floor is a liquid hardener, among the ingredients of which there are adhesives that strengthen the top layer. The concrete surface is loose and porous, the structure has many micropores, which leads to two main disadvantages of reinforced concrete products - low hydrophobicity and insufficient strength.

Modern concrete processing technologies make it possible to turn a porous surface into a waterproof stone. This is relevant in the construction of monolithic walls and load-bearing structures, which are constantly in contact with moisture during operation. Thus, impregnation for a concrete floor allows you to protect the surface from negative factors, increase the strength of the material, increase wear resistance, remove dust from structures, strengthen aged products, extend the life of structures and improve their appearance.

Overview of impregnations with different chemical composition and their purpose

Concrete impregnations can be classified according to their chemical composition. They are inorganic and organic and are represented by modifiers. Organic impregnations are compounds that are made on the basis of polyurethane, acrylic and epoxy resins. The mixture has a liquid consistency and binds the elements, giving the surface the ability to repel water, and fills the pores, ensuring the resistance of the material to aggressive environments.

Such impregnations remove dust from concrete and make the structure more durable. Polyurethane impregnation for is a universal composition, because it copes with all the tasks that are set for the primer. When choosing formulations based on other ingredients, you will use highly specialized mixtures. As for inorganic modifiers, they are also known to the consumer as silicate impregnations. The principle of their action is different. The material is not used to fill micropores, it reacts with external compounds that dissolve and become inert to reactions. Concrete after processing with inorganic modifiers acquires additional qualities, among them:

• dustiness;
• strength;
• water resistance.

Classification of impregnations by functional purpose: hardening compositions

Reinforcing impregnations for concrete floors are usually made on the basis of inorganic compounds - silicate primers. A protective layer is not formed on the surface, because the impregnation penetrates inside and changes the structure of the material. The primer does not peel off during operation and ensures the wear resistance of the product with its dedusting.

The hardening primer can be applied to poles, walls, ceilings, floors and other structures. Deep impregnation allows you to increase the strength of the layer up to 3 times. Traditional sodium and potassium impregnations are now being replaced by hardeners based on lithium silicates. After treating concrete with such a primer, it becomes resistant to moisture and mechanical and erasing influences. Concrete is not exposed to dust formation. Using lithium deep penetration, you eliminate efflorescence on the surface. After 2 hours after treatment, the base can be used.

Overview of water-repellent impregnations

Hydrophobic compounds penetrate into cracks and pores. This treatment protects the surface from the penetration of moisture inside and a number of negative factors:

• ultraviolet rays;
• microorganisms;
• the appearance of efflorescence and cracks;
• the occurrence of fungi and mold;
• salt and acid precipitation.

Water-repellent impregnations for deep penetration concrete are used for outdoor work, they improve the thermal insulation properties of structures and increase frost resistance. If you use water-repellent impregnations from the inside, this will not exclude the penetration of groundwater into the foundation, but the problem can be solved by comprehensive waterproofing measures. These mixtures are presented in a wide range. The most expensive and effective are two-component compositions, which are used for the construction of hydraulic structures by the type of pools.

Overview of impregnations, their characteristics and purpose: "Protector-soil"

If you decide to use the method of strengthening concrete by applying impregnation, then first you need to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the mixture. When considering reinforcing impregnations for a concrete floor, you should pay attention to the Protector-Soil. This composition is a one-component primer that is easy to apply, dries quickly and retains vapor permeability. You can buy the mixture for 186 rubles. per kilogram.

The primer is an ideal base for applying a protective coating. The substrate is hardened, it acquires adhesion to paints and varnishes and provides high quality Application can be carried out on industrial floors, surfaces in residential premises, in car parks, footpaths and sidewalks. Before use, the composition is mixed.

The film has a uniform matte surface, it should not have foreign inclusions. Covering power when applied to the surface is 120 g/m 2 . It is important to pay attention to the mass fraction of non-volatile substances, it reaches 52%. According to the viscometer, the conditional viscosity is 70 seconds. Drying time to the third degree is 1 hour. On impact, the strength of the film is equivalent to 40 cm. When bending, the strength reaches 3 mm.

XTREME-HARD primer overview

This compound is waterproof. It is presented as a concentrate and contains silica dust. The material penetrates the concrete and interacts with its constituents. A chemical reaction contributes to the formation of a crystallization substance, it forms a partition, which will be located in microcracks. Such protection of the concrete floor from moisture is an inorganic composition and interacts after application with cement minerals, creating a coagulation-crystallization mass. This increases the strength of the material and resistance to wear.

Waterproofing is safe for human health and the environment, because the mixture is non-toxic. It is odorless and colorless, non-flammable, and has a low pH, which improves the strength of the material. This hydrophobic impregnation for concrete does not peel or crust, reduces the level of contamination of the coating, provides resistance to mechanical stress and abrasion, as well as ultraviolet radiation. One application will be enough for the entire period of operation.

Coloring mixtures

In order to give concrete a certain color, you can use ordinary paint or color impregnation. The surface will gain durability and will stably endure travel and through loads. Painting the concrete floor with a special impregnation ensures the penetration of the material up to 3 mm in depth, thanks to which the coating remains unchanged for a long time, which does not depend on the intensity of the load. Additionally, the concrete surface, which is coated with a coloring composition, is treated with a water-repellent protective impregnation.

Dedusting by impregnation

Quite often, dust-removing impregnations have been used recently. Impregnation of concrete floors must be considered before purchasing them. An excellent example is the water-repellent composition "Aquasol", which is made on a water basis. It has water-repellent characteristics and is used to protect surfaces and from weathering.

Another option for dedusting is Epoxol. This primer is a two-component composition and is used for hardening and dust removal of screeds, magnesia floors, concrete and asphalt concrete surfaces. Application is carried out on old or fresh concrete, which allows to increase the compressive strength of the base three times. The material acquires a higher hardness, which eliminates the formation of new cracks.

If you want to equip the correct concrete floor, then it can be covered with this mixture, and the base at this moment may even be wet. Impregnation can be used in industrial, public and warehouse premises, as well as in pharmaceutical and food industries.

staining method

The concrete floor can be painted using the Unicom material, which is a moisture-resistant alkyd composition for interior work. The mixture can also be used when applied to the facade. The material is wear-resistant, provides surface protection and excludes its destruction. Operation can be carried out over a wide temperature range from -60 to +60°C.

This alkyd composition is a one-component enamel - a suspension of pigments, special additives and functional fillers. The paint has a special purpose and protects concrete from the effects of loads, has a high hiding power and resistance to water, as well as lubricants and fuels.

Alternative Solution

If you want to seal the seams in the concrete floor, then you can use "Aquastone". This impregnation is represented by a solution of inorganic compounds and targeted additives. The mixture protects not only concrete and cement-sand screeds, but also mosaic floors. The impregnation penetrates and adheres to the concrete, hardening the surface with high hardness.

Finally

Concrete is a rather porous material, and its durability and strength depend on how correctly the laying technology is followed. In the course of work, none of the stages can be neglected, because the coating will soon become unusable from exposure to air and moisture. Microcracks may appear in it, and it will begin to dust. Impregnation, which strengthens old substrates, protects them from damage and improves the appearance of the material.

Builders are increasingly choosing concrete as the base for the floor. The material is equally successfully used in the construction of residential buildings, industrial enterprises and other buildings. Specialists have developed effective means for impregnating concrete floors. Modern technologies for the manufacture of impregnations make it possible to improve the operational and technical qualities of concrete structures.

Application

Impregnation, intended for the treatment of concrete foundations and other parts of the structure, is widely used in construction and restoration work. Impregnation is used to strengthen floors in exhibition halls, warehouses, workshops, high-rise and country houses, car washes, parking lots, enterprises, etc. The primer composition is selected depending on the type of buildings and the result that the builders want to achieve.

Why do floors need to be treated?

Impregnation is used to strengthen the foundation in a concrete floor. Floors require impregnation treatment if the concrete base is subjected to excessive stress during operation. High-quality impregnated concrete surfaces become more wear-resistant, stable, less susceptible to moisture and temperature changes. Besides, thanks to impregnations it is reliably protected from dust. The possibility is especially important if reinforced concrete was cut indoors using diamond wheels. At the same time, the need for impregnation of the concrete surface and protection from dust increases if the owner wants to reduce the cost of maintaining the building. Among other advantages, this technology allows you to complete the restoration work on worn floors faster.

Composition classification

Such materials are divided into categories, depending on their composition. The basis of funds is inorganic, organic.

1. Inorganic agents allow the transformation of soluble chemical compounds, making them insoluble. This allows you to harden the surface, protect it from the effects of external negative factors.
2. The composition of organic products may include epoxy resin. Epoxy fills voids, which helps protect the concrete surface and strengthen its foundation.

The most versatile and effective are impregnations that contain polyurethane or epoxy resin. Means are also universal dedusting, water-repellent and hardening.

Classification by purpose

Most of the materials designed for different work with concrete floors perform specific tasks, universal tools are rare. Therefore, such materials are usually divided according to their intended purpose.

1. Dedusting agents. This type of impregnation is widely used indoors and outdoors, where the floor undergoes significant loads (for example, in a parking lot, in a garage). In addition to dust removal, the material helps to increase the strength of concrete, protects against the appearance of cracks that appear due to precipitation, various substances and fuels and lubricants. And speaking of the field in your garage, this flooring will be the best option for it.
2. Hardening. These are inorganic substances that change the structure of the surface, giving the upper concrete layer resistance to mechanical stress and moisture ingress. A few hours after applying the solution, the surface dries up.
3. Hydrophobic (water-repellent) agents. The action is to fill microcracks and pores. In addition to protecting against the effects of ultraviolet radiation, moisture, a water-repellent agent helps prevent the appearance of microcracks. Concrete impregnation resists acid precipitation and the effects of fungi and other microorganisms.
4. You can use ordinary paint, but the coating will not last long, especially on open-air sites that are constantly subjected to high loads.

Strengthening impregnation

The main characteristic of hardeners is absolute absorption into the surface layer of the base. This allows you to ensure the strength of concrete from the inside. It becomes more resistant to various loads.

Water repellent

The product penetrates into the pores, filling them, after which it solidifies. As a result, moisture that gets on the surface is not able to penetrate microcracks. The use of a two-component allows you to achieve the best effect at, as well as other hydraulic objects.

Dedusting

Protecting concrete from dust ingress is often used for arranging industrial premises, warehouses, exhibition halls, and various institutions. Builders often dust walls and other surfaces before treating them with plaster or other coatings. Anti-dust mixtures prevent dust formation, protect the surface from cracks and destruction, protect it from the influence of alkali and acids. At the same time, it helps to increase wear resistance and make the structure durable. Treated concrete does not require special care.

Overview of funds

Several formulations have become especially popular with builders.

1. . The tool allows you to increase strength, increase wear resistance, reduce dusting of the upper layer of concrete products. Builders recommend using Elakor for outdoor and indoor areas of garages, storage facilities, etc. It can be applied to old and new surfaces, does not change their electrical conductivity, does not cause reinforcement corrosion.
2. Protector - strengthens the foundations of concrete floors, resistant to the influence of reagents, helps to remove dust from the surface. In addition, Protector allows air to pass through the coating, improves the connection between old and new concrete layers. Builders use Protector to process runways, tracks, pedestrian crossings, paving slabs, etc.
3. XTREME HARD is a waterproofing primer. The concentrate contains silica dust, which penetrates into the concrete and interacts with the components of this material. The chemical reaction leads to the formation of a crystallization substance - a partition, which is formed between microcracks.
4. Retroplate is a modifier that is widely used to strengthen different types of concrete (mosaic, low-quality). While working with Retroplate, the builder must take into account a number of nuances. When applying the composition, it is important that the temperature does not exceed 5°C. Impregnation must not be applied to new concrete (it is important that at least two weeks have elapsed since the laying).
5. Protexil is a tool designed for use in production. The modifier allows you to protect the plates from significant loads, exposure to chemicals. Proteksil penetrates into the layers of concrete by five to ten millimeters, dries within six hours (the air temperature in the room should be at least 20 ° C).

To protect structures from mechanical impacts and moisture, deep penetration concrete impregnations are used. Unlike conventional primers, they penetrate deeper into the structure of the material, strengthening its surface. The base becomes stronger and more resistant to wear.

Strengthening agents are used for all types of concrete, including very dense ones, since they do not have pores into which the finish could penetrate and fix. The impregnation is even smaller, so it is able to get inside the products, thereby creating a glossy film, which can then be applied with another coating.

Types and characteristics

Produced with different parameters and purpose. If it is necessary to increase the wear resistance of a screed floor, it is recommended to choose a product that can penetrate as deep as possible. If a vertical base is being processed, for example, walls, then it is enough to buy a primer that forms only a film, since the water will still not be able to hold on.

There are several types of impregnations - hardening and waterproofing. Choosing the first type, you need to carefully study the composition. Such options, in order to improve the strength of a floor or other structure, change its structure at the molecular level with the help of chemical additives. These include fluating (Elacor MB-1), calcium-binding fluorosilicates, and lithium (C2 Hard). They penetrate deep into the concrete surface, forming insoluble calcium hydroxide. As a result, it becomes resistant to wear, moisture, chemicals and does not emit dust. You can apply them on old bases. After processing, grinding and polishing is not required.

Water-based silicate polymers (Ashford Formula) operate on almost the same principle. After penetration into the concrete, their particles react with the cement stone. As a result, neoplasms with increased hardness appear. Silicate impregnations are often used in car parks, footpaths and other heavily loaded areas. Chemicals are applied once for the entire period of operation, after which additional treatments are not required.

Waterproofing types are used to protect against moisture. They penetrate very deep into the structure of materials, which creates a dense moisture-proof film. This not only helps to protect the surface from water, but also increases the frost resistance of the structure. Moisture cannot penetrate inside, as a result, the probability of destruction of concrete due to its expansion during freezing is excluded.

Impregnation from water and wear differ in composition:

• organic;
• inorganic.

Inorganic - these are agents that change the structure of concrete at the molecular level, that is, chemical. They not only protect against water, but also improve all the technical characteristics of the structure, including the strength grade. All hardening impregnations belong to the inorganic class.

Organic - these are polyurethane, epoxy and acrylic compounds. The principle of operation is that they fill free pores, thereby preventing water from penetrating inside. In addition, they bind the surface of the base, preventing dust and making it more resistant to wear and chemicals.

Polyurethane, in comparison with other types, are able to penetrate 2 or even 3 times deeper - up to 1 cm. The upper part of the plane is then converted into a new material - concrete polymer, which has the following characteristics:

• wear resistance is 5-10 times higher than that of ordinary concrete stone;
• strength grade - from M600;
• shock resistance is 3 times higher.

To achieve the desired results, you need to dilute the product with a solvent according to the indicated proportions. Most often it is either 1:2 or 1:3. If you break the ratio, then the coating will only protect against water, like a regular primer.

Before processing concrete, it is carefully prepared. If the base is old, then all top coats are removed. Chips and potholes are smeared with mortar and leveled. Once the plaster has dried, the structure is sanded. The same is true for new bases. Dirt and greasy stains are cleaned, after which everything is polished. Such preparation will allow deeper penetration into the structure and better strengthen it, as well as increase the degree of adhesion with finishing materials.

To finish surfaces with deep penetration agents, brushes, rollers or special equipment are used. The application method must be indicated on the impregnation container. For example, so that the primer Ceresit CT17 can penetrate as deep as possible, it is applied with a brush or roller. If the plane to be treated is cellular concrete, then for the first layer the liquid is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1, the second is made undiluted and painted with it only after the previous one has completely dried.

Primers should only be used for their intended purpose. If it is made for indoor use, then it is not suitable for the street. Under the influence of precipitation and other natural influences, it will quickly lose its properties. Similarly, impregnations for outdoor work inside buildings are not recommended. They may contain substances that, when evaporated, release compounds hazardous to human health.

Particular attention should be paid to the ambient temperature. Many formulations cannot be applied if the temperature is negative or below +5°C. The subsequent finishing with a topcoat can only be started after the primer has completely dried.

Consumption depends on the condition and type of material. For the old coating, more funds will be required. The largest amount will be needed when processing cellular concrete, since it contains many pores and strongly absorbs liquids. The average consumption for outdoor work is from 0.1-0.2 l / m 2. If the surface is porous, then it increases to 0.5 l / m 2.

Price

Prices depend on the brand of the manufacturer, the volume of containers and characteristics. The deeper the composition is able to penetrate and strengthen the structure, the higher the price will be. The greatest demand is for impregnations that protect against moisture penetration, such brands as Knauf, Ceresit, Prospectors, Elakor, Betonkontakt.

For concrete and other mineral substrates from Ceresit, CT17 and CT17 Concentrate are used, both water-dispersible. For ease of application, CT17 has a yellow tint, but if a transparent impregnation is required, then the second one should be chosen, since it is colorless. Ceresit CT 17 does not reduce the vapor permeability of the base, but at the same time does not allow moisture to penetrate inside. The cost of a five-liter canister Ceresit ST17 starts from 350 rubles. Fluating and hardening options have a higher price. Elakor MB-1 Fluat costs 205 rubles per 1 kg, Protexil - from 200 per liter.

Before buying, you need to check the expiration date, compatibility with other materials and purpose. If the base is to be painted, then a primer is selected that is suitable in composition to the paint. If dry spots appear after treatment, then they are covered again. Excess fluid that has not yet dried up can be removed with a cloth and water, the dried primer is removed with a solvent.