Selecting an appropriate curing regime for concrete is critical to the successful outcome of a project, especially when the concrete itself is to be overcoated or have a topically applied membrane or flooring system installed. This article will provide clarity and raise awareness of the potential risks involved, and an alternate option to replace existing methods.
Why curing?
Curing is designed primarily to keep the concrete moist, by preventing the loss of moisture from within the concrete in a set temperature range, during the period in which it is gaining strength.
Concrete that’s allowed to dry out too quickly, will not achieve its desired strength and may undergo considerable early age drying shrinkage. Inadequate or insufficient curing is one of main factors contributing to weak, powdery surfaces with low abrasion resistance.
Curing concrete: What systems are available?
Curing of concrete is undertaken in several ways; air, water ponding, plastic sheet, membrane forming compounds or by chemical means, however, the most appropriate means of curing is often dictated by the site or the construction methodology.
Water ponding is widely regarded as the preferred methodology; however, due to the logistical and economic difficulties associated with water ponding on most construction sites, it is often replaced with less effective membrane-forming compounds.
Curing compounds available in the market can be formulated from wax emulsions, chlorinated rubbers, synthetic and natural resins, and from PVA emulsions, and are normally sprayed directly onto concrete surfaces and then allowed to dry, forming a relatively impermeable membrane that retards the loss of moisture from the concrete. They are deemed to be an efficient and cost-effective means of curing concrete and may be applied to freshly placed concrete or those that have been partially cured by other means.
It is extremely important however, to check the intended applied substrate finish, as most membrane forming curing compounds require removal before the application of any floor finishes such as epoxy or polyurethane coatings, direct stick carpet and vinyl and ceramic tile adhesives.
The risks of membrane forming curing compounds
It is well established that membrane forming compounds affect the bond between concrete and subsequent surface treatments, so particular care in the choice of a suitable curing regime needs to be exercised in such circumstances. The residue from many of these products may prevent the adhesion of flooring products and tiles onto the surface of concrete substrate and can contribute to failure of the installed coating or flooring systems if not successfully removed.
The removal of these from the substrate surface can be costly in both time and money, not forgetting, the environmental and health impacts of dust generation and noise from the grinding process to remove them.
The Oxtek Way:
An after-trade friendly approach to curing The goal of concrete curing is to ultimately achieve the intended hardened properties of concrete that the structure has been designed for. Oxtek Solution’s product range for the curing of concrete utilise the pore-filling ability of colloidal silicate technology, which is proven to be equal to that of water ponding and improve the hardened mechanical properties of concrete.
By contributing to a denser, less permeable, and porous structure, concrete treated with Oxtek Solutions proprietary colloidal silicate treatment have an increased compressive strength (both early and later age), reduction in drying shrinkage, and improved surface hardness and abrasion resistance.
The range of products on offer are single pack, one application, spray on systems that deeply penetrate new concrete, providing curing, permanent waterproofing, and surface protection. Topically applied following the finishing phase of concrete placement, the colloidal silicate penetrates the concrete leaving no film or residue on the surface of the concrete, therefore having no adverse effect on the subsequent floor finishes or coverings, providing improved flexibility and efficiencies to the project.
This removes the need for additional mechanical preparation of the substrate surface to remove curing compound residue, and the resultant environmental and health hazards from dust generation, noise, and waste disposal.
Further time and money will be saved on the project, as the introduction of this technology following the concrete finishing phase eliminates the need for further treatment of the concrete substrate to address moisture retained within the concrete matrix and the risk of premature failure of installed coating and flooring systems.
Oxtek Solutions: More than just curing Oxtek Solutions have manufactured an effective product range to address complex moisture and bacteria related issues within concrete for over 25 years. All products are low VOC (Green Building Council of Australia), user friendly, with a range that are anti-microbial, and HACCP approved.
Our unique and environmentally safe technology not only cures, waterproofs, repels contamination, hardens, densifies, dustproofs, and protects the concrete and allow for the straightforward application of topical coating and floor finishes. Topical applications such as vinyl, timber and other floor coverings, line marking paint, epoxies, sealers can be applied in record time, resulting in significant cost savings.
Products are regularly and vigorously tested to the relevant Australian and Internationals Standard to ensure their ongoing quality and performance. Project warranties of up to 15 years are available on new construction projects.
Phone: 1300 698 351
Email: reception@oxtek.com.au
