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Articles
Natural Look Water Repellent for Concrete Driveways and Patios
July 14, 2010
Water that soaks into concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks can damage it in several ways. The water can cause delamination of the top layer, spalling, flaking and pitting. This is especially true in cold weather climates where water that freezes inside the concrete can cause severe damage from the expansion of ice crystals.
Natural Look Silane/Siloxane Water Repellents
Concrete water repellents made of a silane/siloxane blend stop water penetration into the concrete. They actually coat the microscopic pores in the concrete and prevent water from being absorbed. They have the added benefit that the concrete will maintain its natural look. There is no concrete color change, gloss or wet sheen to them. This is because the silane/siloxane is not on the surface of the concrete. It is actually below the surface and inside concrete substrate.
It must be said that silane/siloxanes water repellents are recommend for use on concrete that is not stamped or colored. Most people want a wet look or a low gloss sheen on this type of concrete. These types of sealers are actually on the surface of the concrete and prevent the coloring from being worn away from pedestrian traffic.
Protection from De-icing Salt
One of the biggest dangers to concrete is the effect de-icing salts can have. With unsealed concrete, water melted by the salts can be absorbed into it. The salt ions are also absorbed into the concrete causing the steel reinforcing in the concrete to rust and deteriorate. The salt is very hard on the top layer of cement and can cause even more deterioration and delamination. Finally, when the temperature drops, this melted water will refreeze and cause the concrete to fail.
Application
Simply clean any dirt or oil from the concrete. The water repellent can be applied by roller or pump up garden sprayer. It is best to keep foot traffic off of the concrete for 3-4 hours. The silane/siloxane will react with the concrete and start beading water after 3-5 days.
This article is written by Aaron Kuertz with Applied Technologies Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. Visit www.appliedtechnologies.com to learn more about concrete driveway sealers. To learn more about concrete driveway sealers
Comments
Please advise
Thank you.
Bill Frier
Bill, You should use the A-Tech Masonry and Brick Sealer.
Answer, for natural look concrete you should use A-Tech Concrete Sealer. http://www.appliedtechnologies.com/home/Concrete_Sealer.html