Aqua International Swimming Pool Designer Watershape Consulting

"Waterproofing" Penetrating Concrete Sealers are nothing new.  Most are silicate based liquids that react with components of the concrete to densify it - thereby reducing moisture migration. 

The Science is nothing new
 
The silicate sealers penetrate into the concrete and chemically react with the lime and alkali.  A silica gel forms within the capillaries of the concrete.  The gel seals out water, yet allows the concrete to breathe.   

Eventually the silica gel hydrates (the moisture evaporates out) and it solidifies.  As it solidifies, it forms a crystalline structure.  The crystalline structure increases the density, hardness and strength of the concrete.  It also reduces it's permeability.

One Sided Story

Because the sealer is only applied to one side of the concrete (the exposed side), no protection is provided to the reverse side of a slab or structure.  Without access to both sides, the sealer can only protect one side of the concrete.

Without double sided protection, water intrusion from the reverse side can still corrode the reinforcing steel.  The structure will become saturated throughout it's thickness, until it reaches the point where the sealer stopped penetrating.



Depth of Penetration 

The depth of penetration in impossible to calculate on your specific project.  Why?  There are just too many variables.

In a laboratory, with precise samples and under controlled conditions, the depth of penetration can accurately be predicted.

The higher the quality of the construction, the denser the concrete will be.  Denser concrete will have a reduced level of permeability, and the depth of penetration will be less.  The resulting level of protection will be less as well.

Don't believe manufacturers who state that they have a "deep penetrating sealer."  The fact is, the crappier your concrete the deeper the penetration of their product.

Poor Quality Concrete - Little Benefit

If the concrete is poorly placed and incorrectly compacted, it will be porous.  No amount of penetrating sealer can seal concrete that is excessively porous.  Think about a screen door... if the gaps are too large, the crystals cannot seal the holes.

Your Best Protection

The absolute best protection for concrete is an INTEGRAL waterproofing compound within a high PSI (dense) concrete.  By adding a waterproofing admixture directly into the concrete, protection is guaranteed throughout the structure and on all surfaces.

Reinforcing steel will be protected against corrosion.  And the concrete will be protected against the expansive effects of corroding steel.

Don't be a Sheep

Think about what manufacturers are telling you.
Question their logic.
Ponder the level of protection.
Is single sided protection sufficient?
Is your structure dense enough to benefit from such a sealer?

You should be thinking about higher psi concrete and proper compaction.  If waterproofing is required, then integral waterproofing is your best bet, as it will protect both sides and to a proven depth - the ENTIRE STRUCTURE.

Contact Paolo Benedetti at: Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa www.AquaticTechnology.com info@aquatictechnology.com 408-776-8220

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