Why is Lithium Concrete Sealer Popular Amongst Engineers and Building Owners Alike?

Concrete is reckoned to be a vital structural material primarily because of its strength and durability. Lithium concrete sealer further reinforces strength to the material. Engineers reckon that concrete needs to be protected from environmental factors to preserve its functionality and extend its self-life. Thus, they consider applying sealers over new and existing concrete surfaces as an effective solution. 

Why are Concrete Sealers Important to Surfaces? 

Sealers are extensively applied in above-grade applications where the concrete surface is continuously exposed to moisture and humidity. It is mostly used to seal car park decks or other exterior surfaces. Such areas do not require thicker film coatings. Engineers also deploy sealers to block and masonry walls. 

Concrete sealers are low viscosity materials that typically act as water-repellant. It discards or potentially reduces water and soluble contaminants, for instance, chlorides, from penetrating the porous concrete layer. Penetrating the pores of the formulae it provides protection.  

Silicon-based compounds serve as the most common water-repellent. Such sealers contain siloxanes, silanes and silicates. When silanes and siloxanes penetrate the concrete and fill pores, silicates react with the calcium hydroxide present in the concrete and blocks the pores rather than filling them. 

Silicon compounds resist oxidation and offer good thermal stability and heat resistance. They serve an ideal water-repellant solution owing to its ability to resist ultraviolet radiation and water. 

How are Lithium Based Sealers and Densifiers Functional? 

The molecular size of lithium silicates is smaller, which makes it easier to disperse evenly into all kinds of concrete – broom or float finish, burnished, or steel trowelled. Lithium silicate evenly reacts and fills all empty pores that leave no weak points or inconsistencies at the surface. Engineers explicitly advise building owners to have a concrete surface that is hardened and densified with products that provide more in-depth and consistent penetration. The resultant is long-term durability, enhanced hardness, abrasion resistance, and a dust-proofed surface – making the surface easy to clean and maintain. 

Smaller molecules of lithium silicates give it an edge over its sodium or potassium competitors. Small molecules make the reaction more even and consistent, thereby creating a denser surface. Its excellent penetration capability provides a triggers a much faster and more complete reaction with concrete, thereby strengthening and hardening the surface wear layer. 

Generally, all the various concrete hardeners and densifiers available in the market provides three main benefits – dust proofing, surface hardening and floor sealing. The chemical reaction between the actual silicate, calcium hydroxide and portland cement attributes these features to the products.