The Basics of Hard Concrete Densifier

Hard concrete densifiers are widely being used to chemically seal, harden and dustproof the concrete surfaces. These materials react chemically with the hydrated cement to densify the concrete surface permanently over a number of months. You will see impressive reaction when chemical floor hardeners are applied and the power scrubbing is done.

Regardless of the type of chemical floor hardeners you choose, it's important to understand their features and benefits they are offering, such as reduced dusting, higher gloss impression, and a longer life expectancy of the concrete floor. Early on, people were skeptical when it comes to densifiers. After all, how could this clear liquid that had the appearance of water change the properties of concrete?

What Are Hard Concrete Densifier

The densifiers are water based chemical solution that first works by penetrating into the surface of the concrete which comes in contact with calcium hydroxide and produces calcium silicate hydrate. The primary work of the densifier is to gives concrete its strength. The calcium silicate hydrate fills the pore and passageways of the concrete, henceforth increasing the density and strength of the same.

Then there are lithium densifiers which are believed to be the most preferred choice because of their ease of application and less reactive properties to carbon dioxide which can create whitening effect on the floor. Unlike other densifiers, lithium densifier does a remarkable job at preventing the road salts. Once applied, the concrete retains its natural matte look.

It is important to note that concrete densifiers are non-film forming, meaning that they don’t leave a topical film on the surface to protect it from liquids and staining.

The Benefits Of Concrete Densifier Are:

·      It adds strength and abrasion resistance to the surface of a working space

·      Increases the compressive strength of concrete

·      Odor free

·      Very low maintenance

·      Reduce porosity

·      Repels liquids and other fluids which help to make your floor stain resistant

·      Eliminates dusting and problems with efflorescence

·      It doesn’t peel, leave prints, or turn yellow

·      Helps act as a moisture barrier

·      Improves weathering and resistance to freeze/thaw effects

·      Non-slip surface

·      Relatively inexpensive

·      Lasts for years without need of reapplication

·      Easy to apply and is ready for traffic within an hour or two

Chemical densifiers and chemical floor hardeners have been used in industrial applications for many decades. They have evolved like most other things in our culture from products that were difficult and labor intensive to products that are relatively easy to use.

Although they have been used extensively and are believed to improve the performance of the concrete, the mechanisms by which they improve the performance of the concrete are not completely understood. Part of the problem is the complexity of concrete. It is generally understood that every concrete slab is different and therefore performance of these types of products will vary from slab to slab. A chemical hardener that works well on a tight, dense slab may not work well on an open, porous slab, and vice versa.