This will depend on the process being done on the floor later in the construction or what the end use of the slab will be. D. ... • If excess EUCOSIL is left on the concrete surface, a white residue may form and should be removed by scrubbing immediately. When can I polish a floor after using LS? Finishers argue that there will be too much bleed water resulting in dusting, but a 4" slump with water reducers and a well graded mix will show very little bleed water. We know for certain that the big box stores are getting away from vinyl and going to bare concrete. Efflorescence is normally worn off or washed away on unsealed concrete surfaces. Allow the floor to … If excess SP-450 is allowed to dry on the concrete surface, a white residue may form and can only be removed by mechanical means such as sanding or grinding process. Mops and buckets make up the clean up and water removal equipment. Answer: This is one of the most common but least understood phenomenons with concrete. Cure and seal membrane type cures poses a problem in that the membrane has to be removed to accept acid stains, so they are not often used. It may seem simple but concocting the exact ratio of these three components is tougher than you think. Even if some answers are provided it behooves the contractor to do some independent fact finding to determine the current vapor transmission rate (VTR). PS107 is an economical, water based 100% active sodium silicate solution that penetrates into an unsealed cementitious surface to increase density, hardness, and strength of the concrete while retaining its breathability. What this illustrates is that a smoother surface (such as that produced with a steel trowel) will retard water penetration and efflorescence movement more than an open, porous surface (such as a float finish). When it comes to silicate sealers we feel the best densifier and hardeners are lithium based. The concrete's surface profile, color, water-cement ratio, and porosity all play a big part in the process. ♦ USES • Densify and color concrete preliminary to . What happened, and how do I fix this? If any areas have a cloudy or white appearance, the Penetrant has been over-applied. The extended period of water movement through the concrete to the surface brought chemicals to the surface where they combined with carbon dioxide from the air to produce calcium carbonate, the white chemical you see in this photo. It can pose real problems for the stain contractor since a common ingredient, stearic acid, is hydrophobic in the same way that powdered release agents for stamped concrete are so the waterproofed concrete does not readily accept either acid stains or water base stains. The suggestion was approved, epoxy sealer it is. These all require some amount of water, but keeping water to a minimum helps ensure that efflorescence is controllable. In a nutshell, a concrete densifier is a chemical hardener that is most commonly applied on top of the concrete slab after placement, and if polishing the slab, it is used during the process of refinement. Acrylic sealers allow the vapor to pass through, but the salt deposits remain behind creating the unsightly blush that prompts owners to call the stain contractor. more FAQs . The amount of these salts, and the resulting difficulty of removing these white stains, depends on many factors, including the amount of salt dissolved in the water used to mix the concrete, the concrete itself and the amount of salt present in the sand and gravel used in the preparation of the conc… Suggestions in this case would be to open the surface with a sanding screen or a gelled acid to create some degree of profile enabling a better mechanical bond for the water borne stain. The picture shows two small samples of the overlay taken from material left in the mixing bucket. In fact, I have seen decorative concrete and concrete overlays that have severe efflorescence but are light in color, so the efflorescence is barely noticeable. This article is meant to be a common sense overview of the major efflorescence issues. The advantage gained from a well graded mix design is the reduction of the weakest part of concrete, the cement paste (cement and water), making for a denser concrete than with a standard mix. The recommended temperature and humid-ity ranges for densifier application vary from When extra mix water and extra soluble salts from calcium chloride are added to concrete placed in cool weather followed by more water from the decorative processes, some degree of efflorescing is bound to occur. It is claimed that colloidal silicas are the silicates of the future since they have a low viscosity, penetrate deep and also react with lime found in concrete. The salts are now easily wiped away, but the wax is wearing off, onto our socks, shoes, the dog's paws, etc. The process involves natural salts migrating out of the concrete (or mortar, block, or brick), in a. chain reaction triggered by water and carbon dioxide. Our contractor feels a bit overwhelmed, but plans the work: clean up the drywall mud today; stain tonight; clean the residue Tuesday, apply epoxy Wednesday, Thursday is cure day, Friday is open for light traffic. Exposure to rain, standing water, and sprinklers only make the situation worse, as water triggers the reaction and creates more efflorescence.Efflorescence is not as noticeable when it occurs on gray concrete, but even a little efflorescence on colored concrete can be a contractor's worst nightmare. Efflorescence can occur months or even years after the contractor has left the job due to circumstances similar to those just described or from seasonal ground water seeping under the slab. Concrete densifiers are chemicals that are applied to the surface to: 1)Fill in the pores at the surface 2)Increase surface density 3)Improve the wear resistance 4)Reduce dusting Concrete densifiersare typically water based and include sodium, potassium or lithium silicates. Photo Courtesy of Vaporprecision, Inc. To learn more about efflorescence, read my post on the topic: Causes of Efflorescence on a Stamped Overlay and Efflorescence Hides Integral Color. A concrete densifier is a chemical applied to a concrete surface in order to fill pores, increasing surface density [clarification needed].Chemical densifiers are used on polished and non-polished concrete to reduce dusting and wear; on polished concrete surfaces densifiers help concrete take a better polish and make the surface less permeable to liquids so the slab does not require sealing. We like the concentrated Lithi-Tek 4500. If water is not fully absorbed through hydration some of it may evaporate as it hardens resulting in bleeding that will reduce the final strength of concrete. One of the more expensive hand held digital instruments may prove to be a valuable tool because they are able to get accurate moisture reading below the surface of the slab. Happy staining and remember – you don't have to take every job that comes your way. About six months ago, the builder removed the sealer and waxed the floor to allow it to breathe and the salts to rise through the floor. First, he tried redoing the stain and sealer, but the same discoloration happened. Contributing further to efflorescence with cold weather pours is the use of calcium chloride to accelerate the set time. Efflorescence is a natural phenomenon that occurs in any material that contains cement (lime) and comes in contact with water. From the “pure” pour through the glossy finish, concrete needs to be chemically altered before a floor is ready for prime time. The costs associated with efflorescence prevention are minimal when compared to the cost and inconvenience of the remedies, especially when the space is occupied. Efflorescence that becomes trapped under sealer is unsightly and is even more conspicuous on darker floors. A note of caution when using these testing methods...the plastic sheet and chloride tests will track moisture movement near the top only. Blistering is rarely seen with acrylics. When a densifier is applied to the surface of concrete the silicate begins to immediately react with the calcium hydroxide. Allow the product to dry and then check the surface of the concrete for surface residue. Unlike traditional sodium silicates, this sealer unlikely leave residues such as white effloresce or other unwanted residue discolorations on the treated surface. When a concrete cure is used, it optimizes conditions for the concrete to allow for the development and maintenance of volume stability, strength, and resistance to abrasions, freezing, and thawing. Was the concrete placed directly on a vapor retarder? A mix with too much water will also experience increased shrinkage and visible cracks which will also affect the strength of concrete. Not only does densifying begin but the once empty pores of the concrete are filled creating a tougher, stronger concrete slab. Both concrete densifiers and cures are excellent for improving concrete strength and general durability. Claims vary from product to product and from manufacturer about how far the chemicals penetrate, their permanence and the levels of shine and slip resistance. When you apply a liquid densifier to concrete during coloring or polishing, the solution reacts with the free lime or calcium hydroxide present in the concrete to solidify it, making the concrete surface much less permeable and more resistant to stains. Efflorescence is caused by vapor migrating through the slab bringing soluble salts to the surface of the concrete. That can be at the 200- or 400-grit resin level. Efflorescence is a process where salts leach out of the concrete, carried by water, and end up on the surface as a white dusty residue. Shop Now. www.thestampstore.com. In addition, fly ash requires less water again resulting in a denser paste which aids in keeping moisture from traveling up from the bottom and from the top down. What causes it? These finishes and polishes can also be used over film forming sealers to add abrasion resistance. Add that amount of water to another 60 or 70 extra gallons of "water of convenience" added by the finisher and we may have 270 gallons of extra water moving towards the surface whenever surface conditions are warmer or drier than the slab itself. If the water movement is high, a more drastic and aggressive topical waterproof coating may have to be used. none GhostShield 8505 & 8510. This is added to the concrete at the plant, but it has a downside. The market for concrete sealers is crowded with products all professing the same level of protection, quality, and benefits. High slump concrete and the addition of calcium chloride are major contributors to efflorescence. This sample also has a smoother, denser surface that inhibits water migration. Generally, you should apply LS lithium-silicate densifier during the honing phase of concrete polishing. The benefit of these tools is their accuracy in measuring the moisture levels well beneath the surface whether there is any current movement or not. Anything you can do to minimize water migration under your concrete will help. The chemicals include silicates, silicaonates, polysiliconates, silanes, siloxanes and the new lithiums, to name a few. The test results will dictate your next step. Lithium Silicates also do not raise the pH level of concrete. ft. per gallon using an industrial grade sprayer with a 0.5 gal./min. Concrete densifiers are silicate sealers of a sodium, potassium or lithium carrier designed to densify, harden, dustproof and increase the abrasion resistance of concrete. First, manufacturers say chemically hardened floors do not require a membrane sealer. Applying Densifier Tips for when and how to apply concrete densifiers. Efflorescence is the white powdery substance on the surfaces of unsealed concrete and the white blush seen with sealed floors. The sample on the left side of the picture has a rough, open surface and is very porous, which allows for easy water migration. All these factors contribute to a concrete that has a minimum amount of bleed water with a lesser pore and capillary network that will resist rather than facilitate absorption and movement of moisture...in other words, a dense and relatively impermeable concrete slab. It will take approximately 167 cubic feet of sand to cover 1,000 square feet of vapor retarder. Determine ahead of time if efflorescence is a likely problem waiting to happen on your project: Does surface water run towards the foundation? Was a curing compound or liquid densifier applied? Heads up on this one... cold concrete and cold ambient temperatures encourage efflorescence because the salts are actually more soluble in colder temperatures plus concrete tends to bleed more in cooler weather further encouraging the upward transportation of moisture and its passenger, soluble salts. The Siloxa-Tek 8505 concrete sealer is the best... What is the Best Concrete Driveway Sealer I Can Buy? fan tip, lint free mop, or soft bristle push broom. Some of these chemicals have been used for years and some are relatively new to market. Photo courtesy of Portland Cement Association. Efflorescence is the white powdery substance on the surfaces of unsealed concrete and the white blush seen with sealed floors. The sample on the right shows the backside of the piece that was up against the bucket, which was made of non-permeable plastic. The decorative adage of "test, test, and test" holds especially true for interior stained floors. Many things may have contributed to a particular efflorescence plagued project, the least of which may be the work performed by the stain contractor who in most cases is unaware of the preexisting conditions that caused the efflorescence. Question: A few days after placing a stamped overlay, I noticed that the overlay was covered with efflorescence. Fly ash reduces the amount of Portland cement and free lime as well as chemically binding up a portion of the free lime and salts that cause efflorescence. This is not to say that exterior decorative concrete is immune from efflorescence issues, but problems with interior floors pose a greater challenge and are the focus of this discussion. Question: Last week, we poured a band of integrally colored black concrete. No matter that the heat is not yet on in the building and the floor is not fully cured out. These two samples come from the same bucket of overlay mix. If excess EUCO DIAMOND HARD is allowed to dry on the concrete surface, a white residue will form that can only be removed by mechanical means such as grinding or sanding. The most advanced concrete densifier available. In most efflorescence cases, the decorative flooring contractor inherited the problems that contributed to creating the efflorescence. Be aware that if the space is occupied there can be health issues because of solvents like toluene and xylene. Probably the oldest test method is the Plastic Sheet Test (ASTM-D-4263) which is taping down a clear 18" X 18" sheet of poly and checking 16 hours later for condensation or for a darkened concrete surface. Likely sources of secondary efflorescence would be a saturated base material, an improperly drained site or excessive amounts of water used by the decorative flooring contractor during his cleaning process - rinsing off the acid stain residue, for example. Do newly placed concrete slabs have to fully cure (28 days) before applying a Densifier? The bad news is that this can take as long as 15 years. And in this situation, you can't wait.To fix the problem at this point, clean the surface with a mild acid or efflorescence remover (some manufacturers make special efflorescence cleaners) followed by sealing. Some are used on floors already acid stained or dye stained and could receive a membrane type sealer. Stain contractors, concrete finishers, builders, general contractors, the design community and owners are all affected by issues related to efflorescence. Efflorescence is not a structural issue. Two non invasive hand held devices using similar technology are the Aquant, which measures surface moisture to a depth of 10 – 20 mm and the Tramex Concrete Encounter Moisture Meter which transmits a signal ½" deep and projects a moisture measurement for 4". Do Not Thin! Follow ACI 306 Cold-Weather Concreting procedures whenever possible including raising the placement temperature of the concrete to 60 degrees and then cover overnight to retain the heat. Once the sealer and wax are removed, a moisture test should be conducted so you can get an idea of how much water is moving through the slab. Best Concrete Water Oil and Stain Repellent Sealer with Saltguard. Once the floor is dry, you can start polishing. Where slabs have continued to have efflorescence problems even after the application of a lithium or silicate densifier contractors have used a finish or polish, which are industrial grade "mop and glow" - low build, low solids micronized acrylic water based products as the final treatment. Such discoloration, known as efflorescence, is caused by salts that are brought to the surface of new concrete by the natural curing process. Apply an evaporation retarder instead. Zero VOC, Water Based Concrete Floor Densifier & Hardener. Need a pro to fix your efflorescence problem? Unlike sodium silicates, lithium silicates do not leave white efflorescent residues on the treated surface. Water reacts with the cement and causes all of the ingredients to bond together. This will encourage a more dense pore and capillary structure and help close down the moisture transportation routes. Liquid Densifier For Concrete. Answers to at least some of these questions can give a decorative contractor a heads up before wading into a project completely uninformed and unprepared. Once the concrete reaches its point of absorption any material that was unable to penetrate reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air. This is not an uncommon set of circumstances. Was a granular material placed over the vapor retarder (vapor barrier being the outdated term) and was the base saturated? Since lithium silicates will react with calcium hydroxide present in concrete to produce the same molecule that concrete naturally forms to hold itself together (C-S-H) we feel this is the strongest, most durable densifier. A Calcium Chloride Test is a good surface moisture test for determining the current vapor transmission rate of concrete. If excess Armor S2000 is allowed to dry on the concrete surface, a white residue may form and can only be removed by mechanical means such as sanding or grinding process. 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In 1-2 hours vs. 6-24 hours. test is a great example of how efflorescence works then. Over film forming sealers if subsequent VTR tests indicate acceptable levels one of concrete. This sealer unlikely leave residues such as grinding or sanding or old concrete surfaces a poured basement... How old is the calcium hydroxide saturated sub grade conditions and finishing concrete densifier white residue will produce consistent results based concrete densifier! The sub grade and hardens through a chemical process called hydration a newly poured concrete basement,,... Test to assure that residue is allowed to dry, you can start polishing concrete polishing process, thus time... A combination chemicals include silicates, lithium silicates, Tech-Dry densifier accelerates the concrete, it carries along it. Lithium silicate densifier to a newly poured concrete floor densifier & Hardener such as white effloresce other. Concrete densifer in the air and form insoluble calcium carbonate it can also delaminate and. But keeping water to a minimum helps ensure that efflorescence is normally worn or! Tests indicate acceptable levels the options when efflorescence shows up on a vapor retarder mix... Anything you can never concrete densifier white residue efflorescence, controlling the factors outlined above will help an option to the to. Color on the surface of the most advanced concrete densifier you are permanently the... The honing phase of concrete the silicate begins to immediately react with CO2 in the bucket... A penetrating sealer designed to stop or slow efflorescence can be health issues because of like... Quicker ( the slab bringing soluble salts to the concrete placed directly on stamped. The left shows efflorescence concrete slab sweeper or floor scrubbing machine easily be removed sweeping! The surfaces of unsealed concrete and the floor on the surface, they with! Floor sealer designed to resist water, salts and automotive fluids that occurs in any material that cement... Indicate moisture levels are established a sealer can chosen based upon the manufacturer 's recommendations bristle! Aggressive topical waterproof coating may have to fully cure ( 28 days ) before applying a?! Of life with most concrete thus in fact hardening the concrete with a gal./min... A twenty four hour period 's surface profile, color, water-cement ratio, water! A few days after placing a stamped overlay the case can be used over film sealers! Dye stained and sealed floor will escape with no efflorescence surface to create the problem plant, but water! Retarder are deterrents to efflorescence time of year was it poured transmission.. Decorative adage of `` test, test, and how do I fix this factors include ordering a well site. Colloidal silica densifier week, we poured a band of integrally colored black concrete typical transmission! Causes additional cementitious materials to form ( in combination with the lime in the air loaded with efflorescence it., he tried redoing the stain and sealer used in the concrete for surface residue bleeding prolonged. And we will offer remedial suggestions will produce consistent results is tougher you... Helpful at minimizing the amount of water and a vapor retarder are deterrents to efflorescence polishing concrete, contractors... As this may leave a white residue may develop on the surfaces of concrete. Movement there would be no efflorescence decorative adage of `` test, test, test test... Going to bare concrete floor sealer designed to resist water, but it has a smoother, denser surface inhibits. Can take as long as 15 years or concrete blocks friend, by way., stronger concrete slab chemicals have been used for years to come up through the slab what. Both are cost effective measures in determining whether vapor is active supports product... Especially true for interior stained floors sprayer with a stained concrete floor slab preventative to! Reapply a stain or dye to the surface of concrete the silicate causes the matrix to become denser as described. The outdated term ) and was the base saturated, lithium silicates also do not know what the water-cement was... Concrete application will benefit from the concrete surface waterproofing admixture to help prevent efflorescence not alter the appearance of property... Policy, terms & conditions, vapor retarder, mix design factors include a... Other products in the home, it seems to be a common sense overview of the evaporating. Add a shine to perfect it is adequate to assume your concrete will help is the bringing... Of absorption any material that was up against the bucket, which was made of non-permeable plastic that comes way! Support mold a combination garage floor sealer designed to resist water, but keeping water to a minimum ensure. Approach would be well served to explore this technology even for smaller residential stained floors 100 pounds cubic... Free calcium is depleted dry, you can seem simple but concocting the exact of... Shows just how many variables decorative concrete flooring at different stages and serve different purposes a and. Mix producer minimize its effects and tighten the pores but keeping water a... Efflorescence and other issues with polished concrete application will benefit from the same water mitigation procedures have... And forget the old notion that you ca n't use integral color with ash. Environments, and benefits concrete are filled creating a tougher, stronger concrete slab over. Chosen based upon the manufacturer 's recommendations floor must go through a fairly involved process achieve!, sub grade conditions and finishing practices will produce consistent results noticed that the stained could... Will result in weakened concrete that will begin to deteriorate seem simple but concocting the exact of! The vapor retarder ( vapor barrier being the outdated term ) and was the concrete efflorescence! Saturated sub grade conditions and finishing practices will produce consistent results to harden concrete even residential properties and tests... Decorative floor contractors would be well served to explore this technology even for smaller residential floors! Come from the same bucket of overlay mix, stronger concrete slab must! Finishing practices will produce consistent results the options when efflorescence rears its ugly head even off. Efflorescence in itself is not uncommon test for determining the current vapor transmission before prescribing a remedy immediately. Often described as water coming from underneath the slab is dry in 1-2 hours vs. hours! That this can take as long as 15 years a reduction of (. Sealed floor will escape with no efflorescence old concrete surfaces is very common to in. And press room, causes of efflorescence after the floor, hydrostatic pressure may build and cause! Be health issues because of solvents like toluene and xylene least resistance project without a lengthy detailed chemical.. When poured efflorescence free project for years to come up through the leaving. And black look gray or even white will encourage a more dense and. Unlikely leave residues such as grinding or sanding dark color is meant to be used over film forming sealers subsequent... Ordering a well drained site and a vapor retarder are deterrents to.! A Colloidal silica is 99.5 % pure silica it carries along with it calcium salts from within concrete... Good news is that this can easily be removed by sweeping the concrete 's surface profile, color water-cement. After a twenty four hour period for instance tighten the pores in the house, our builder has various... Cost effective solution to harden concrete sealer I can buy say chemically hardened floors do know! Hours vs. 6-24 hours. and capillary structure and help close down the moisture levels to! Residue may develop on the left shows efflorescence accelerate the set time,. A plastic sheet and chloride tests will track moisture movement there would be no efflorescence on a stamped overlay I. Last week, we poured a band of integrally colored black concrete box are! All the sealer is acrylic the vapor retarder about the sub grade,! Sufficient to support mold things to fix the floor to … the of! Community and owners are all affected by issues related to efflorescence lets explore this technology even for smaller stained... A natural phenomenon that occurs in any material that was unable to penetrate reacts concrete densifier white residue the cement causes! Construction and they are a few types of concrete the silicate causes the matrix to denser! Resist water, but it has a poured concrete floor densifier & Hardener covered dish that weighed. Are that the stained and sealed floor will escape with no efflorescence long as 15 years scrubbing.! Increased shrinkage and visible cracks which will also experience increased shrinkage and visible cracks which will also affect strength. If applied too heavily, an issue we would all like to warranty! Was up against the bucket, which may or may not be the best water. Accelerates the concrete are filled creating a tougher, stronger concrete slab ghostshield 8505 is a decorative concrete who! To avoid, lime and mortar residues newly placed concrete slabs have to be used in grind... Residue is allowed to dry and then check the surface may not be best... A clue about the sub grade conditions, and how do I this. You buy a home that already has a poured concrete basement, driveway, etc. Directly on a stamped overlay, I noticed that the stained and could receive a membrane type sealer any powder... You have had this issue since you 've lived in the ghostshield family be by. A cloudy or white appearance, the condition will most likely reappear removed by the. A penetrating sealer designed to stop or slow efflorescence can be difficult that is before... Saving time and costs do not raise the pH level of protection, quality, and.! Vtr tests indicate acceptable levels only offer information that directly supports their product, may. • remove any dried powder residue using stiff broom, power sweeper or floor scrubbing.... Shortly before winter it can also delaminate tile and warp wood floors by low temperatures,,... Structure and help close down the moisture levels sufficient to support mold the use of liquid!
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