Form Release Agents
Concrete Form Release AgentsCuring Compounds
Curing CompoundsConcrete Hardeners
Concrete HardenersConcrete Sealer
Concrete SealerWater Repellents
Water Repellents
Concrete chemicals perform a lot of tasks when concrete is poured. There are many types of concrete chemicals, and it can be confusing as to which chemicals are best for a specific application. These chemicals are used throughout the process of installing concrete. To be sure you are using the correct chemicals with all of your concrete applications, let the staff of Concrete Products PRO help you. They are a great resource to ensure your project is completed using the correct chemicals.
Concrete Chemicals
Concrete chemicals are sometimes referred to as admixtures. These chemicals are added to the concrete before or during the mixing process. In hot weather, a retardant chemical is used to slow down the hydration of cement. It will lengthen the set time, so the concrete does not set so fast. An accelerant mixture is used in cold weather to shorten the set time of concrete, allowing for a quicker time frame for finishing. Superplasticizers, also known as plasticizers, have water reducing properties. This type allows for using less water in the concrete based on certain applications and can produce a high strength concrete. Water reducing admixtures allow for using less water. They can affect the set time. Bonding admixtures add compounds and materials that can be used to bond new concrete to old concrete. Waterproofing and damp proofing admixtures decrease the amount of water penetration into large pores of the concrete.
Concrete Form release agents
This chemical is applied to concrete forms and molds to keep the forms from sticking to the concrete when the forms or molds are detached. There are many types of form release agents. The chemical properties of form release agents interact with the concrete to produce a byproduct that prevents the forms from sticking to the molds or frame. Form release agents need to be appropriately stored to avoid losing their release properties.
Concrete curing compounds
On freshly installed concrete, a curing compound is added to the surface of the concrete. There has to be a certain amount of hydration in concrete. Concrete curing compounds will help prevent the loss of water in the concrete. Concrete curing compounds are liquids that are sprayed onto the concrete surface. PVA based, acrylic, and hydrocarbon are three concrete curing compounds. Curing can help the concrete reach its maximum strength. If the concrete is outside, avoid high wind days to apply the concrete curing compound. Application takes place when the concrete is still wet, and the surface water disappears. Make sure that all of the concrete is treated. Any untreated spots will allow moisture to escape.
Concrete floor hardeners
Concrete floor hardeners are a permanent and transparent type of sealer for concrete. They will not allow chemicals and contaminants to penetrate the underlying concrete. Concrete floor hardeners are designed to increase the concrete’s hardness. Using a concrete floor hardener is not necessary. However, suppose the concrete is in a high traffic area, a warehouse, or an industrial setting. In that case, it is best to use a concrete floor hardener to maintain the properties of the concrete over time.
Concrete sealers
A concrete sealer protects concrete pours from allowing water and chemicals to penetrate through the concrete. It is essential to use a concrete sealer to protect the concrete from deterioration and damage. It prevents water absorption and surface abrasions. Concrete sealers also help to retard cracking, pitting, and spalling, or breaking. Epoxy concrete sealers seal the concrete well and are the most durable, especially in high traffic and industrial settings. In single family homes, acrylic concrete sealers are more affordable.
Concrete water repellents
Concrete water repellents are commonly used on exterior walls. It protects the concrete walls against the weather. A concrete water repellent also reduces efflorescence and staining from non-weather environmental pollution. Wax, resin mixtures, silicones, and aluminum salts are chemicals used in concrete water repellents. The choice of water repellents depends on the type of surface of the wall.
Who has the best selection of concrete chemicals in the Amarillo, Texas area?
Tascosa Building Products is known in the Amarillo, Texas, area for having the best selection of concrete chemicals offered to concrete contractors. At Tascosa Building Products, a concrete contractor has choices.
When do you mix in a concrete chemical?
While many concrete chemicals are added at the batch plant, there are a lot of chemicals used at the job site. A batch of concrete is usually mixed for 30 minutes and no more than two hours from the batch plant. These chemicals have a specific purpose. Others are used on concrete at the job site. Let’s distinguish the differences.
What are batch plan chemicals used in concrete?
Certain chemicals are put in the concrete at the batch plant for specific reasons. Sometimes a concrete chemical is used to restore concrete. For example, let’s say the concrete from the truck is too close to the setting stage. There are concrete chemicals that will affect the flowability of the concrete. Some chemicals are used in concrete in cold weather locations to improve the durability of the concrete for years to come. In addition, concrete chemicals can be used to increase the setting rate of the concrete when need be.
In many cases, concrete chemicals are used to increase the strength of the concrete. For example, this might be a high traffic area like a parking garage or a road that specifies that the concrete must have a high hardness property. Another reason one would use a concrete chemical is because of the type of finish on the concrete. For example, if you are stamping concrete for a sidewalk or patio, you will want the set time to be able to make the stamping of the concrete happen.
Again, these chemicals are placed in the concrete at the batch plant, and Tascosa Building Products can guide you in using these batch plant chemicals. Next, let’s discuss additional chemicals that Tascosa Building Products can provide and utilize at the job site.
What are the different types of chemicals used in concrete?
Tascosa Building Products has the correct chemical you need for any application requirement. Let the professional staff at Tascosa Building Products assist you with your specific required chemicals at any job project. We carry only the best chemical products, and PROSOCO is our leading brand. Let’s cover some of the PROSOCO products Tascosa Building Products offer.
Water repellents are used to protect horizontal and vertical surfaces against water intrusion. This invisible product is excellent on color sensitive surfaces. In addition, PROSOCO water repellent protects from waterborne contaminants.
Concrete retarders are applied to fresh concrete. They chemically delay the setting of the surface area. Using these chemicals allows the surface to be finished at a specific rate and will not affect the setting rate of the entire concrete.
Cleaning of concrete before applying a follow-up chemical is essential for the correct application of a product. In addition, to have concrete look good for a long time, the cleaning process is necessary. At Tascosa Building Products, we carry a complete line of concrete cleaning products for any job. For instance, the PROSOCO 2010 all surface cleaner is a great multiple use cleaner and degreaser that will take care of most jobs.
If you have a more challenging spot on the concrete to clean, there is a product that will meet that challenge. For instance, the PROSOCO white scum remover removes salt scums without discoloring and altering the surface.
The PROSOCO Asphalt and Tar remove is more of a heavy duty cleaner. It will handle the bigger job of removing serious build ups on concrete. This product is excellent for eliminating hydraulic and motor oils. In addition, it will not damage your concrete.
Tascosa Building Products can assist with all your concrete chemical needs.
With all the various types of concrete chemical products on the market today, choosing the concrete chemical product for your specific project is important. Call or visit Tascosa Building Products, and we will help you with everything you need for your concrete chemical product needs. In addition, the staff of Tascosa Building Products can walk you through the whole process of using these concrete chemicals.