Concrete Contractors, Suppliers, Decorative Concrete and Construction

Technical

What is a Low VOC Sealer

RestaurantKeywords: low voc sealer, sealers, sealer

Simply put, a low VOC sealer is one that emits no, or very few, VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Unfortunately, most of the products and materials that are used in homes and buildings emit these gases, which can cause the homeowners to become sick, especially if they are especially susceptible to them. Most of the problems that result from exposure to VOC in the home will be respiratory in nature.

Different Materials for Different Applications

Sealers are used for concrete both interior and exterior and must be selected based on their end use,  location as well as their applications. Waterproofing applications are typically used for exterior concrete installations only.  In addition to considering where the concrete will be installed and what it will be used for, it is important to be aware of the current emission regulations in the area where they will be installed.

Architectural Specifications for Integrally Colored Concrete

New Technical Data for Specifiying Integrally Colored Concrete for Stamped Concrete and other decorative finishes.  

This guide specification can be used by qualified concrete contractors, and may also be used by both architects and engineers for referencing a Colored Concrete Finish in a specification.  It should not to be used as a project specification without the appropriate custom modifications. 

Precision stamp mats set the standard for the entire project

concrete stamp mat squeezeDid you know that a precision stamp mat will set the standard for the entire Stamped Concrete Project?  Precision is important to provide a detailed replica of the pattern being imprinted.  Precision and quality in manufacturing is also important when lining up the mats for imprinting. 

While some manufacturers pour hundreds of molds every week, the mats are not always what they seem.  A poorly manufactured mat can leave a sizable void or space in between the mats when placing them.  Squeeze is a thin ridge of cement paste and release agent that forms in-between two mats while stamping.  When this hardens it is difficult, and time consuming to remove while leaving an unattractive unrealistic finish.  While it's very difficult to avoid all of the squeeze it sure helps to start with a quality stamp mat to give you best possible outcome.

Moisture issues in Concrete - Problems and Resolutions

Moisture problems have increased for a number of reasons:

 

¨Curing and sealing of concrete; September of 1999 new VOC laws changed both formats and application methods and more than ten years later most do not understand the methods.

 

¨Fast track construction also really began over the past 20 years.  “Time is of the essence” is written in contract documents which put everyone under a certain time frame and general contractors in a bad mood.

 

¨Lightweight aggregates and aggregates that absorb moisture are being used.

 

¨Tighter time frames of building construction.

 

¨EPA restrictions on land results in some buildings being built on marginal land.

 

¨Changes in concrete mix designs including the use of both slag and fly-ash results in slower cure times.  Set retardants and admixtures also have contributed to these issues.

 

¨Failure of tradesmen to stay abreast of new emerging trends.