Are you sure you need floor protection that badly?

At first you probably don't need it. Or at least it seems that way.
Because nothing happens to it for a while. The concrete looks fresh, there is no dust, no cracks or cavities. But sooner or later -. there are always problems.

And not a minor one. If the concrete is not properly protected, the process of its degradation begins, which over time will cost you much more, than the expense of securing it already at the construction stage.

What happens if you don't cure the concrete?

Dusting - the beginning of the end

Unprotected concrete will always start to dust - is a natural process resulting from its microporous structure. At first it's barely visible dirt and residue. But then...

• Dust can be seen on products in stock,
• filters in production halls are clogging up,
• Health and safety conditions are deteriorating,
• and workers are literally starting to "wear concrete on their shoes" all over the facility.

Why does concrete dust?

Concrete, despite its strength, has a porous structure that, without proper chemical curing, is vulnerable:

• Mechanical abrasion: Foot traffic, vehicles or machinery cause gradual abrasion of the surface, leading to the formation of cement dust.
• Carbonation: The reaction of carbon dioxide with calcium hydroxide in concrete leads to the formation of calcium carbonate, which weakens the surface structure and increases susceptibility to dusting.
• Penetration of contaminants: The lack of protection allows water, oil and other substances to penetrate and react with the concrete, causing it to degrade.

Is only surface curing (e.g., by the DST method) sufficient, without chemical curing with silicates?

Don't. Surface hardening alone (e.g., with DST sprinkles) does not provide full protection for concrete in the long term. And if it is not supplemented with chemical curing, the floor will sooner or later begin to dust and degrade.

What is being done in Poland "instead" of silicates?

In Poland, instead of silicates, a popular quick fix treatment is often used after the concrete has been smeared: spraying of acrylic resin, commonly referred to by contractors "stinker" - Because of its intense, irritating odor.

It forms a thin, transparent protective coating that:

• early actually stops dusting,
• gives fresh concrete light shine and aesthetic appearance,
• plus. in the resin layer rubber from forklift wheels blends in, co:
  • Creates dark, ugly footprints,
  • spoils the aesthetics of the floor,
  • is difficult or even impossible to clean, even by specialized means.
• But after a few weeks or months wear out under the influence of traffic and operation,
• and then all that's left is "raw" concrete, which:
  • begins to dust,
  • absorbs water, oils, dirt,
  • Destroys quickly mechanically - scratches, cavities and chips are formed,

This solution is temporary, not cheap at all but popular, but From the point of view of durability and maintenance of the floor - very risky.

On the surface, it has an effect, but doesn't solve the problem - it only delays it. In practice, this means the need for frequent cleaning, repair or refinishing of the floor after just a dozen months.

What to do in this regard? What is the most cost-effective solution?

The most cost-effective and efficient solution, both in terms of durability, aesthetics and maintenance costs - the is to choose the right way to cure the floor according to the type of reinforcement and its purpose.

If you want to find out, what chemical hardeners, impregnating and protecting agents best use - taking into account the type of object, intensity of use and typical soiling -
Download our free guide and choose a solution to fit your floor.