Which to choose sealant for cracks in concrete + grouting step by step guide

During the construction work, namely pouring the concrete foundation, made in the surface of the expansion joints, which are protected from damage caused by physical factors.

So often at the wrong room climate on concrete cracks may appear, which must be eliminated as quickly as possible. In these two cases, the gaps in the concrete must be sealed using a sealant. Here the question arises: "What to look for when choosing" There are a lot of criteria by which you can make the choices below, we will talk about them.

Which sealant choose

For the treatment of concrete, the following types of materials:

1. external - are intended to form the sacrificial film, which protects the concrete from moisture.
2. internal- the principle of their action aimed at closing the deep pores, thus not allowing moisture to get inside.

The same differences of sealing compounds is due to their composition, but rather a combination of the active ingredients. The most common materials are:

• acrylic sealants - are widely used in residential premises, provide intimate contact with the concrete.

• polyurethane sealants - have high strength due to the formation of strong protective layer of elastic components.

• thiokol sealants - are applied in locations where temperature differences frequently occur or possibly influence of chemically active substances.

In addition to these, you can use - silicone, asphalt, rubber sealants. Despite the fact that the composition they have differences, the general requirements for their properties do not differ. Sealants must meet the following requirements:

• Increased ability to adhere to various surfaces: stone, glass, brick, and, of course, concrete.
• able to maximize repel moisture.
• Not degraded by sunlight.
• When the temperature difference to maintain their physical and chemical properties.
• Easily applied to the surface.

There are other classifications, which can be relied upon when choosing a sealant:

• solidification view;
• applying procedure;
• coefficient of elasticity.

All used sealants for concrete pavements correspond to the standard quality indicators. When you select should pay attention to what kind of finish material assigned: for internal or external, to pay attention to the degree of adhesion, as well as on the conditions under which it will be applied.

How is the sealing of cracks and joints - step by step guide

Step 1. The first thing you need to prepare the surface.

It is important to ensure the cleanliness of the concrete cover: clean it from mechanical impurities, from the process of grease, remove large chips. If the crack is not very big, it is recommended to pre-expansion, for greater ease of application sealant to treat the interior of the primer (if present this stage in the manual for the application sealant).

Step 2. Preparation of the solution. If you are using a one-component sealant, it must be applied immediately, without any preparation, Two-component - mixed with the substances listed in the manual, as it will be shown the relation ingredients.

To reduce the viscosity of the solution, most efficient and safest option is to add an organic solvent (petrol or white spirit). In this case, add 80-85 gr. solvent to 1-1.2 kg. composition. Depending on the release forms, sealant is applied with a spatula, brush or gun construction. Material is introduced into the slit dense layer, over the entire length and width of cracks.

Step 3. To remove the excess sealant, use spatula dipped in a soap solution. Removal of excess sealing material is carried out immediately, since it has a high rate of solidification. When the need to apply a double layer of material, each of which is aligned in opposite directions.

Time during which the sealant harden, characterized by:

• acrylic mixture taken 15-20 minutesTo remove excess material, you will have about 2 hours to complete the same time, pour about 14-16 days.
• polyurethane sealants are fixed 1.5-2 hours, The absolute time of hardening is calculated from the layer thickness - 0.1 cm. material 6-8 hours.
• thiokol the mixture hardens within 1-2 hours, The same general time locking depends on the layer thickness, with a significant indicator of the process will take about 1.5 days.

During the work it is important to ensure the optimal mode of ventilation of the room.

Thus the selection and application of the sealant, it is necessary to rely on our instructions, as well as on the conditions under which the work will be carried out.