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Frequently Asked Questions

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 For detailed information on StableCrete™, please view our Technical Bulletin

1

Q: How does this product differ from other sealers that claim to protect concrete?

A: StableCrete is not a sodium silicate or silene based product. It does not migrate out of the concrete becoming ineffective after a few months and require reapplication. Our product has no provision for a second coating or re-application at a later date. It is also has no harmful affects (etching) of glass or metal surfaces. Question to consider? If the specifications calls for a re-application—what happened to the first application?

2

Q: Can I paint concrete treated with your product?

A: Absolutely! Dozens of coating manufacturers test data reports better adhesion and coverage rates with their coating applied over StableCrete. Coatings are not subject to alkali burn, peeling and flaking as the chemicals in concrete no longer migrate to the surface, commonly called outgasing.

3

Q: Will StableCrete protect against carbonation of concrete?

A: The reaction of atmospheric carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide causing carbonation and a loss of pH does not occur when the surface has been treated with StableCrete.

4

Q: Can and should this product be used with other corrosion inhibitors?

A: StableCrete is a very affective means of encapsulating a liquid amino alcohol based corrosion inhibitor. It will prevent those products migration out of the concrete matrix.

5

Q: Does StableCrete penetrate concrete and coat reinforcing steel to inhibit corrosion?

A: No. StableCrete prevents oxygen and water from entering the gel pore system as well as contaminates such as chlorides. This also maintains high pH levels within the concrete matrix promoting the natural passivating layer on embedded steel.

6

Q: I have cracks in my concrete. Should I fill the cracks before applying StableCrete?

A: No. StableCrete will waterproof the interior of a crack just as it does a surface, then your filler material may be applied provided it is not latex based.

7

Q: Can StableCrete waterproof shotcrete?

A: StableCrete is very effective on waterproofing these types of structures. Shotcrete (wet or dry mix) has a very high cement content which promotes a very aggressive reaction due to the increased alkali content Coverage rates may be reduced with higher absorption of shotcrete.

8

Q: I have recently installed an impressed cathodic system (top surface saw slot) on elevated concrete slabs. Can StableCrete be applied to the finished surface?

A: Assuming your finished surface is a cementitious material which will allow readily absorb water. YES. Testing shows that StableCrete has "little to no effect "on the resistivity of concrete. By use of StableCrete you will waterproof the surface and prevent changes to current flow which cause "hot spots" and premature consumption of anodes.

9

Q: Your literature indicates the application of StableCrete in "Green" concrete is more effective. Is it a curing compound?

A: StableCrete is not promoted as a curing compound or evaporation retarder and does not form a surface membrane as discussed in the ASTM  C-309. Practically speaking, the high moisture content of new concrete causes a capillary effect which carries the product deeper into the matrix. Once introduced, StableCrete IS the best curing compound on the market.

10

Q: Will StableCrete stop efflorescence on driveway pavers?

A: One of the products in our StableCrete line is efflorescence remover which will remove the salts associated with efflorescence. If existing efflorescence is removed, StableCrete will help prevent future efflorescence.

11

Q: Is a special repair/patch mortar used if StableCrete is to be applied later?

A: Synthetic repair/patch materials are very expensive and do not contain the high alkali content of Portland Cement. StableCrete can be applied to any cementitious product provided the cured product will absorb water.

12

Q: Do I apply my bonding after I have applied StableCrete to an excavated repair area which is to receive new concrete?

A: Bonding agents are used to prevent hydration from a patch material into the host substrate which causes bond problems and cracking at the interface (old & new). StableCrete penetrates the host substrate and waterproofs at that point leaving no film (bond breaker) to contend with. Knowing this, why would you want to apply a bonding agent at all?

13

Q: Can StableCrete be used on an aged structure hoping to extend the life cycle?

A: Aged concrete may be treated after all coatings and contaminates have been removed from the surface. A simple test with water will demonstrate the concrete is absorbing water. If so, StableCrete will be absorbed in the same manner and be able to keep moisture and contaminates out of the structure thus prolonging useful life.

14

Q: I have a building with painted concrete floors, which show areas where the paint is peeling off especially around columns—will this product help me?

A: Sounds as if you have alkali coming up to the surface out of the concrete collecting on the back side of your coating causing a bond failure. More than likely the reason it is more visible around columns is because those columns have a footer/pour that extends deeper into the soil than your slab. This depth is causing ground water to wick up to the surface in greater quantities than the slab which also has a vapor barrier under it. Air conditioned buildings aggravate this water vapor emission. A proper StableCrete application will serve to prevent this transfer of moisture.

15

Q: I have an oceanfront seawall that is showing cracks and rust stains from the sand about 18 inches up. We have placed a repair mortar in the cracks but the cracks keep coming back and the repair material falls out. Will StableCrete help me?

A: Sounds like you have very active corrosion on the steel and the rust on the steel is pushing the concrete away (Spalling) at this location. This area (the splash zone) is much more prone to corrosion than that above or below the water. The constant wet- dry cycle delivers more moisture and salt contaminates to this area causing an acceleration of rust on the re-bar. When you replace this wall, StableCrete should be applied to waterproof all concrete surfaces, but for now no amount of StableCrete or repair will stop these conditions.

16

Q: I purchased an oceanfront condominium that had a concrete restoration done on our balcony’s four years ago. We now have cracking that extends inside underneath the sliding glass doors into living and bedrooms; will this stuff stop the cracking?

A: Probably Not! You may have anodic ring or halo affect causing the corrosion to migrate into the original concrete. Incipient battery affect occurs when new concrete is placed next to an aged material (the patch interface). The two different pH values cause a more aggressive corrosion to travel. The second repair is called “chasing the steel “and only exacerbates your problem. An impressed cathodic system using StableCrete to waterproof all concrete is the only certain way to stop continued corrosion and repairs to the concrete. Sorry!

17

Q: I purchased a home now six years old and have window sills that have large cracks under the windows outside. I am told these sills must be replaced. Will your product stop this cracking?

A: No! You probably have precast lintels that have active corrosion on the steel causing this Cracking condition. When you replace them, treat the new precast members with StableCrete. Precast products are subject to corrosion of the steel inside the same as poured concrete. By protecting the steel inside concrete from moisture/contaminate intrusion you will prolong the life.

Concrete Waterproofing and Sealer