Concrete protection depending on fire, moisture, corrosion

Even such a durable coating like concrete needs protection, because without it, it will start to lose its qualities rather quickly. Make it easy to do it yourself. This is what we will tell you further.

Why do you need it

Cement-based products eventually begin to lose their strength and be destroyed. Therefore, our instructions first consider the main reasons for this.

There are a lot of them:

• Low temperatures. Of course, such a material has high frost resistance, but even it is sometimes not enough. Over time, negative temperatures contribute to the loss of strength of concrete products.
• Chemical irritants (for example, petroleum products). Due to the influence of "black gold", the protection of the concrete floor in the garage is a must.
• Water. This seemingly useful element often introduces its own corrections. When moisture enters the pores of any material, it begins to be subjected to its destructive effects.

• Aggressive environment (acids, alkalis, etc.). These substances are able to make adjustments to the structure of any material.
• Physical impact. For example, if the reinforced concrete is cut with diamond circles, then cracks may appear.
• Corrosion.

Types of protection

Obviously, without ancillary facilities, structures will begin to break down much faster. Next, we consider all known methods of dealing with the main irritants.

the fire

Protection of reinforced concrete structures from fire is a mandatory procedure, because fire is one of the main causes of disasters. Of course, it is impossible to defend against this natural disaster. However, it is possible to reduce the consequences.

Interestingly, the concrete melts at temperatures above 1500 degrees. However, it will begin to burst much earlier if the heating is uneven.

There are several ways:

• Installation of rigid screen-plates, or fire-resistant panels (sheets).
• Surface coating with special paints. Their price can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer (the cheapest are Russian and Chinese).
• Putting special plaster or glass wall-paper.
• Use of various pastes, mastic or sealants. They need to be applied in a layer of 15–20 mm.

The choice of the appropriate method depends on a number of reasons (mode of operation, type of construction, location, etc.). However, in any case, you will need to first level the surface, getting rid of all sorts of flaws. Also, with the help of detergents, dust and dirt are removed from the surface.

Humidity

Concrete hydroprotection is not less important procedure, because moisture carries in itself not less serious degree of destruction. It is used mainly for the foundation. Waterproofing should be located 20-25 cm below ground level.

Consider the key methods of water protection:

• Several layers of mastic.
• Two layers of roofing material. At the same time it is necessary to lay it overlap.
• A layer of cement mortar in a few centimeters. When it dries completely, the roofing felt is placed on top.

Corrosion

There are several degrees of corrosion:

• 3 - accumulation of insoluble crystallizing salts, increasing the volume of the product.
• 2 - the appearance of corrosion products that do not have binding properties.
• 1 - washing out the main parts.

Obviously, you should not wait for the maximum degree of defeat. Remember that in particularly difficult cases the structure of the material will not be restored.

Therefore, you should explore all options for protection against destruction:

• Modifying additives (stabilizing, plasticizing and water retaining). They are added during mixing.
• Biocidal materials. Called to destroy any fungal formation. They penetrate into the structure of the product, which ensures high efficiency.
• Coatings for pasting. They are used in cases where there is exposure to a liquid medium. This may be petroleum bitumen, polyisobutylene film, etc.
• Sealing impregnation for concrete. Used to impart hydrophobic properties (increased water resistance). The main scope of application - places with high humidity.
• Paint and varnish compositions. They form a resistant film on the surface that saves from many influences (fungus, microorganisms, etc.).
• Mastics. They are used mainly in cases where there is contact with a solid aggressive environment.

Remember that anti-corrosion coatings must be applied. With this, you can combine the methods to ensure the best result.

Aggressive environments

You also need to escape from a hostile environment. The ingress of salts, acids, alkalis and other corrosive substances cause great damage to the structure of any material. It is difficult to prevent their impact, because they are practically everywhere (detergents, gasoline, paints, etc.)

Yet, even in such a situation, there is a way out. In particular, you can cover the product with a special composition that will make it more resistant. Consider two options.

Method One

It consists in the use of various impregnating compositions. Currently, many manufacturers of paints and varnishes began to practice their production. Mostly in their role are silicone compounds.

Interesting: hydrophobization provides blocking of the capillary effect.

Note the disadvantages of this method:

• The pores remain open.
• Over time, these compounds lose their properties due to the hydrophobic effect.

Second method

It implies the formation of a surface layer with a moisture-proof film. Polyurethane, epoxy or polyvinyl chloride resins are used as active substances. However, due to low vapor permeability, the coating will begin to deteriorate over time.

Obviously, none of these methods provide complete protection. Experts recommend combining them to ensure the best result.

Conclusion

So the turn came up to complete our story, but if you have not managed to comprehend all the subtleties, do not be discouraged. In the presented video in this article you will find additional information on this topic. Having studied it, you can comprehend all the nuances.