Top ping for concrete: types of hardeners and scope
Concrete is a very strong and durable material, but it is still impossible to call it ideal. In particular, concrete floors are prone to dusting, cracking and abrasion, especially if subjected to heavy loads. To improve their performance, different technologies are used, among which there is a topping for concrete.
Next, we take a closer look at the features of such hardening, the types of compositions for topping and its area of application.
Why reinforce concrete
Many novice builders doubt whether it is necessary to reinforce concrete? To answer this question, it is necessary to present the structure of this material. In fact, concrete is a conglomerate mixture, as it consists of dissimilar components that differ in size, chemical composition, etc.
The crystal lattice of the cement stone is intersected by undissolved gravel and sand. If we consider a section of a concrete massif, then even with the naked eye one can see that it has a porous structure. Moreover, in addition to micropores, there are capillaries and macropores in concrete, which are filled with air or even unbound water.
As a result, monolithic concrete contains three states of matter at once - gaseous, solid and liquid. Such a structure can not cause erosion processes on the surface of the material. Especially this negative phenomenon is characteristic of concrete, which is subject to mechanical loads.
As a result of erosion, as mentioned above, the concrete coating begins to "crumble", dust and crack. In addition, on such concrete may appear efflorescence and irregularities.
Of course, it is impossible to completely change the physical and chemical structure of concrete, but it is quite possible to significantly improve its performance. An example of this is the topping of concrete floors.
Features of topping
What is topping
Topping technology is similar to the common method of "ironing" when freshly poured concrete is rubbed with dry cement. True, the technology of “ironing”, although it gives some strength to concrete, does not completely solve the problem of destruction of the upper layer, in contrast to modern mixtures of hardeners.
In addition to Portland cement, they include some additives that improve the structure of concrete, as well as fine-grained filler, on which the strength and texture of the surface of a concrete floor depend.
Instructions for the use of such mixtures are quite simple:
- Immediately after pouring, the concrete must be given time to “grab”As a rule, six hours are sufficient for this.
- After this time, the dry mixture is rubbed into the concrete.. This operation can be done by hand with the help of pulp, or special machines.
Types of hardeners
Today, there are the following types of topping:
| Quartz | It is the most common type of concrete hardener, as it is an affordable price, and it also withstands medium loads well. Purified quartz sand is used as a filler of this composition, which is often made decorative with the help of coloring pigments. The use of such topping allows you to increase the strength of about one and a half times. |
| Korundovıy | Includes corundum chips. This mineral has high strength and good resistance to abrasive abrasion. Its use allows you to increase the strength of the floor almost twice. Thanks to these properties, this reinforcer can be used in rooms with heavy traffic of people and even vehicles. In addition, the coating has an interesting matte sheen, which makes the floor more attractive. |
| Metallized | This type of topping is the most durable, which is achieved through the use of metal chips as a filler. The scope of its application extends to industrial construction, where it is planned to install heavy equipment or heavy machinery. In residential construction, such mixtures are not used. |
Tip! Experts recommend the use of quartz hardeners in residential construction. For example, they can be used in rooms where an increased load on the floors is planned, as well as increased humidity is expected, for example, in swimming pools, baths, bathrooms, etc.
Scope of topping
Topping concrete floors are usually used in the following types of premises:
- Production workshops;
- Garages and parking lots;
- In rooms with a high level of humidity or the likelihood of contact between the floor and chemical reagents;
- Warehouses, malls and stores;
- Objects of education and health, etc.
Advantages of technology
The advantages of topping include the following points:
- Significantly increases the wear resistance of the material, and also increases its surface strength.
- The hardener is a reliable protection against dust formation.
- It improves the water resistance of the material, as well as its overall moisture resistance.
- Increases the life of the concrete floor.
- Reduces the total cost of construction work, since it is possible to use lower grade concrete without loss of quality.
- Makes the surface of the floor more visually attractive. Some types of reinforcers even allow mosaic compositions on floors.
- Simplifies maintenance of the concrete floor.
Tip! As a result of great strength, it is quite difficult to mechanically machine. For these purposes, use power tools with diamond nozzles. For example, if it is necessary to carry out communications, use diamond drilling of holes in concrete, and for the device of expansion joints cutting of reinforced concrete with diamond circles is used.
Thus, the use of topping allows to improve almost all the operational characteristics of concrete.
Conclusion
Applying topping is a great way to harden concrete. Due to the availability and simplicity of this method, recently it is very popular among builders. Of course, topping is most often used when performing industrial floors, however, as we found out, it is used in residential construction.
From the video in this article, you can get more information on this topic.