Q: What is the advantage of using SURTREAT over other forms of concrete surface protection?
A: SURTREAT has an advantage over other systems and products designed to protect concrete in structures under stress due to onset of deterioration, carbonation, chloride contamination, and corrosion.
SURTREAT is more practical. No VOC’s, relatively easy, flexible application system and schedule. The benefits derived from SURTREAT are internal to the concrete and the improvements gained are more durable. Sealants dissipate and coatings degrade either due to the quality of the material or the quality of the substrate.
Silanes and siloxanes commonly specified and used as sealers are known to increase the rate of carbonation, once again providing an environment susceptible to corrosion.
No coating or sealer provides improves concrete durability or wearability. When original concrete strength is lost at the surface coatings will peel and sealants will dissipate.
Sealers which rely on increased surface tension to produce hydrophobic protection are permeable when a liquid pressure head is applied by car tire movement. Accordingly, even when preventive maintenance programs that re-apply sealants every 3 years (City of Minneapolis) the increase in chloride content is extensive.
It is important to understand that non-breathable coatings will cause more harm than non-coated surfaces by locking in moisture and contamination in the cement micro pores.
SURTREAT produces a stable, lasting environment represented by increased strength, durability, protection against water and salt intrusion, reinforcing steel corrosion and pacification of the carbonation front.
Max M., Manager, Surtreat Holding, LLC contact
Surtreat Holding, LLC 437 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 412.281.1202, official website www.surtreat.info
Max Merzlikin, Surtreat Holding, LLC 2015