Concrete is extremely porous by nature filled with small capillary pores and voids that are extremely susceptible to damage from cracking, spalling, water, moisture, mold, efflorescence, and hydrostatic pressure to name a few. In order to prevent all of these disastrous situations there are a few methods of prevention. A concrete densifier is the most effective solution to help prevent concrete from degradation and deterioration. A densifier is usually silicate based in either a sodium, potassium or lithium carrier. Out of the three, the lithium seems to be the most effective since it is a newer technology with less risk of concrete whiting and hazing.
Concrete densifiers are penetrating formulas that seep into the concrete, reacting chemically to form additional calcium silicate hydrate thus strengthening and hardening a concrete slab. The slab is then protected from cracking and spalling. Some densifiers claim to waterproof but these are false claims unless the silicate densifier is combined with a waterproofing siliconate molecule. They are known as silicate siliconate blends that are excellent densifiers and waterproofers. Densifiers are also ideal for polishing, grinding and burnishing concrete. They are usually applied before and after polishing concrete adding extra protection and strength.
Our Take: State of the art densifiers are LiON Hard, Lithi-Tek 4500, and Liqui-Hard
