When new concrete is poured curing methods are used to retain moisture and delay shrinkage while the concrete gains its full strength. Curing methods include water curing, curing blankets or cure and seal sealers. If a cure and seal sealer is used, over time it will wear away leaving the concrete exposed and susceptible to salt damage, spalling and cracking. In order to prevent this you would then apply a penetrating sealer after the cure and seal is stripped or worn away. Applying a cure and seal initially and then a penetrating sealer afterwards is costly, time consuming and labor intensive.
Enter a new hybrid that brings the world of cure and seals and penetrating sealers together: penetrating cure and seals. Penetrating cure and seals are typically acrylic silane blends which are film forming to hold moisture to help concrete fully hydrate and penetrating to protect against water, salt penetration and freeze-thaw cycles. Penetrating cure and seals must be applied as soon as all bleed water has dissipated within three hours of the final finishing. Using a penetrating cure and seal eliminates the 28 day three step process into a single step.
Ahead of the curve penetrating cure and seal products:
Vexcon CertiVex Guard AIM: Clear, innovative one step silane water repellent and cure all-in-one. Meets NCHRP Series II and Series IV.
Iso-Cure 8525: A water based, low VOC product incorporating nano-technology allowing for a deep penetration and long lasting finish. Meets ASTM C-309 and NCHRP Series II and Series IV.