Silanes: Extremely small sized molecules that are highly alkali-resistant and have the ability to penetrate deep into a concrete substrate.
Siloxanes: Similar to a silane; however, they are much more complex and cannot penetrate as deep as a silane. They are alkali resistant and can be used on concrete; however, they are much better suited for porous substrates such as brick and stone.
Siliconates: The smallest molecule as compared to silanes and siloxanes, therefore they provide the deepest penetration.
All three sealers will provide a flat finish with either a water beading or a water sheeting effect. Due to the small size of the nano molecular structures, there is little or no change in aesthetic appearance or the surface. The pores and capillaries are internally lined but not filled ensuring the surface remains fully vapor permeable.
KreteTek offers a few sealers based on these technologies: Siloxa-Tek 8500 and Lithi-Tek 9500.
The Siloxa-Tek 8500 is a silane/siloxane blended sealer that penetrates deeply and seals concretes capillary tracts and shrinkage cracks. It is able to resist chemical attack, salt degradation, deicing salts and acid rain while protecting from freeze-thaw cycles and protecting reinforcing steel from corrosion.
The Lithi-Tek 9500 is a blended silicate/siliconate sealer that impregnates to lock out moisture and reduce water intrusion. It becomes an integral part of the concrete, forming a complete body of strength and durability with 100% of the results occurring below the surface. Effectively resisting hydrostatic pressure and the spread of vapor transmission this sealer densifies and waterproofs in one step.
