The biggest danger to your homes concrete is water damage. Water seepage occurs because concrete is not a completely solid substance. Rather, it is created from a mixture of cement, water, and crushed stone that chemically react together to form crystals that interlock, giving the finished concrete material its strength. However, air bubbles are inherent in concrete, a natural part of the mixing process. These air pockets would not be an issue in a weatherless vacuum, but since homes do not exist in such circumstances, the pockets are a vulnerability in your houses otherwise strong concrete foundation.
Water can seep into the concrete from any number of sources: rain, snow melt, flooding, an underground water table, etc. The important question is what to do when water enters the concrete. The short answer is that there is nothing really one can do at this point. The mold and mildew must be cleaned periodically, and one must hope that the water doesnt freeze. While mold and mildew are problems, they are minor compared the danger posed by freezing water. Water that seeps into concrete only to freeze during the winter can destroy the concrete from within, ruining the structural integrity and causing the material to crumble, which could potentially bring your home down with it. Once the water has entered, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get it out.
Therefore, the only option to protecting your concrete is by sealing it as soon as you can. Concrete sealers are products that react chemically when applied to the concrete. Many of them penetrate deeply within the material, locking out water and other unwanted intrusions through their chemical reactions. For an interior concrete structure, such as a basements walls, floors, or foundations, a lithium silicate- and siliconate-based blend like Lithi-Tek 9500 is optimal.
The Lithi-Tek 9500 formula is designed to permanently waterproof and strengthen concrete by penetrating past the concretes surface. Instead of merely sitting on top of the surface, Lithi-Tek 9500 actually delves deep into the concrete, ensuring water is locked out and the concrete is as strong as it can be. The chemical particles within the sealer react with the chemicals naturally found within the concrete to form C-S-H (calcium-silicate-hydrate), which further increases the materials strength by filling in the air pockets through a process of impenetrable crystallization. After applying Lithi-Tek 9500, there are no pathways for the water to seep into the concrete, helping prevent mold, mildew, and the threat posed by freezing water.
Finally, as the Lithi-Tek 9500 is water-soluble, it is safe for use indoors. The Lithi-Tek 9500 sealer is a cost-effective, odorless, non-toxic concrete sealer that is perfect for use in indoor spaces, like basements, to protect your house from the elements, ensuring your concrete remains strong and supportive.
