Furthermore it carries aggressive substances, such as chlorides from road salts, into the concrete. When road salts come into contact with untreated concrete, it begins to wear and cause the concrete to spall and corrode, commonly attacking and eroding the reinforcing steel. This causes concrete structures to weaken and begin to breakdown.
When mineral building materials come into contact with water, they absorb as much as their porosity allows. This causes varied damages including:
- Organic growth: moss, mold, lichen and algae
- Chloride induced reinforcing steel corrosion
- Chemical corrosion
- Dirt pick up and stains
- Efflorescence and salt damage
- Frost damage and freeze/thaw damage
- Shrinkage and swelling cracks
How do you prevent this type of damage from attacking your concrete? By using the Siloxa-Tek 8500. on high risk concrete in areas of extreme salt and chloride can reduce future repair costs by up to 90%. It is estimated that using a water repellent treatment like the Siloxa-Tek 8500 only costs 10% of extensive renovations needed after concrete is damaged. Not only that, the Siloxa-Tek will help to prevent all of the aforementioned damages including organic growth, chloride ion penetration, chemical corrosion, dirt, staining, efflorescence, salt damage, freeze-thaw damage and premature cracking. When exterior concrete is exposed to areas with harsh winter climates with freezing and thawing and salt use on the roadways the Siloxa-Tek 8500 is the most preventive, cost effective solution.
