Protecting Your Concrete Surface From Chemicals

Many materials have no effect on concrete. However, there are some aggressive materials, such as most acids, that can have a deteriorating effect on concrete.The first line of defense against chemical attack is to use quality concrete with maximum chemical resistance, followed by the application of protective treatments to keep corrosive substances from contacting the concrete.

Principles and practices that improve the chemical resistance of concrete include using a low water-cement ratio, selecting a suitable cement type (such as sulfate-resistant cement to prevent sulfate attack), using suitable aggregates, water and air entrainment. A large number of chemical formulations are available as sealers and coatings to protect concrete from a variety of environments; detailed recommendations should be requested from manufacturers, formulators or material suppliers.

Call Pavement constructors today to discuss your industrial or commercial concrete paving needs. Our experts are ready to help you make the right decisions for a specifically formulated concrete and sealer combination that will stand up to the harsh chemicals and other corrosive materials in your project specifications.

Information provided by cement.org