Application
Basic Requirements
Prior to the application of the TechCrete 2500 Waterproofing Agent, the surface must be clean, dry and dust-free that is at least 28-days old. If the surface is not clean, then the use of one of the following Alchemco Clean & Repair (ACR) products, or a shot blast system, is required for prepping the surface for warrantied applications. Chemical cleaning may require multiple applications and the use of different products to achieve complete cleaning. Certain types of cleaning equipment may improve performance and speed of application when applying chemical cleaners, contact the Technical Department for a list of approved equipment and cleaning methods.
• ACR Concrete & Masonry Cleaner • ACR Emulsifying Cleaner
• ACR Concrete & Masonry Etch • ACR Paint & Stain Remover
• ACR Rust Converter & Inhibitor
Contact the Technical Department for help and directions for which cleaning product will provide the best result for a clean surface.
QUESTION: Explain the difference between plain sodium silicate and TechCrete 2500?
ANSWER: Sodium silicate is a generic name for the chemical formula Na 2x Si y O 2y+x . TechCrete 2500 has this material within its chemistry, but by combining it with proprietary chemistry it becomes silica gel or more precisely Silica Xerogel. Silica Xerogel has a strong affinity for water molecules and when introduce to both water and calcium becomes reactive and forms a liquid gel. It is the reactive chemistry that makes TechCrete 2500 different then just plan sodium silicate.
QUESTION: Explain why TC2500 is NOT pore blocking and it is considered a waterproofing agent?
ANSWER: TechCrete 2500 does fill the voids and “pores” of the concrete but goes much further than just filling. It bonds with the concrete when it reacts with the calcium and water. This allows it to become integral with the concrete as opposed to just occupying space. Because TechCrete is based upon sodium silicate technology it absorbs water molecules rapidly, as the product expands with water absorption it blocks any further water penetration.
QUESTION: How is TC2500 flexible if it is inside the concrete?
ANSWER: First it is important to note that concrete is not rigid, it is in fact very flexible. With some additives concrete can be made more flexible. Since TechCrete 2500 reacts with the water and calcium within the concrete and becomes integral with the concrete, it has achieved the same flexibility as the concrete. Water and the absorption of water is what keeps both materials flexible.
QUESTION: Can TC2500 be applied to any structure?
ANSWER: The simple answer is YES it can be applied to any concrete or masonry structure, but it’s ability to perform as a waterproofing agent relies upon the structural integrity of the concrete. This is why the product is only used on structural concrete or a better term would be stable concrete.