Concrete gains its strength and thus a component of its durability through the chemical reaction between cement and water called hydration. The cement relies on this water to be present for the hydration process to reach its optimum level. Curing the concrete ensures that the water will not evaporate out of the surface, thus keeping it available to the cement.
Over the years EPA restrictions in the United States, and worldwide competition for cement consumption have made it difficult for cement companies to produce as forgiving a product as once was available. These conditions have emphasized the importance of quality concrete practices in order to generate the high level of performance that the public has come to expect. Potential liabilities of failed exterior concrete can be greatly reduced by producers and contractors when they follow industry recommendations, like ACI guidelines, or programs such as the Michigan Concrete Associations Six Star.
A critical part of these programs is the mandatory curing and sealing of concrete. If a contractor elects not to cure, he effectively gives away 20% to 30% of the concretes potential strength and durability. Whether it’s the developer, homeowner, or contractor someone has paid for the concrete that should perform up to expectations. Giving away 20% to 30% of potential performance can lead to rip and replace claims, and puts future business at risk through a tarnished reputation.
Prior to PREMIERE a contractor had two chemical curing options. Apply a straight curing compound, or a cure and seal. The curing compound will allow the concrete to reach its design strength at 28 days but will not protect the concrete from deicing salts, fertilizer, or excessive moisture during freeze thaw conditions. Cure and seals are generally acrylic in nature and will provide adequate curing and protection after 28 days, that is until it wears off. Acrylic cure and seals wear off between 6 months to a year, depending on sun exposure and traffic patterns. Because these conditions vary, the sealer wars off unevenly leaving the most important area of the concrete unprotected. Often claims can originate in these areas, such as tire paths, where salt is deposited of the course of winter.
PREMIERE is the first cure and seal of its kind. Its unique two part, pure acrylic copolymer formulations allows PREMIERE to first provide optimum conditions for curing. PREMIERE provides a tough acrylic film, which keeps valuable water within the concrete allowing the hydration process to reach its maximum potential. Secondly, PREMIERE penetrates and chemically reacts deep within the concretes pours to provide a protective layer that will keep moisture from penetrating the matrix while at the same time allowing it to breathe. PREMIERE’s unique design allows it to protect the concrete by keeping valuable water in with an acrylic cure and then sealing it with a penetrating sealer. Now when the acrylic cure wears off the penetrating sealer takes over ensuring complete protection. There’s no more concern about not having adequate protection throughout the concrete’s two winters. Prior to the third winter it is highly recommended that the concrete be once again sealed with Premiere concrete Solutions ULTMATE to protect the concrete for and additional 5-7 years.
WARNING: Because of the chemical makeup of PREMIERE it can only be used on open finished concrete, such as broom finish. Do not use on a closed hard troweled finish, that would inhibit PREMIERE’s ability to penetrate the surface.