Concrete coating on the street: methods, techniques and materials

Concrete is a common, adaptable, and long-lasting building material, particularly for outdoor surfaces like patios, driveways, and sidewalks. On the other hand, weather exposure can eventually lead to wear and tear. A common and efficient way to improve the longevity and look of concrete surfaces is to apply a coating.

Concrete coating can be done in a number of ways, each with advantages and uses of its own. There are many options available, ranging from basic moisture-resistant sealers to decorative overlays that completely change the appearance of a plain slab. Selecting the best technique depends on a number of variables, including the desired aesthetics, the state of the surface, and the surrounding environment.

Concrete coating materials include polyurethanes, stains, and acrylics and epoxies. Before choosing a type to use, it is important to understand its characteristics as each one has different advantages and properties. For example, acrylic coatings are preferred for their UV stability and ease of application, while epoxy coatings are recognized for their strength and chemical resistance.

There are multiple steps involved in applying a concrete coating: priming, coating application, and surface preparation. To guarantee that the coating adheres properly and functions as intended, preparation is essential. This frequently entails giving the surface a thorough cleaning, fixing any cracks or flaws, and occasionally applying a primer to improve adhesion.

Whether you want to restore or protect a recently laid concrete surface, knowing the different concrete coating methods, materials, and techniques will help you get the best results. You can greatly improve the appearance and lifespan of your concrete surfaces with the appropriate method.

Forms and methods of protection

After setting, the concrete solution develops a porous structure. There are several methods to lessen the amount of air inclusions in concrete, but it is not possible to completely eliminate them. Consequently, extra protection is needed for concrete even after it has been treated with different additives.

Destroying factors

The condition of the concrete surface is influenced by various factors. Identifying the primary destructive forces in each situation is essential before deciding on the protection strategy and material.

The most typical type of street concrete needs to be shielded from the following harmful factors:

• temperature changes;
• increased humidity;
• radiation;
• Chemically active environment.

When multiple factors are applied to the concrete at once, the effect of negative exposure is amplified. Low temperatures combined with high humidity will cause the surface to crack and further deteriorate.

Principle of operation

The concrete surface is shielded from the direct effects of the unfavorable environment by the outer protective layer. Furthermore, in order to prevent corrosion in reinforced structures, it is imperative to minimize the possibility of moisture seeping deeply into the structure.

As a result, internal and external protective mechanisms can be distinguished based on the principle of action. The concrete coating on the street should be treated in two ways at the same time for the best outcome.

Protection options

The objectives must be specified in order to choose the appropriate protective materials.

Regarding the outer layer of protection, we will categorize the techniques based on the kind of damage that needs to be prevented:

The table indicates that the most frequent element destroying concrete is water. For concrete structures, it is particularly dangerous when moisture freezes in the internal pores. Consequently, it is always recommended to apply a waterproofing layer or to impregnate concrete with a deep penetration primer.

Materials

You have a variety of options when it comes to waterproofing materials to prevent moisture damage to the concrete surface.

They should be distinguished first and foremost based on their composition and method of application:

Impregnating (coating)	Mastics (bitumen, polymer)	Applied to the surface using a roller, brush or by fusion.
	Liquid rubber	A two-torch sprayer is used for application.
	Penetrating primer	Applied with a roller or brush, penetrates the concrete structure and crystallizes.
Sheet (roll)	EPDM membranes	Laid with adhesive.
	PVC membranes	Mounted mechanically, butt joints are soldered.
	Sheet

All of the materials work well; it doesn’t really matter how the material is applied to the surface. When processing, you should consider how convenient the layer device will be based on where the surface is located. For example, applying liquid and impregnations to vertical walls is easier, while roll or sheet waterproofing materials work well for horizontal surfaces.

The waterproofing material that is chosen needs to fulfill specific requirements.

• simplicity of the device;
• improvement of the quality characteristics of the concrete surface;
• sufficient strength;
• long service life;
• be fireproof.

It’s important to consider the waterproofing material’s level of resistance to harsh chemicals when selecting the finishing coating.

Crucial! Certain requirements must be met by any material intended for installation on the exterior of the concrete coating. First and foremost, the waterproofing’s composition needs to meet GOSTs and have a quality certificate.

It is essential to protect concrete surfaces with non-flammable materials for safety reasons.

Liquid waterproofing

All varieties of mastics and primers are included in liquid waterproofing. The ability to apply these treatments to any relief’s surface is their primary benefit.

Due to the lack of joints, concrete liquid outdoor coating creates a monolithic layer of surface protection. Furthermore, liquids are incredibly simple to apply, so you can set up this kind of waterproofing by hand.

Crucial! Make sure you read the conditions required for high-quality work before using the material. All the information required is included in the manufacturer’s instructions, which are printed on the packaging.

Mastics

Bitumen and polymer are the two types of mastic used in the waterproofing of concrete. Seldom are they organized as separate materials. Mastics are typically used to attach concrete to roll materials like roofing felt.

Bituminous mastics can be used either cold or hot. Whereas the second scenario involves diluting the mastic with a solvent until the required consistency is reached, the first scenario involves heating solid material pieces to a liquid state.

• long service life;
• excellent adhesion to concrete;
• low price.

• not suitable for installation in hot climates (melts under direct sunlight);
• not used as an independent material;
• due to the technology of application in several layers, the installation requires a long time.

While polymer mastic has slightly better performance characteristics than bitumen, it still shares many of the same properties. In addition, the polymer composition has a short readiness time, is completely impermeable to water, and is resistant to temperature changes. The primary drawback of the material is its expensive cost.

Rubber

There are two parts to the composition of liquid rubber. Professionals use it more frequently because of how complicated the preparation is. Applicable methods include pouring, painting, and spraying.

Applying liquid rubber waterproofing with a sprayer to a concrete surface

Penetrating waterproofing

Deep penetration primers are used for penetrating waterproofing. There is a wide range of primer types available. Water-dispersion compounds, epoxy, and polyurethane are among them.

To refer to primers as full-fledged waterproofing is highly conditional. Such a material will need to be finished with a device. In this situation, mastics can be substituted with epoxy or polymer primers; external waterproofing uses these primers.

Preparing epoxy primer can be challenging since it typically calls for combining two ingredients.

The properties of polyurethane solution are as follows:

• in addition to waterproofing, it removes dust from concrete;
• strengthens the surface.

• work should be done after the end of the setting time of the solution;
• work is carried out only at positive temperatures of +45C — +18 0 C.
• requires at least 2 layers of application.

Sheet and roll materials

Because of their good elasticity, this kind of protective material is easy to lay on surfaces with different reliefs. If there is a large average annual temperature difference, sheet protection should be used.

In addition to serving as a heat-insulating layer, sheet or roll insulation maintains its physical properties regardless of temperature fluctuations. Certain kinds of sheet protection can be used as a concrete surface’s finishing coat.

Membranes

Membranes made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are available. Reinforcing mesh and a plasticizer-based filler make up PVC membranes.

• Sheets are laid on a concrete surface with an overlap, the seams are welded using a torch.
• A surprising consequence of such installation is that the seams are much stronger than the main flooring.
• The main disadvantage of such protection is its instability to chemically active substances, such as gasoline or machine oil.

• EPDM membranes are a rubber-based material. The membrane also has a reinforcing mesh inside. This type of protection is suitable for use in harsh climates.

• the dimensions of the material allow you to quickly cover large areas;
• long service life;
• tensile elasticity, which allows you to lay the material on complex relief surfaces.

• if it is necessary to use several sheets, the joint seam must be vulcanized;
• high price.

Bituminous sheets

Two types of materials can be used to create bituminous sheets or rolls:

1. Fiberglass. Material on such a basis is quite fragile and is suitable only for temporary protection;
2. Fiberglass. Such material is suitable for long-term use.

Furthermore, the substance may or may not be sprinkled. Sprinkled sheets are appropriate for the finishing layer device.

• long service life;
• resistance to chemical influences;
• perfectly withstands high physical loads;
• high fire-resistant level.

• high material consumption for the joint seam, the width of which must be at least 10 cm.

Roofing felt

One of the least expensive ways to seal outdoor concrete. There are multiple layers to the material. Every layer after that is installed with a central offset from the one before it. Bitumen is used to fuse layers together, creating an affordable and long-lasting protective layer.

Fur coat on concrete walls

There are situations when the protective layer serves as both a decorative element and a means of water resistance.

• Owners of buildings erected by pouring concrete mortar into formwork often face this situation.
• Such structures require the installation of an additional protective layer, which, in order to reduce material costs, should look attractive in appearance.
• In this context, we will not consider the possible decorative properties of the fur coat, but will clarify how a cement mortar coating can protect walls from harmful destructive effects.

You can accomplish a number of things by applying a fur coat to the walls, the primary ones being:

• protection of concrete surfaces from negative environmental impacts;
• leveling concrete outdoors;
• concrete decoration.

For streets to be more durable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing, concrete coatings are necessary. This article examines the best materials to use along with a variety of application methods and techniques for these coatings. We’ll go over how each option preserves and enhances street surfaces, from decorative overlays and sealants to epoxy and polyurethane coatings. Making wise decisions for preserving and enhancing street infrastructure can be aided by having a thorough understanding of these techniques.

Application technology

Many people come to the realization that they lack the skills necessary to construct a fur coat on concrete by hand when considering the various stages of the process.

• First, you should decide whether a ready-made dry building mixture will be used, or the solution will be prepared independently.
• After deciding on the composition, you need to select a suitable primer to ensure the necessary adhesion.
• The fur coat solution is applied to the primed surface in any chosen way: by machine, with a roller, by throwing, etc..

Watch the video in this article to find out more about the fur coat device on a concrete wall.

Note: It is preferable to buy the composition from a hardware store if you are unsure of your ability to mix the proper solution and the necessary additives.

Method	Description
Stamped Concrete	A technique that involves pressing patterns into freshly laid concrete to mimic the look of stone, brick, or other materials.
Exposed Aggregate	This method reveals the decorative aggregates within the concrete by removing the top layer of cement paste.
Stained Concrete	Using acid or water-based stains to add color to the concrete surface, providing a variety of shades and effects.
Concrete Overlay	Applying a thin layer of new concrete over an existing surface to improve its appearance and durability.
Sealing	A protective layer applied to the concrete to enhance its longevity and resist damage from weather and traffic.

For outdoor surfaces, concrete coatings are crucial because they provide both protection and aesthetic appeal. These coatings can be applied using a variety of approaches, each with its own benefits. The ideal look, the amount of protection required, and the particulars of the area to be coated all play a role in selecting the best method.

Staining, epoxy coatings, and sealing are some of the most widely used techniques. Applying a protective layer to the concrete to stop water intrusion and damage is known as sealing. Conversely, staining provides a means of incorporating color and pattern, enhancing the visual appeal of concrete surfaces. Epoxy coatings are perfect for high-traffic areas because they offer a high-gloss, long-lasting finish that is resistant to chemicals and wear.

The materials that are used to coat concrete also differ greatly. Common options include acrylic, polyurethane, and epoxy, each of which has unique advantages. Polyurethane is renowned for its flexibility and UV light resistance, acrylic for its affordability and ease of application, and epoxy for its strength and durability. Choosing the appropriate material is essential to getting the best outcomes.

For any coating application to be successful, the concrete surface must be properly prepared. This include washing, fixing any harm, and making sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of impurities. Ensuring the surface is properly prepped will improve the coating’s adherence and durability.

To sum up, concrete coatings intended for outdoor use offer a workable way to preserve and enhance concrete surfaces. You can choose a method, technique, or material that best suits your needs and guarantees a beautiful, long-lasting finish by being aware of the different options available. The correct concrete coating can make all the difference when it comes to protecting a patio, walkway, or driveway.

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