Concrete sealing /sealers info page - epoxy and non epoxy options
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Article on concrete sealing by the inventor/back of this product
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New Generation Sealer for Concrete,
Limestone, Stucco, Gunite
by Paul Oman 9/99
Introduction:
Bio-Vee is representative of a new family of sealers for porous carbonate based (typically concrete) surfaces.
Unlike traditional sealers which work by forming a surface layer, Bio-Vee works internally, below the surface.
The surface is left in its original state, without compromising its ability to accept any traditional paint or
surface coating at some future point. This is the other end of the sealing spectrum from common silicon based concrete
sealers which leave behind a silicon layer that negates even painting the surface. Bio-Vee does not work on previously
coated surfaces.
From an environmental and safety perspective, Bio-Vee also has a lot going for it. It is a single component, clear,
odorless, water-based solution that can be shipped without special requirements (in other words, without special
Haz-Mat packaging, labeling, and fees).
How it Works:
Bio-Vee seals by reducing the near-surface porosity of the carbonate material. The method is simple. As it soaks
into the material the Bio-Vee reacts with the carbonate and forms small crystals in the tiny void spaces. This
fortifies the material by reducing pore space and thus increasing the density. By filling pore spaces and clogging
pore channels Bio-Vee reduces permeability to the point of providing an effective waterproof seal, while still
allowing the material to transmit vapors, i.e. breathe. By reducing surface permeability, Bio-Vee also reduces
staining and soiling of the concrete and is often used after waterblast cleaning.
Once the water-thin Bio-Vee is applied to a concrete surface, it quickly soaks into it and dries without any visible
trace. However, wet the surface down and the presence of the Bio-Vee is quickly apparent. The areas where the Bio-Vee
has been applied will be white in color, with water droplets on the surface. The non-treated areas will have the
dark look of wet concrete.
Applications:
Bio-Vee, and products like it, are finding many applications, from tile grout, to basements, to manholes, to loading
docks. Basements where moisture is seeping through the concrete walls can be made dry by application of Bio-Vee.
Note however that the ‘clogging' action of Bio-Vee is not pronounced enough to fill cracks or to completely seal
coarse concrete or ‘cinder block' surfaces. A key advantage to using Bio-Vee in basements and similar situations
is that it is inexpensive, and does not preclude the use of more drastic sealing measures should the problem or
problems be beyond the functionality of Bio-Vee.
Concrete pipes are also treated with Bio-Vee prior to burial. In the ground, years of standing/flowing water inside
the pipe, and water contact on the outside of the pipe, will gradually wear or dissolve the concrete. Bio-Vee reduces
this damage and extends the life of underground concrete pipe.
When applied to concrete shortly after pouring, Bio-Vee helps control the concrete curing process, reducing hairline
cracking. Pre-cast concrete structures are often coated with Bio-Vee to help them weather freezes, rains, etc.
that they are exposed to during outside storage prior to sale.
Bio-Vee is also an excellent primer type coating on uncoated stucco, Gunite (in swimming pools for example) or
on concrete (such as in waste water manholes, etc.). While these surfaces are always coated with some sort of paint
or epoxy, over time the paint or epoxy barrier will be damaged or breached. This will result in the concrete/gunite
coming into contact with harsh chemicals or acids that will quickly weaken or destroy the material. By sharply
reducing the permeability of these water borne chemicals/acids into the carbonate, damage is greatly reduced or
retarded. An added benefit is that by reducing surface void spaces, a surface coat of Bio-Vee may well reduce pinholing
in the paint or epoxy topcoat caused by the expansion or release of trapped air under the not-yet-hard surface
coating. Pinholes (or bubbles/blisters) are an immediate breach of the protection such surface coatings were applied
to provide.
Bio-Vee's waterproofing abilities will also protect the underlying rebar in concrete, the ‘wire frame' behind stucco
surfaces from water caused rusting which often ‘swells' the metal and cracking the surrounding concrete or stucco.
Another interesting application is upon limestone, which is also a carbonate. Unlike most concrete surfaces, limestone
is often used as a decorative (or construction) surface for walls, floors, etc. Statues and other artistic structures
are made from limestone. Unfortunately, no matter how used, limestone is easily damaged or destroyed by ‘acid rain'
(often from air pollution) or stained by dirt or minerals/chemicals from normal exposure to the environment. Bio-Vee
is applied to clean limestone to reduce or minimize such damage by making the limestone less porous without altering
its appearance. Because limestone has less initial permeability than concrete, when used on limestone surfaces
Bio-Vee is ‘thinned' 10%-30% with very pure, very clean water which helps it penetrate the limestone. The amount
of water to add varies with each limestone source. If proper penetration is not achieved, the Bio-Vee will form
a line layer of white crystals on the surface. These can be washed or brushed off and a thinner, new coat of Bio-Vee
applied.
THIS IS A WATER BASED PRODUCT THAT SHOULD NOT FREEZE - PRODUCT IS SHIPPED FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE - BEST NOT SHIPPED
TO COLDER CLIMATES DURING DEEP WINTER
Bio Vee --- molecular technology at work for you
A proprietary catalyzed Potassium formulation (not a silane or siloxane)
What Bio Vee Will Do For Your Concrete Surface
* Internally densify the concrete surface rendering it waterproof but breathable
* Make the concrete surface tougher and more resistant to breakdown
* Eliminate/reduce bacteria and mildew growth associated with damp, musty concrete (A DANGEROUS HEALTH PROBLEM!)
In short, it reacts with the natural lime in concrete to form a modified potassium hybrid in the concrete
voids thus increasing surface density and hardness, thereby reducing moisture permeability and porosity. Like Gor-Tex
(tm) it allows the concrete to ‘breathe' (2% vapor transmission) while preventing the migration of larger liquid
(water, gasoline, oil) particles.
USED BY ITSELF, IT WILL REDUCE, OR ELIMINATE, MOISTURE MIGRATION THROUGH CONCRETE FLOORS AND WELLS (THROUGH THE
CONCRETE ITSELF, NOT WHEN MIGRATION IS THROUGH CRACKS). IT IS USED ON CONCRETE THAT IS ALWAYS A BIT DAMP AND TO
END THE 'MUSTY' OR DAMP SMELL IN BASEMENTS, ETC. PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANTLY, BUT LESS OBVIOUS, IS THAT BY REDUCING
OR ELIMINATING MOISTURE MOVEMENT THROUGH THE CONCRETE IT INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD OF A SUCCESSFUL PAINT OR COATING
JOB ON THE CONCRETE SURFACE (NOTE: THIS PRODUCT WORKS BELOW THE SURFACE OF THE CONCRETE, IT LEAVES NOTHING ON THE
SURFACE). THIS IS BECAUSE MANY COATING FAILURES ARE THE RESULT OF MOISTURE OR VAPOR PRESSURE BUILDING UP ON THE
UNDERSIDE OF COATINGS APPLIED TO CONCRETE.
BECAUSE OF THIS, BIO VEE SEAL IS ALSO A RECOMMENDED, BUT OPTIONAL, PRE-TREATMENT TO CONCRETE SURFACES THAT
WILL BE COATED WITH SOME SORT OF SURFACE COATING.
Benefits
* Inexpensive
* One coat, easy to apply, application
* Penetrates - no surface layer or visible presence to interfere with future surface painting or other treatments
of the concrete
* Forms a chemically linked bond to the concrete subsurface that will not dissolve or wear out
* Improves the durability of the concrete without affecting surface texture
* Water based - contains no VOCs, easy water clean-up
What Bio Vee Will Not Do For Your Concrete Surface
* Fill and seal cracks and large voids
* Color or stain the concrete
* Leave any kind of surface coating or finish (Bio Vee soaks into the concrete and works below the surface)
* Reduce surface traction
Suggested Applications (see below for more details)
* Basement sealing
* Added protection under epoxy and other protective surface coatings
* Porch and patio mold and mildew prevention
* FERRO-CEMENT BOAT HULLS (note: Bio-Vee Seal is not listed in our marine/boating
catalog/web site. It is listed in our commercial/industrial
site - and can be ordered by email or phone from that site)
* Sealing against grease and oil saturation
Use it to protect/seal concrete building and structures not normally ‘painted' or as a ‘backup' protection/waterproofing
system under epoxy topcoats, etc. From city parking garages to private driveways, from sewer pipes to pre-cast
steps, you'll find Bio-Vee protecting and adding life to concrete surfaces around the world!
Test Data
Meets, exceeds, or passes the following testing:
ASTM D 2939 (resistance to water solubility)
ASTM D 466 (resistance to water flow and action)
ASTM E 96 (vapor transmission: 0.04 grains/squ ft/hr; water perm. 0.102)
ASTM C 836 (vertical surfaces)
SS-W-110 C (water repellence on masonry - 1.925% average)
ASTM C 672 (freeze thaw - 100 day cycle)
ASTM C 309 (concrete cure and seal)
Supplemental testing by a state Department of Transportation:
Passed Absorption test (not to exceed 1% after 48 hours/2% after 50 days under total immersion)
Passed Scaling Resistance (no scaling after 100 cycles)
Passed NCHRP 244 Series II and Series IV (absorbed chloride less than 25%/10% of untreated cube)
Application/Product Information
150-200 squ feet per gallon
Apply with brush, roller or sprayer
Apply to dry or damp concrete surfaces
Bio Vee is a clear, water-like fluid that contains no volatile organic compounds (0% VOC) with a pH of 11.5.
Bio-Vee is available in five gallon units and has a coverage rate of about 150-200 square feet per gallon.
It can be applied like water to the surface using a brush, roller, sponge, or spray bottle. A slightly damp surface
actually helps the Bio-Vee penetrate the surface, but is not a requirement (except perhaps for limestone). The
material cost for a Bio-Vee treatment can be less than 25 cents per square foot, making it one of the least expensive
sealer and protective barrier products on the market.
Product Notes:
NON-HAZMAT - AVAILABLE FOR WORLDWIDE SHIPPING!
Our most common user is some sealing the concrete of a newly constructed home. The Bio Vee Seal is relatively inexpensive
and does not change or alter the appearance or future plans for the concrete basement, etc. Usually these people
purchase 5-10 gallons.
The moisture or dampness you see may not be from moisture
moving up through the concrete slab. It could be condensation for damp moist air in contact with the cooler concrete
slab. Obviously, the Bio Vee Seal will not reduce the moisture issue in this situation. Note also that a coat of
epoxy on the concrete will SLIGHTLY (ONLY SLIGHTLY) thermally insulate the floor and reduce the condensation forming
on the floor.
Apply to a test patch on your sidewalk or patio and then
wait for a rainy day. You'll see the Bio Vee difference as the surrounding concrete turns dark with water saturation!
WILL SEAL UNCOATED/UNPAINTED STUCCO!
Also Works On Tile Grout! Order our 1 quart bottle
to seal you bathroom area!
User Feedback:
Hi Paul,
I purchased your Bio Vee Sealer for my concrete garage and I must say the stuff works great. It's very obvious
that water does not "seep" into the concrete now when the floor gets wet. Hopefully this will prevent
oil stains and such later on.
Nelson
9@bellsouth.net wrote:
I ordered the Bio Vee Seal and we put it down about 3 months ago in our new home's walkout basement. The damp (not
musty or mildewy), just 'wet cement and wallboard' smell disappeared within a few days. That unpleasant smell had
been seeping up and filling the main floor. I am thrilled with that result! and have the added peace of mind of
knowing that when I'm ready to lay carpet, I won't have to worry about moisture trapped underneath.
Thanks,
M
Hi Paul,
I purchased your Bio Vee Sealer for my concrete garage and I must say the stuff works great. It's very obvious
that water does not "seep" into the concrete now when the floor gets wet. Hopefully this will prevent
oil stains and such later on.
Nelson
Dave M. wrote:
> I used the bio-vee after discussing it with you 3 years ago. The concrete was new - walls,12 mos. - floor
maybe 6 mos... Applied Bio-Vee Seal to the floor and walls inside. I also did the exposed walls outside. The humidity
has improved (lowered) considerably. No need for a dehumidifier now.
Progressive Epoxy Polymers, Inc.
www.epoxyproducts.com
Frog Pond Hollow
48 Wildwood Drive
Pittsfield, NH 03263
keywords =
bio vee, floor epoxy, garage floor paint,
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