Asphalt: Cleaning, Sealant and Repair

The pavement of asphalt driveways, parking lots and roadways is composed of aggregate (stones, fine sands) and asphalt binder (petroleum-based ingredients including tar and bitumen).  The asphalt binder functions as the “glue,” which holds all of these aggregates together and gives the surface its rich, black color.

This asphalt “glue” can become oxidized when exposed to sun, and is further weakened by exposure to rain and snow.  Aside from surface “cosmetic” damage caused by ultraviolet rays and oil/gas spills, the actual texture of unsealed asphalt surfaces often become brittle, fading from a brilliant black to a dull grey-brown, as the thin layer of binder on top starts to wear away exposing the aggregate to the elements.  Having lost its flexibility, the asphalt becomes more susceptible to cracking under the weight of automobile traffic or when exposed to extreme temperatures.  In colder climates, freezing water seeps into these small cracks, and the subsequent expansion into ice causes further damage to the asphalt, while in warmer climates grass begins to sprout up through cracks on the edges of the surface.  As water continues to permeate cracks in the material and settles down at the base, the overall strength of the surface is compromised, resulting in the formation of potholes.

The renovation process begins with repair of cracks and potholes through the use of an asphalt patching compound or rubberized crack-filler, as the application dictates.  Oil and gas stains can be removed with a water-based degreaser (d’limonene-based degreasers cannot be used, as they are asphalt solvents).

Applying asphalt sealant regularly (every two to three years) is central to surface renovation and increases the life of asphalt considerably, as it functions to “seal” out the sun’s UV rays, rain, snow, and harmful chemicals, while also preventing water and ice from getting into the paving and causing it to crumble.

Most asphalt seal coatings are either asphalt-based (with an acrylic additive) or coal-tar based.  Coal tar sealers are known to be more resistant to UV rays and chemical (oil and gasoline) penetration than asphalt-based sealers, whereas, asphalt-based seal coating products are the user and environmentally friendly option.  Acrylic-asphalt sealant emits comparatively low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), does not have the harsh fumes or toxicity of coal tar compounds, and dries much quicker (around one hour).

Generally, acrylic-asphalt sealant is ideal for sealing driveways, while the coal-tar coating is preferred by commercial contractors working on parking lots and limited stretches of roadway (municipal contractors invariably prefer repaving to sealing).

Concrete Cleaning

Stains in concrete surfaces can be traced back to any number of sources, each with its own discreet chemical composition.  They key to effectively cleaning concrete is not choosing the strongest compound available, or the best “all purpose” cleaner, but selecting the product with characteristics which make it most capable of attacking the your target stain at its most basic level and eliminating it.

Acid Cleaners

a. Preparatory etching, removal of efflorescence, and comprehensive wholesale cleaning of ingrained dirt and rust will invariably require an acid wash a solution containing the powerful Muratic Acid.  When applied, the solution “burns” off such impurities, while also serving to roughen the concrete so that a coating or topping will adhere to its surface.

b. Cleaning mildew, algae, blood, and juice or berry stains from concrete is best assigned to the oxidizing action of the much more user-friendly acid, Hydrogen Peroxide.

Solvent Cleaners

a. Oil and grease are essentially extracted hydrocarbons in liquid form, and therefore cannot be cleaned with water-based products as set out above; use of a solvent is necessary.  The organic solvent, d’Limonene is fast replacing mineral spirits and other such harsh products as the cleaner of choice for removal of petroleum-based stains and deposits.

Aside from being a more environmentally responsible option, d’Limonene features considerable versatility: from combining with a sweeping compound to clean away accumulated or spilled oil and grease in the most comprehensive manner possible, to being dispensed as an aerosol to facilitate easy, efficient removal graffiti.

b.   For less intensive cleaning jobs, where an odor-less product is desired (d’Limonene has a citrus scent), or where rubber or plastic is exposed (such surfaces an be damaged by d’Limonene), a butyl-based solvent cleaner is the most practical option.

Concrete Sealant and Repair

A Primer on Concrete Sealant

First, it’s a necessity to effective maintenance and care of concrete floors and surfaces.   Unsealed concrete is susceptible to:

Water Damage:  Concrete is a porous material.  This is the result of a network of capillaries created by roughly half of the water in the mixture evaporating shortly after wet concrete is poured.  As water enlarges the pores or the pores get wet through condensation, water starts seeping in, causing:

• The lime inside the concrete to dissolve, making it more and more porous and drawing in further dissolved materials (salts, acids, etc.) which can severely harm the concrete. Should the water itself freeze while inside, the expansion can literally tear concrete apart.

• Corrosion of the rebar, which expands and cracks the concrete.

• Leaching of minerals to the surface of the concrete leading the unsightly white coating and musty smell of Efflorescence, when the moisture which brought the minerals up evaporates.

• Increased humidity in confined spaces such as basements, which allows for  mold and mildew, fungi, bacteria, and dust mites to flourish.

• Discoloration of the concrete surface.

Stains from substances such as oil, gasoline, rust, grease, and mold.

Spalling: the breaking of layers or pieces of concrete from the surface of a structural element when exposed to fire or otherwise excessively high temperatures.

Scaling:  local flaking or peeling of a finished surface of hardened concrete exposed to freezing and thawing in the presence of moisture and/or deicing salts.

A dull, lifeless or scratched finish, which can be particularly depressing if one has made an investment in decorative concrete, whether stamped, colored, or exposed aggregate.

Second, there is no perfect sealer that will be suitable for any application.  No sealer can claim to miraculously remedy and protect against every threat to concrete surfaces in existence; any claims to this effect are should be treated with caution.  Sealants are available in a variety of compositions, each of which is best-suited to particular functions.  In general terms sealants can be divided into two groups:

Penetrating Sealers are applied to bare concrete, soak in, and are usually nearly invisible once wiped off and dried.  Penetrating sealers may be:

• Densifiers, which work by reacting with the concrete to decrease its porosity and increase the surface density, or

• Repellants, which change the surface tension characteristics of the concrete so that liquids bead up easily (and therefore roll off or are easily wiped off). They create a hydrophobic water-shedding effect when applied to the concrete.

Topical Sealers are essentially surface coatings, and make up the bulk of the sealers on the market. These sealers include:

• Wax, which is easy to apply and produces an attractive, low to high-sheen finish that brings out the best in the concrete’s color and visual texture, but provides relatively limited  heat, scratch, or stain protection.

• Acrylic, which again is easy to apply and offers fairly good stain protection, a measure of heat and UV resistance, but can be easily scratched.

• Epoxy & Urethane, which are both very tough and stain resistant, but can also somewhat expensive and difficult to apply.

Penetrating sealers are ideal for more functional applications.  For instance, our Densifier, Liqui-Hard will soak into a basement floor to physically increase the strength of the surface concrete to stop the destructive effect of water seepage.  Similarly,  our Repellant, Weather Sheild,  can be applied to concrete surfaces in the outdoors such that regular exposure to the elements no longer causes sidewalks to flake and scale, or decks to become waterlogged and discolored.

Amongst the topical sealers, we offer the solvent-based acrylic compound, Ultra Seal, and two floor waxes of progressive solids content.  These concrete sealants can be applied to produce a “wet look” and are best suited to commercial establishments where esthetic appeal and ease of use are priorities.

Concrete Repair

Effective concrete repair depends on knowing the root cause of the damage and taking remedial steps that address such issues. If the cause of the original damage to concrete is not determined and eliminated, or if an incorrect determination is made, whatever damaged the original concrete will likely also damage the repaired concrete.  Common sources of damage include:

• Excess Water in Concrete Mix: Damage caused by excessive mix water can be difficult to correctly diagnose because it is usually masked by damage from other causes.  Freezing and thawing cracking, abrasion erosion deterioration, or drying shrinkage cracking, for example, is often blamed for damage to concrete when, in reality, excessive mix water caused the low durability that allowed these other causes to attack the concrete.  The only permanent repair of concrete damaged by excessive mix water is removal and replacement. However, if the damage is detected early and is shallow (less than 1.5 inches deep), application of Siloxane or Silane concrete sealing compounds can reduce water penetration and improve resistance to freeze-thaw, spalling and deterioration.

• Construction Defects: Rock pockets, honeycombing, form failures, and dimensional errors, if minor, can be repaired with a thin polymer concrete overlay or cement mortar.   If the rock pocket is extensive, the defective concrete may need to be removed and replaced with dry pack, epoxy-bonded replacement concrete, or replacement concrete.

• Sulfate Deterioration: Sodium, magnesium, and calcium sulfates in the environment react chemically with the hydrated lime and hydrated aluminate in cement paste and form calcium sulfate and calcium sulfoaluminate. These reactions can induce sufficient pressure to cause disintegration of the concrete.  The life-span of concrete that is undergoing active deterioration due to sulfate exposure can be extended by application of a thin polymer concrete overlay or concrete sealing compounds.

• Cyclic Freezing and Thawing: Freeze-thaw deterioration is a common cause of damage to concrete constructed in the colder climates.  If the pores and capillaries in concrete are nearly saturated by water during freezing cycles, the expansion exerts tensile forces that can fracture the cement mortar matrix.  Successful mitigation of freeze-thaw deterioration involves reducing or eliminating absorption of water into the concrete. While not effective on concrete that is already inundated with moisture, Siloxane or Silane concrete sealing compounds can be applied to prevent or reduce water absorption, by providing protection to concrete exposed to rain, windblown spray, or snow melt water.  Repair of concrete damaged by freeze-thaw deterioration is most often accomplished with replacement concrete if the damage is 6 inches or deeper, or with epoxy-bonded replacement concrete or polymer concrete if the damage is between 1.5 and 6 inches deep.

• Cracking: Generally a symptom rather than a source of concrete deterioration, cracking may be caused by any of the above-mentioned defects.   Before a method for repairing cracked concrete is selected, it is necessary to determine if the cracks are “live” or “dead.” If the cracks are cyclicly opening and closing, or progressively widening, structural repair becomes very complicated and is often futile. Such cracking will simply reestablish in the repair material or adjacent concrete.  If it is determined that the cracks are “dead” or static, either an epoxy resin injection or a polyurethane resin can be used. Epoxy resin injection is generally used to seal low volume water leakage and structurally rebond cracked concrete members. Epoxy resins cure to form hard, brittle materials that will not withstand movement of the injected cracks. Poly-urethane resins cure to a flexible, low tensile strength, closed cell foam that is effective in sealing water leakage but cannot normally be used for structural re-bonding.

Asphalt Sealant, Cleaning and Repair

Pro-Seal Acrylic Sealant: Refined acrylic-asphalt formulation seals and forms a tough, ductile coating to protect asphalt pavement from the damaging effects of moisture, oxidation, oil or gas spills and freeze-thaw cycles.   Designed for driveways and commercial parking area applications such as fast food restaurants, apartment complexes, schools, shopping malls and commercial complexes. Also enhances esthetic value, revitalizing worn-looking driveways and pavement with a deep jet-black sheen that makes old asphalt look like new.

Not for use on brand-new driveways:  Fresh asphalt contains light-weight oils that eventually evaporate into the atmosphere. These oils are responsible for the tender nature of fresh asphalt. As these oils evaporate, the asphalt gets harder and harder. Sealers prevent this evaporation. Sealing a new asphalt driveway may cause it to stay permanently soft.

Tough-Seal Coal-Tar Sealant: Rubberized coal tar emulsion asphalt sealant. Petroleum resistant coating protects asphalt pavement from the damaging effects of oil, jet fuel, gas, oxidation, diesel, hydraulic fluids and moisture.  Complies with Federal Specification RP-355E; meets Federal FAA material requirements for specifications P-625, P-627 & P-628 for airport pavements.  Used primarily on roadway surfaces at gas stations, truck and bus terminals, parkades, airport aprons and taxiways.

Rubberized Crack Filler: Emulsified cold-applied asphalt formulation seals cracks up to ¾” wide in asphalt and concrete pavement.   Hardens quickly, but will not brittle.  Fortified compound will not pull up when subjected to heavy traffic flows.

Instant Patch: Asphalt compound includes a blend of adhesive resins that combine with carefully graded aggregates to create an excellent patching material for repair of potholes and cracks, sunken areas and utility cuts in asphalt or concrete highways, streets, parking lots, and driveways.   Comes ready-to-use: no mixing or heating is required and can be applied in wet or dry, hot or cold conditions -10ºC to 50ºC (14ºF to 122ºF).  An average repair is completed in minutes; immediate traffic compacts Instant Patch, increasing its durability. Combines durability, adhesion and stability in curing. Use of primer is recommended for some applications. Packaged in re-sealable containers for easy repeat application.

Cleaning Concrete

Acid Cleaner

Chemox:  A powerful, acid washing compound that breaks up and dissolves lime deposits, scale, rust and algae stains, mineral sediments and scum which accumulate in swimming pools, on boat hulls, water meters, sewage aeration tanks and other surfaces in constant contact with water.  An outstanding rust remover.   Features superior cleaning properties compared to other pool cleaners.  Scum, algae and lime scale build-up on the sides of swimming pools can be cleaned with Chemox even when the pool is full, as application will not unbalance the pH of the water.

Solvent Cleaners

Orange Power: Bulk citrus-based d’limonene all-purpose cleaner, degreaser and deodorizer.  Effective and safe on a multitude of washable surfaces when diluted, concentrated formulation makes it extremely economical to use.  Can be used straight for heavy duty industrial cleaning or mixed up to 1:70 with water for housekeeping.  Numerous applications include general degreaser, tile adhesive remover, drain maintenance, and deodorizer.  Commonly used in commercial kitchen cleaning, as run off can be poured down grease traps to keep lines free flowing.

Clean Sweep: Sweeping compound eliminates airborne dust movement and re-disposition by “wetting” and holding the finer dust particles commonly left behind in regular floor cleaning. Also prevents slippery patches on floors by absorbing soil-laden oil, and provides excellent pickup of other materials including metal particles and shavings.  Popularly used in auto repair garages, machine shops and die casting operations.

Vandasol:  Non-chlorinated, non-toluene, d’Limonene-based vandalism mark remover sprays on as a thick clinging gel which provides extended surface contact cleaning time. Cuts quickly through stubborn vandal marks without running. Effective on porous and non-porous surfaces. Removes spray paint, ballpoint pen, ink, markers and more Safe on block, concrete, stone, tile, metal, baked enamel, Lexan®, street signs and oil-based painted surfaces.  Popularly used on walls, signs, tile, fiberglass, vinyl seating, restroom dividers, stucco, public transportation vehicles.  California VOC compliant

Quad:  Powerful blend of water soluble solvents, penetrating agents, wetting agents and synthetic detergents cleans and renovates grimy industrial surfaces.  Attacks the molecular structure of soil deposits, gummy residues and imbedded grease stains, which are then emulsified for easy removal by mopping or rinsing.  Excellent concrete and asphalt degreaser.  Contains a powerful chemical inhibitor to reduce the hazard of corrosion often caused by water-based cleaners.

Concrete Sealant

Penetrating Sealers

Liqui-Hard Ultra:  Ready-to-use concrete densifier and hardener hardens and dustproofs concrete at a molecular level. When applied and allowed to penetrate into the concrete surface, a chemical reaction takes place, producing a byproduct that fills in the pores of the concrete one molecule at a time. Concrete is solidified, eliminating dusting and pitting.  Application provides a permanent, attractive sheen with improved light reflectance that is primed for polishing.  Imparts abrasion, peeling and chemical resistance to significantly improve surface durability.  Easy spray-on application; requires no brushing or rinsing. Can also be used in conjunction with shake-on hardeners.  Environmentally safe, water-based product features a zero VOC content and provides an attractive option in green building applications.

Provides tough, protected surface that won’t yellow, discolor or show pedestrian or vehicular traffic wear marks.  Ideal applications include floors in industrial plants and warehouses, storage silos, sewage plants, chemical processing facilities, refineries, and heavy pedestrian floor traffic areas, such as civic centers, sports arenas, stadiums, hospitals, airports, and museums.

Weather Shield: Concrete and masonry water repellent. Ready-to-use penetrating sealant composed of blended synthetic resins and water repellent materials in an evaporating solvent.  Provides for weatherproofing and protection of virtually all types of above grade concrete and masonry building units, including brick, block, stucco, poured-in-place concrete and precast units.   Penetrates surfaces on which it is applied to varying depths (depending on surface porosity) to form an integral barrier to moisture penetration, while also allowing masonry to breath. Protects against efflorescence and rust staining.  Reduces entrapment of dirt particles and other contaminants that cause discoloration and inhibits soiling.  Preserves insulation values by protecting against water penetration.

Topical Sealers

Ultra High Profile:  Premium urethane-fortified thermacrylic floor polish designed for use in high-speed dry burnishing programs for optimal performance.  Urethane component combines with high solids content to provide maximum abrasive and chemical resistance alongside brilliant shine.  Formulation based on a polymer that is 40% clearer and less reliant on the wax component that is typically responsible for yellowing of floor finishes.  Produces maximum light refractivity and gloss readings as high as 94.   Outstanding levelling with no mop drag for fast surface coverage, maximum labor savings and unblemished coverage.  The floor finish of choice for high traffic locations – ideal for store aisles, show rooms, educational facilities and commercial establishments.   25% solids; covers 60 square meters per litre.

Ultra Seal:   Tough acrylic-based formulation seals new floors, re-seals older floors after stripping, and levels floor surfaces in preparation for application of floor finish.   Restores gloss, color and rich appearance and provides excellent protection from dirt, soil and stains.  Salt-resistant sealer will not yellow and is compatible with most finishes, but works best with Ultra High Profile and Ultra Seal.

Concrete Polish

Liqui-Hard Ultra: Ready-to-use concrete densifier and hardener hardens and dustproofs concrete at a molecular level. When applied and allowed to penetrate into the concrete surface, a chemical reaction takes place, producing a byproduct that fills in the pores of the concrete one molecule at a time. Concrete is solidified, eliminating dusting and pitting.  Application provides a permanent, attractive sheen with improved light reflectance that is primed for polishing.  Imparts abrasion, peeling and chemical resistance to significantly improve surface durability.  Easy spray-on application; requires no brushing or rinsing. Can also be used in conjunction with shake-on hardeners.  Environmentally safe, water-based product features a zero VOC content and provides an attractive option in green building applications.

Provides tough, protected surface that won’t yellow, discolor or show pedestrian or vehicular traffic wear marks.  Ideal applications include floors in industrial plants and warehouses, storage silos, sewage plants, chemical processing facilities, refineries, and heavy pedestrian floor traffic areas, such as civic centers, sports arenas, stadiums, hospitals, airports, and museums.

Compatible with Bellatrix Polishing Compound for a high gloss polished concrete floor.

Bellatrix: Polishing compound protects buffed finishes on concrete floors.   Features dual-protection technology in which unique hybrid polymers provide both penetrating and film-forming concrete protection: produces a tough, uniform, breathable barrier for improved durability, fronted by a high-gloss finish.   Ideal for with Liqui-Hard densifier sealant.  Enhances dust-proofing, stain suspension and resistance against most contaminants.  Provides excellent blush resistance in damp environments. VOC compliant.

Concrete Repair

Rezi-Weld: Epoxy sealant for injection of fine, non-moving cracks in concrete surfaces.  Stops water leaks and bonds cured concrete or metal to concrete to effect long-term structural repair. Can be gravity fed into horizontal cracks that are small (1/4″ [6.35 mm] maximum width) and have a limited depth. Tough formulation is resistant to impact, moisture and most chemicals. Combines with aggregate to form an interior nonskid top layer.  Self-leveling formulation allows for easy application; ultra-low viscosity is ideal for pressure injection and gravity feeding.

Meadow Patch T1: Polymer concrete repair/overlay designed for interior or exterior use in horizontal, vertical and overhead applications.  Versatile mortar can be used for maintenance patching and minor repairs from 1” to featheredge, from smoothing rough surfaces to repairing honeycombs and dressing up bug holes. Creamy consistency provides an excellent skim coating for swimming pools, concrete walls, balconies, and similar surfaces. Produces repaired surfaces suitable for rubber-wheeled traffic; features excellent freeze-thaw resistance. Polymer-modified for enhanced bond. One component for easy mixing and application.  Must be cured immediately following application using a suitable water-based curing compound.  Silver Cure is recommended.

Meadow Crete GPS: Polymer concrete repair mortar designed for interior or exterior use in horizontal, vertical and overhead applications. Ideal for patches from 1/4″ to deep repairs and resurfacing of concrete.  Shrinkage-compensated and fiber reinforced for enhanced stability, strength, and endurance. Micro silica ingredient protects against moisture and prevents corrosion of embedded reinforcing steel. Polymer-modified for enhanced bond.   Creamy consistency allows for better finishing.  Features excellent freeze-thaw resistance. One-component product can be trowel or pneumatically applied. Must be cured immediately following application using a suitable water-based curing compound.  Silver Cure is recommended.

Pack-It:   Expansive dry pack grout for concrete construction and repair. Low-slump, non-gaseous, non-shrink grout provides high density and strength. Ideal for grouting column bases, precast walls, panels, beams, pre-tensioned or post-tensioned, pre-stressed member applications. Mixes quickly and easily to desired consistency right on the jobsite:  ready-to-use formulation requires only the addition of water.  Requires no bonding agent, but must be cured immediately following application using a suitable water-based curing compound.  Silver Cure is recommended.

Silver Cure: Ready-to-use concrete curing compound.  Poly-alphamethylstryene-based with high solids content, formulation was developed for municipal departments of transportation as a premium-grade concrete curing compound.  Provides a tough, smooth, uniform film with excellent adhesion to the fresh concrete surface, producing high quality, durable surface. White-pigmented to reflect the sun’s rays, thereby maintaining cooler temperatures to reduces the expansive and contractive stresses that cause cracking during the hydration process. VOC compliant; meets U.S. EPA Architectural Coatings Rule requirements. Rate of coverage approximately 200 ft.2/gal. (4.91m2/L).

Rubberized Crack Filler: Emulsified cold-applied asphalt formulation seals cracks up to ¾” wide in asphalt and concrete pavement.   Hardens quickly, but will not brittle.  Fortified compound will not pull up when subjected to heavy traffic flows.

Instant Patch: Asphalt compound includes a blend of adhesive resins that combine with carefully graded aggregates to create an excellent patching material for repair of potholes and cracks, sunken areas and utility cuts in asphalt or concrete highways, streets, parking lots, and driveways.   Comes ready-to-use: no mixing or heating is required and can be applied in wet or dry, hot or cold conditions -10ºC to 50ºC (14ºF to 122ºF).  An average repair is completed in minutes; immediate traffic compacts Instant Patch, increasing its durability. Combines durability, adhesion and stability in curing. Use of primer is recommended for some applications. Packaged in re-sealable containers for easy repeat application.