Ask the Builder
Concrete Books & Coating Manufacturers
By Tim Carter
©1993-2012 Tim Carter
Summary: When it comes to learning about concrete, there are two books that are must-haves, both from the Portland Cement Association. Looking for clear coating manufacturers? Many on the following list may not be familiar to you, because high quality clear coatings aren't usually sold at local hardware shops.
Great Books About Concrete
If you want to learn lots about how concrete should be installed, you must buy a copy of a neat paperback book published by the Portland Cement Association (www.cement.org). It is titled: Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures. This book is a little technical, but it has many very important facts and guidelines that will help you order and place concrete under all sorts of site and weather conditions.
The Portland Cement Association also has another book called The Homeowners Guide to Building With Concrete, Brick and Stone. This swell book contains some great photos, illustrations and numerous tables. It educates you about how to order and work with concrete. The book also shows you how to install brick and stone. It is a must have!
Manufacturers of Clear Coatings for Concrete
Many of the following manufacturers will not be familiar to you. Their products are not commonly sold at most local hardware stores or large home centers. To find quality products, you may have to hunt a little harder and drive just a little farther.
You are looking for the stores that professionals buy from. In many instances, you will find the products listed below at building supply stores where sand, cement and plaster are sold. Brick companies often sell these high quality clear coatings.
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There are all sorts of products at home centers - many of them advertised nationally - that can hurt concrete in cold climates. These products contain silicones, acrylics or other film-forming chemicals. Films trap water at the surface of the concrete. This water is wicking up from the soil beneath exterior concrete slabs. Silanes and siloxane water repellents allow this water to pass through to the atmosphere.
Once again, beware of products that say they contain acrylics. You may be purchasing a film-forming sealant!
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BASF Building Systems
Enviroseal 20 Silane penetrant
Enviroseal 40 Silane penetrant
White Roc W Acrylic Sealant
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Saver Systems
MasonrySaver Silane/Siloxane
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ChemMasters
Anti-Spall 50 Penetrating blend
Aquanil Plus 40 Silane moisture and water repellent
