SCC Self-Cleaning Sealer FAQ’s
001. What tests have been performed to verify how well SCC Sealer works on concrete?
SCC Sealer has undergone a battery of ASTM specified tests by an independent testing laboratory familiar with concrete testing.
The current ASTM tests SCC Sealer has been analyzed for are the following:
Freeze-Thaw test C-666, Scaling test C-672, Product Penetration C-856, Abrasion Resistance C-944, Water, Soluble Chloride C-1218, Pull-Off Strength test D-4541, and Water Vapor Transmission E-96.
002. How deep does the SCC Sealer crystalline formation penetrate the concrete?
The reactions that initially take place at the concrete surface is a liquid application that immediately penetrates into the capillary pores of the concrete surface. Over a short period of time depending on humidity levels, the liquid SCC Sealer turns into a gel which in –turn forms hygroscopic and hydrophilic crystals. SCC Sealer will search out moisture to the bottom of the capillary tube regardless of how long it is in length.
003. How long does SCC Sealer last?
SCC Sealer product application is permanent. Once placed, the crystals remain active indefinitely. Its unique crystalline growth structure will not deteriorate.
004. How resistant is SCC Sealer to chemicals?
Based on independent testing SCC Sealer is not affected by a wide range of chemicals including mild acids, solvents, chlorides, and caustic materials. It is resistant to oils, fuels and prevents dusting.
005. Is SCC Sealer affected by temperature, humidity, ultraviolet and oxygen levels?
Humidity, ultraviolet and the oxygen level (oxidation) have no effect on SCC Sealer. As humidity increases, the crystals actually swell in the capillaries to block moisture from entering the capillary.
006. Does SCC Sealer protect reinforcing steel?
Yes. By preventing the intrusion of chemicals, salt water, sewage, and other harmful materials, SCC Sealer protects concrete and reinforcing steel from deterioration and oxidation. If corrosion has already present, it will slow the process by not allowing moisture to enter the capillary tube.
007. Does SCC Sealer protect concrete against freeze/thaw damage?
Yes. By blocking the intrusion of water into concrete, SCC Sealer protects the concrete from the damaging effect of repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
008. Is SCC Sealer toxic?
No. SCC Sealer contains no volatile organic carriers (VOC) is completely safe to the environment.
009. Can SCC Sealer be applied against hydrostatic pressure?
Yes. Because SCC Sealer is not dependent upon adhesion to the concrete surface and instead becomes an integral part of the concrete mass through crystallization, it is capable of resisting hydrostatic pressure from either side (positive or negative) of the concrete.
010. Can SCC Sealer be applied while the concrete is wet?
Yes and No. Best results are obtained when the concrete is dry or slightly moist but not wet. SCC Sealer being water based carries the crystalline growth deep into the concrete. SCC Sealer once applied will not be affected if rain were to fall shortly after application. SCC Sealer starts working immediately after application.
011. Is SCC Sealer used to waterproof cracks, joints and other defects in concrete?
Yes. SCC Sealer has a specific repair system that utilizes its unique crystalline waterproofing technology to stop water flow through up to 1/16 cracks. In the case of expansion joints or chronic moving cracks, a flexible sealant is recommended.
012. Is SCC Sealer suitable for use on surfaces other than concrete?
SCC Sealer is totally compatible with the chemistry of concrete, whether poured-in-place, pre-cast or concrete block. SCC Sealer may also be used on mortar, plaster, stucco, terrazzo, exposed aggregate, and any sand aggregate cement combination.
013. What is the appearance of SCC Sealer?
SCC Sealer is a colorless, transparent liquid; initially, the concrete will appear darker for several days until the material has dried the concrete.
014. Can paint and other finishing materials be applied over SCC Sealer?
Yes. Paint, cement purge coats, plaster, and stucco can be applied or installed over concrete protected with SCC Sealer For detailed instructions, refer to SCC Sealer “Specification and Application Information”.
015. What are some typical SCC Sealer applications?
SCC Sealer can be applied to any concrete surface. Applications include Bridge decks, Airport Runways, Reservoirs, Tunnels, Parking Structures, Sidewalks, Sewage, and Water Treatment Tanks, Secondary Containment Structures, Underground Vaults, Foundations, Roof Decks, and Below Grade Construction.
016. How is SCC Sealer different from other products?
The dual SCC Sealer crystalline formation (hygroscopic & hydrophilic) for concrete waterproofing is substantially different from traditional barrier products (membranes, cementitious coatings):
- SCC Sealer creates a crystalline structure deep within the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete mass to prevent the penetration of water and aggressive chemicals and also form a barrier at the surface of the concrete.
- SCC Sealer it is resistant to hydrostatic pressure.
- SCC Sealer will seal hairline cracks up to 1/16 inch.
- SCC Sealer will not deteriorate after years of intense service.
- SCC Sealer is permanent and crystals activate whenever moisture is present.
017. What are the application advantages of using SCC Sealer?
The crystalline nature of the SCC Sealer waterproofing system provides many application advantages:
- SCC Sealer is a single component dual crystalline hygroscopic & hydrophilic product.
- SCC Sealer is a fluid applied water-based material.
- Application equipment from brooms, squeegee, Hudson hand sprayers or 250-2500 gallon sprayer units are readily available.
- SCC Sealer requires no special protection during backfilling or during placement of steel, wire mesh or other materials.
- SCC Sealer can be applied on either side of a concrete surface – the negative or the positive (water pressure) side.
- SCC Sealer forms a monolithic coverage that can be added to at any time.
- SCC Sealer is less costly to apply than most other methods.
018. What is the recommended application rate for SCC Sealer?
Typically a coverage rate of between 150 – 250 square feet per gallon will provide ample coverage.
Consultation with the manufacturer’s technical department or your local SCC Sealer representative for assistance in determining the appropriate dosage rate based on specific requirements and conditions of your project.
019. What can I expect after it is applied.
You will notice less water intrusion into the concrete. As days and weeks go by you may notice a cleaning action taking place. This may be in the form of residue on the concrete surface. This is a result of the crystals migrating toward the surface and a water source, thus “pushing” contaminates out of the concrete. This may persist for days, weeks, or months, but eventually stops as contaminates are removed.
SCC SEALER Vs. SILANE SEALER QUESTIONS
001. What is the composition of the crystalline material?
The base or foundation of the SCC Sealer crystal is Sodium Tartrate case # 868-18-8. There are other ingredients which give the SCC Sealer its special properties that increase the chemical resistance of the crystal structure and added properties that enhance and to add water repellency. These ingredients are proprietary and company secrets but none of the ingredients are toxic.
002. What are the by-products of its reaction within concrete?
The SCC Sealer does not react with any ingredients contained within the concrete substrate. The only by-product that remains within the concrete substrate is the crystal structures which are designed for the protection of the concrete substrate as well as the reinforcing steel contained in the concrete substrate.
003. How do you know when you have applied enough of the system? Is it because you have used the recommended dosage?
The research was very extensive in determining what amount of SCC Sealer was the optimum dosage for the protection of a high-way concrete substrate. Economics was not a determining factor in the recommended dosage.
Performance of the product concerning the protection of the concrete substrate was the only consideration. Applying more SCC Sealer product than the recommended dosage for a high-way concrete substrate will only waste product, but will not have an adverse effect on the substrate.
004. In your frequently asked questions brochure, you claim that SCC Sealer is resistant to hydrostatic pressure. What evidence have you got to support this?
The SCC Sealer technology is derived from the proven moisture blocker product lines that have been developed for concrete substrates over the past thirty-five years.
Based on this successful technology, the manufacturer naturally employed this historically proven technology for the protection of high-way concrete substrates to elimination the moisture related problems well documented within this industry.
005. Question and Statement. Silane, for example, does not claim to be efficient when subjected to a hydrostatic head, i.e. where areas of ponding may exist?
Silane will not and can not make a claim that it can resist a hydrostatic head. The product is a surface treatment that is designed to only repel water intrusion for a limited time.
It is not designed as a moisture blocker. Ponding water will have no effect on the SCC Sealer product, since it has been designed to block the intrusion of water, vapor or moisture into (from above or below) the concrete substrate.
005B. How do the actions of SCC Sealer differ from those actions of Silane?
Silane degrades in the presence of ultra-violet light. SCC Sealer does not! Silanes, whether water based or solvent based are toxic. SCC Sealer is not! Silanes contain VOCs. SCC Sealer does not! Silanes are toxic to the environment. SCC Sealer is not!
Silanes can and are flammable and explosive. SCC Sealer is not! Silanes are not a permanent treatment. SCC Sealer is! Silanes increase the likelihood of carbonation of the concrete substrate SCC Sealer does not! Silane is based on solvent technology. SCC Sealer is not!
006. Do the crystals bond themselves into the concrete matrix?
No, the crystals do not bond themselves to the concrete substrate. The term that should be employed other than bonding is the SCC Sealer crystals occupy the voids and capillaries of the concrete substrate.
Please keep in mind the SCC Sealer crystals are activated by the presence of moisture which can increase their size up to sixteen times when compared to their dry or dehydrated state. The crystals will last for the life of the concrete substrate, they are intertwined within the matrix, and they will not degrade.
006B. If so does the concrete remain permeable to vapor, etc?
The SCC Sealer is not permeable in the presence of vapor, moisture or water.
007. Has the effect of the system been considered in terms of the rate of carbonation of the concrete surfaces treated with SCC Sealer, in comparison to those that remain untreated?
The unique property of the SCC Sealer water repellency helps eliminates the possibility of carbonation from reducing the higher PH levels of the concrete substrate because of its ability to keep the concrete substrate dry and the sealing of the voids and capillaries, further assuring the reinforcing steel an inert environment preventing corrosion of the steel reinforcement.
Silanes require the alkali of the concrete substrate to create a reaction, which in turn reduces the PH levels within the concrete substrate. This elimination of the higher PH levels within the concrete substrate accelerates the possibility of carbonation leading to the deterioration of the concrete substrate and increasing the possibility of corroding the steel reinforcing structure.
008. What is the sodium and alkali content of SCC Sealer? Would the application of SCC Sealer lead to an enhanced risk of deterioration due to an alkali-aggregate reaction in structures?
SCC Sealer contains no free sodium (Sodium Tartrate is a dehydrate and the base of the catalyzed structure) and contains no alkali!
A concrete structure treated with SCC Sealer is better protected from alkali-aggregate reaction due to the fact that this reaction requires moisture to develop within the concrete substrate.