Have you ever wondered whether the concrete you’ve just cast is ready for use or not? Well, there is a practical way to speed up the drying and hardening of concrete, which is to use concrete hardener. In addition to making concrete hard faster, it can also help prevent premature cracking that often occurs.
But, how exactly do you use concrete hardener correctly? Don’t worry, here we will discuss the complete steps to use it so that the results are truly maximized. So, prepare your notes and let’s see it through!
Why is concrete hardener important?
Before getting into how to use concrete hardener, first know why it is so important to use on your project. So, concrete mixed with hardener will have a higher density, making it dry faster, stronger and more resistant to damage from loads, extreme weather or water leaks.
Concrete hardener works by binding cement and sand particles together, resulting in a harder, denser concrete structure. By using a hardener, you can extend the life of the concrete, reduce cracking, and increase its resistance to extreme pressure and temperature changes.
How to Use Concrete Hardener
Now that you know why it’s important, let’s take a look at the complete steps in using concrete hardener to get the most out of it!
1. Choose the Right Hardener
The first step is to choose the right hardener that suits your needs. There are many choices on the market, each with its own advantages. Some hardeners are made from chemicals that work by increasing the strength of concrete by improving the bond between cement particles. Denka’s flagship concrete hardeners include Denka SC-1, Denka Beform, and Denka Quickset S30.
The point is to choose a product that has proven quality, and according to the type of project you are working on whether it is for the floor of a house, road, or other large projects.
2. Prepare the Concrete Mix Well
After finding the right hardener, the next step is to prepare the concrete mix. The ratio of ingredients such as cement, sand, and water must be appropriate before the hardener is added.
Don’t forget, hardeners have a specific dosage. For that, follow the instructions on the product label/data sheet! Don’t mix too much or too little hardener, it can make the results not optimal. So, mix thoroughly to maximize the end result!
3. Apply in the Right Way
Once the mixture is ready, pour it in and mix it with the concrete. Make sure that the hardener is fully incorporated and that all surfaces are evenly coated, especially areas that will bear heavy loads. That way, the end result is stronger and more durable.
4. Let the Concrete Dry Perfectly
After the casting is complete, let it dry completely so that the hardener works optimally. This process is very important to ensure the strength of the concrete. Also check the ambient temperature and humidity, as it can affect the drying time. Wait until the concrete is completely ready to use, so the results won’t be disappointing! Once the concrete is dry, don’t forget to treat the concrete with a curing compound, such as Estocure SC and P.
So, that’s how you can use concrete hardeners to ensure maximum results. By choosing the right product and following the steps above, your concrete will be more sturdy, durable, and ready to face various environmental challenges.
If you are looking for quality concrete hardener or other products such as admixtures, quick hardening, and waterproofing, PT Hissan Trading Indonesia has the solution! As part of the Denka & Kroos Group, we provide innovative and reliable construction products.
Check out our featured products and find the best fit for your project needs!
