Lythic Solutions releases concrete curing densifier

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Concrete technology company Lythic Solutions, Inc. has announced the availability of a concrete curing densifier/sealer proven to reduce labor costs.

Applied as a troweling aid, Lythic’s Day1 one component concrete curing densifier, sealer and hardener provides a smooth tight surface. After final trowel is complete, the formulation is effective as a cure so no curing agent application is required. Then, after 24 hours, the slab surface repels water to prevent moisture penetration that can lead to ASR. The result is a slab with increased surface hardness and abrasion resistance that can be polished with less time and tooling.

According to Lythic President David Loe, the major benefits of DAY1 include transforming the slab into a tougher, more durable flooring surface that is waterproofed to protect from ASR, as well as the labor savings.

“Using DAY1 as a troweling aid saves labor because it also impregnates the surface with a curing aid/water proofing component,” said Loe. “Returning to the site to apply a curing compound or other curing method is not needed.”

DAY1 will increase hardness and abrasion resistance as it aids in curing by limiting evaporation and extending cement hydration time. Designed for interior and exterior use, DAY1 reacts with the free lime and silica components in concrete. Applications include but are not limited to concrete floors, walls, driveways, sidewalks, precast stone, masonry and natural stone. By bonding silica and other water repellent components into the substrate, it becomes part of the concrete matrix. Further, it fortifies cement to prevent dusting and efflorescence.

“For mere pennies per square foot, you save time as you don’t have to spray a cure as well as apply a waterproofer,” said Loe. “Another benefit is reducing the worry about what can go wrong with all of these steps. Rather, you’ll enjoy increased workability and the result is a tight, consolidated surface exceeding expectations.”

DAY1 was developed in response to the market need for a product to prevent ASR caused by alkaline aggregates common to concrete mixes in some regions.

Although a new product, it has already been proven as a viable solution by several contractors. John Clary, President of Clary Concrete – a residential contractor in Camdenton, Missouri –used DAY1 on a slab placement project for the last nine months. He noted the benefit of the product serving multiple purposes at once. In a region known for ASR problems, Clary has not experienced pop-outs since he started using DAY1.

“As a troweling aid, DAY1 creates a smoother, tighter finished surface,” said Clary. “The fact that DAY1 is also a curing agent means that we can save on the materials and labor that would be required to perform the curing step the next day.”

With the ability to accept adhesives, paints and other products with no special preparation, the water-based product offers low VOC content and can be applied as a troweling aid at the time of slab placement. It will not chip/peel or alter slab colors. Further, it seals the concrete to prevent moisture damage, reduces weathering potential, as well as improves abrasion resistance.

Application can be performed as part of placement or 24 hours after. As a part of final trowel process, spray DAY1 ahead of power trowel to increase efficiency and greater surface consolidation. If using after slab placement, sufficiently apply the product to the surface, while not allowing it to puddle. Application by spray is preferred, immediately followed by broom to avoid puddles.