Carbonation in concrete is a natural chemical process where carbon dioxide from the air penetrates the concrete and reacts with the cement paste. This reaction gradually reduces the concrete’s alkalinity, which can weaken the natural protective layer around embedded steel reinforcement.
When reinforcement is no longer protected, moisture and oxygen can contribute to steel corrosion, leading to cracking, spalling and deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. Sika concrete protection systems, such as suitable anti-carbonation coatings and protective surface treatments, help reduce carbon dioxide ingress and support the long-term durability of concrete.

Concrete can be protected from chloride ingress by applying a suitable protective coating or treatment designed to reduce the penetration of chlorides and moisture. This can help protect embedded reinforcement and reduce the risk of corrosion and further concrete deterioration.

Concrete can be protected from carbonation by applying a suitable concrete protection system that helps reduce the penetration of carbon dioxide into the concrete. Anti-carbonation coatings form a protective
barrier on the concrete surface, helping to maintain the concrete’s alkalinity and protect embedded steel reinforcement from corrosion. Good concrete protection also starts with correct surface preparation, repair of damaged or spalled areas, and selection of the right Sika coating or surface treatment for the exposure conditions. Sika anti-carbonation coatings and protective systems help improve durability, reduce carbonation-related deterioration, and extend the service life of reinforced concrete structures.

A carbonation protective coating is applied to concrete to help reduce the penetration of carbon dioxide into the concrete. This helps protect the alkalinity of the concrete and can reduce the risk of corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement.

Carbonation affects reinforced concrete by reducing the natural alkalinity of the concrete around the embedded steel reinforcement.

In sound, highly alkaline concrete, the steel is normally protected by a
passive layer that helps prevent corrosion. As carbon dioxide penetrates the concrete and carbonation progresses, this protective environment can be weakened. If carbonation reaches the level of the reinforcement, and moisture and oxygen are present, the steel can begin to corrode. This corrosion can cause expansion, cracking, spalling and loss of durability in reinforced concrete structures.

Suitable Sika concrete protection systems, including anti-carbonation coatings and protective surface treatments, help reduce carbon dioxide ingress and support longer service life.

Carbonation occurs when carbon dioxide from the atmosphere penetrates the concrete and reacts with components within the cement paste. Over time, this can reduce the alkalinity of the concrete and increase the risk of corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement.

Yes. Sikagard®-850 AG is designed to help prevent fly posters from adhering permanently to protected surfaces. Posters can fall away after a few days, allowing them to be easily discarded.

Applying an anti-graffiti coating provides a protective layer that helps make graffiti easier to remove without damaging the underlying surface. Sikagard®-850 AG is a permanent, transparent anti-graffiti and anti-poster coating designed to protect a range of surfaces from recurring graffiti and unwanted posters.

Anti-graffiti coatings can be used on a range of surfaces, including concrete, masonry, metal and wood. Sikagard®-850 AG can be applied to both coated and uncoated surfaces, including painted masonry and substrates treated with hydrophobic impregnation.

An anti-graffiti coating is a protective coating applied to surfaces to make unwanted graffiti easier to remove. It provides a protective barrier that helps prevent graffiti from damaging the underlying surface and can help reduce the cost and effort of repeated graffiti removal.

Hydrophobic impregnation penetrates the surface of the substrate and provides water-repellent protection without forming a visible film. Unlike film-forming concrete coatings, it generally has little or no effect on the original appearance of the concrete, brick or stone.

Chemical resistant coatings are protective coatings designed to protect concrete surfaces from damage caused by exposure to aggressive chemicals. They help reduce chemical attack and deterioration, making them suitable for industrial, chemical and wastewater environments.

The best chemical resistant coating depends on the type of concrete surface, the chemicals present and the level of exposure. Sika offers chemical resistant coating solutions including Sikadur®-62, Sikadur®-63 N and Sika®-4a for concrete protection applications.

Hydrophobic impregnation can be used where concrete or other mineral substrates need protection from water ingress while maintaining their original appearance. It is suitable for new and repair works and can also be used as a primer beneath certain protective coating systems.

Chemical resistant coatings are used on concrete surfaces exposed to chemicals and other aggressive substances. Common applications include industrial facilities, chemical processing areas, wastewater environments and other areas where concrete requires additional protection.

Yes. A suitable chemical resistant coating can beapplied to prepared  concrete surfaces to provide a protective barrier against chemical exposure. The correct coating depends on the application and the conditions the concrete will be exposed to.

Protecting concrete from chemical attack involves selecting a suitable protective system for the exposure conditions and applying it to a properly prepared surface. Chemical resistant coatings can provide a protective barrier that helps prevent aggressive chemicals from directly attacking the concrete.

Silane-based hydrophobic treatments penetrate the pores of concrete and other mineral substrates, helping to repel water and reduce the ingress of moisture and water-soluble salts. This can help protect concrete from deterioration and support the long-term durability of the structure.

Chemical exposure can cause concrete surfaces to deteriorate over time. A chemical resistant coating provides a protective barrier that helps protect the concrete from aggressive substances and extend its service life.

A silane treatment is a surface-applied hydrophobic treatment that penetrates the pores and capillaries of concrete and other mineral substrates to create a water-repellent surface. It helps reduce the penetration of water and aggressive water-soluble substances, such as chlorides and sulphates, without significantly changing the appearance of the substrate.