Decorative Concrete Driveways Increase Curb Appeal

Decorative concrete is a great way to smooth out your driveway as well as highlight your home's curbside appeal. If your current drive is damaged, it can detract from the overall appearance of your home as well as pose hazards for guests and your cars. While a new driveway may seem like an extravagance, it can actually increase property value and there are many reasonably priced options available. Existing driveways can also be overlaid or cut to enhance the appearance.

Before picking out any design ideas, take a walk around your neighborhood and check out the local driveways. What colors, patterns, and materials are popular? Do they blend in well with the architecture and style of the home, or do they distract? Are homes in the area conservative with traditional styling or is there more of a modern, unique flair to people's tastes? Once you get an idea of local trends, you can better choose decorative concrete that will not only reflect your preferences but will be in line with the property market. While you want your driveway and home to standout, you'll want to do so in a tasteful manner in order to maximize value.

Once you've done your research, take a look at your options. There are several different types of decorative concrete available which include a wide array of possible patterns, textures, and layouts. Stamping is currently one of the more popular choices. This is where the wet surface is stamped with a design or texture, most often to resemble stone, cobblestone, wood, or other materials that aren't as practical for lining a driveway. The surface can then be stained using any number of different techniques like acid or dye-based to achieve a realistic color.

If you're comfortable with the condition of your existing driveway but want to add more flair, there is a technique called engraving. Craftsmen "redesign" the surface using tools to cut around individual stones, creating intricate tile or rock-like patterns. The area can then be colored as an entire unit or in pieces to create a specific design. Since the surface is already set, in order to create a stamped look an overlay must be placed over the existing surface.

Most people choose to extend the design of the driveway into a garden path or a patio. Mixing and matching styles is also possible and can create a dramatic look that is still seamless. However, there are some disadvantages to choosing decorative concrete. The main issue is the extra care required to maintain its appearance. A little bit of regular maintenance is required to keep it in good condition for many years, but fortunately it's not time consuming or cost prohibitive. Stains should be treated quickly, as some surfaces will still absorb it causing discoloration. Simply use some dish detergent and a heavy brush to remove it. The sealant that is placed once the drive is installed will also have to be reapplied every couple of years to ensure effectiveness. 

After all that hard work be sure to choose a CoatMasters coating to enhance and provide that long lasting protection .  

To learn more about this process and options, visit: http://www.brandellstudio.com/

Happy Thanksgiving

May your holiday be filled with joy and the coming year be overflowing with all the good things in life!

Above The Rest

Before

CoatMasters CM-Gloss sealer
I wanted to thank you and your company IMRAE for supplying a great product. I used the IMRAE CM-Gloss sealer on a 3500 sq ft warehouse and the results were more than perfect. It made my job as a contractor easy to apply with only 2 coats 

After

which saved time and labor cost.  I've used different products in the past on concrete, topically I use  3 to 4 coats just to get a gloss sheen, with wear and tear it didn't last. 
I applied CM-Gloss sealer and the next day the customer had forklifts driving over the sealer with no marking. It actually felt like we were on an ice ring with heavy equipment and no damage was done to the floor. My customer was satisfied and is thinking of doing the same application on their 2nd warehouse. I highly recommend IMRAE CoatMasters products to all consumer and commercial aspects. 
Please refer pic's attached

Best Regards,
Frank Camara
Above The Rest Janitorial Services

Dampproof/Waterproof Coating with Leed Point Credit

Customizing products to meet your needs.

CM 7007 Dampproof and Waterproof Coating is a vapor coating retarder that can be applied on new precast concrete. The product is a mixture of emulsified acrylic (min. 50% post-consumer) and bituminous polymers of low VOC designed for above and below grade coating applications on concrete, stucco, masonry type substrates, modified bitumen, and rigid polyurethane foam ply, and rigid PVC materials. This modified acrylic and bituminous coating also provides excellent adhesion on incidental applications on metal and wood substrates. This product is breathable for concrete.

CM 7007 Dampproof and Waterproofing Coating is a high solids system and provides a seamless durable coating, superior adhesion and flexibility to a variety of substrates, contains fungicide and mildewcide protection, UV protection, and heat reflective properties saving cooling costs, and provides water resistance and vapor permeability. It comes in a standard gray color and can be color matched to any darker colors.

Meets Federal and State VOC limit requirements for volatile organic components (VOC).
Complies with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) VOC limit.
Hardness (ASTM C-836) Shore Type 00 Durometer 81
Hydrostatic Resistance (ASTM D-751) Method A, Procedure 1 36 psi (max head resisted)
Water Vapor Transmission (ASTM E-96) Procedure B, water method 1 coat: 7.8 grain/ hr-ft2

LEED POINTS CREDIT
MR Credit 4.1: Recycled Content: 10%, (post-consumer + 1/2 pre-consumer) - 1 Point
MR Credit 4.2: Recycled Content: 20%, (post-consumer + 1/2 pre-consumer) - 1 Point in addition to MR Credit 4.1
Use materials with recycled content such that the sum of post-consumer recycled content plus one-half of the
pre-consumer content constitutes at least 10% (based on cost) of the total value of the materials in the project.
MR Credit 5.1: Regional Materials: 10% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured Regionally – 1 Point
MR Credit 5.2: Regional Materials: 20% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured Regionally - 1 Point in addition to MR Credit 5.1
Use building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured,
within 500 miles of the project site for a minimum of 10% (based on cost) of the total materials

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

Building with Ecolite Wall Systems can assist projects in achieving LEED-NC v2.2 ratings in the following credits:

• EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance
• EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
• MRc2.1 & 2.2: Construction Waste Management-Divert % of waste from disposal
• MRc4.1 & 4.2: Recycled Content-Use % of recycled materials in building (post-consumer + ½ pre-consumer)
• MRc5.1 & 5.2: Regional Materials: Use % of extracted, processed, and manufactured locally materials with 500 miles of project site
• EQc7.1: Thermal Comfort: Design building envelope to meet requirements of ASHRAE 55-2004 which provide thermal comfort for building occupants
• IDc1.1-1.4: Innovation in Design: Reduce Cement Content with use of recycled and/ or rapidly renewable aggregates and admixtures

Ecolite wall systems are made from recycled cold-formed steel and a light weight proprietary concrete mix. This concrete mix is made up of approximately 25% recycled content, and at least 25% regional materials, more may be available depending on location of the project. Steel recycled content rates vary, but according to LEED NC 2.2 projects can assume 25% recycled steel content based on average minimums. When using Ecolite, detailed recycled content percentages for steel will be provided for more precise calculations.

Other Sustainable Benefits:
For an increased life cycle, Ecolite walls require virtually zero maintenance; do not support mold or mildew, and vermin or termites. The walls produce zero VOCs and can be recycled after the building is demolished. Through Ecolite's unique plant manufacturing process, job site disturbance is minimized, therefore assisting in preserving the natural environment and habitat of Greenfields.

Light weight water proof concrete

Traditional solutions using bituminous coatings

All this destructive reactions require water. Hence, keeping the concrete dry is an important feature for concrete protection and maintenance. Bituminous coatings are reported to have limited durability and after a while the corrosion process will start due to its weak interfacial film failure that occurs overtime. The limited mechanic-ability and penetrability to protect the surface deeper from the concrete surface does not provide the protection needed due to attack of anions toward the passive steel in the concrete matrix. At the same time rendering bituminous coatings prone to adhesion failure, wherein durability is weakened by the elements over varying weather conditions.

CM9007 is an integral admixture for waterproofing of concrete, GFRC, or other types of polymeric cementitious mixes.  For use in reducing water ingress and water absorption able to meet 1.0% maximum water absorption level according to recommended dosage.  Tested according to British Standard (BS 1881: Part 122: 1983).  Increases compressive and flexural strength properties, and densifiies the film upon cure.  The final result provides long term protection from corrosion on structural reinforced concrete, and efflorescence protection from various salt build-ups.

Basic Benefits of Concrete made with Elemix Additive 

Elemix concrete additive has several properties that are advantageous to use in concrete, including:

Ø Reduces Concrete Weight

o Delivers targeted densities while achieving structural compressive strength

o Reduced concrete weight can contribute to overall reduction of building costs or for manufactured products contributes to reduced transportation costs

o Enables concrete to be used in new design opportunities

Ø Product / Performance Consistency

o Elemix additive is manufactured under tight tolerances resulting in consistent performance properties, therefore reducing the overall variability in concrete mixtures

Ø Durability

o Good durability increases the life of the concrete structure reducing long-term costs

o Elemix concrete additive has been shown to impart freeze-thaw resistance with durability factors ≥ 80% without the use of air-entraining admixtures

o Studies of concrete containing Elemix additive have generated concrete with low to very low chloride ion penetrability

Ø Ease and Efficiency of Placement

o Concrete made with Elemix additive pumps, places and finishes easily by traditional methods. The non-abrasive nature of the product contributes to less wear on equipment.

Ø Cracking Performance

o Studies at Purdue University reveal that the use of Elemix additive in concrete gave crack reduction ratios, associated with plastic shrinkage cracking, of up to 85% versus a control. Improved cracking performance was also evident in restrained shrinkage cracking tests where the addition of Elemix additive increased the time to cracking or in some cases enabled samples to not crack.

Ø Thermal Performance

o Concrete made with Elemix additive will improve thermal resistance based on the reduced unit weight.

Addition to Concrete

Elemix concrete additive is supplied to concrete batches by weight or volume. Elemix additive is easily added manually to batching equipment or directly to mixers. 

CoatMasters sealers and vapor coating barriers

CoatMasters a superior product in comparison to the competitors.

·        The CoatMasters product is an environmentally friendly water based product with very low VOC and a much higher solids content that provides a very high stain resistance.  With CoatMasters you do not have to worry about a milky appearance that some sealers get after application.  CoatMasters provides long lasting protection against common household liquid stains, while maintaining its long term gloss shine appearance, greatly reduces efflorescence build up by also acting as an impregnating sealer, provides anti-graffiti protection (sacrificial) for cleaning and recoating, has quick dry time with excellent “hydrolytic” stability for moisture resistance, surface film is breathable and has excellent recoating properties.  In addition, CoatMasters Sealer also exhibits excellent adhesion to their substrate materials used in combination such as metal, wood, and plastic.  The use of these products qualifies for 1-LEED point under the “LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations”, section EQ Credit 4.2: Low Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings.  

Additional benefits

·        Eliminates efflorescence effect from cementitious compositions.

·        Hard film resin and excellent adhesion provides “Anti-Graffiti” protection, cleanable by solvent and/or by high pressure washing

·        Provides excellent water repellency from water and salt water solutions.

·        Reduces salt transmission and chloride ion penetration on rebars, thus providing additional corrosion protection.

·        Excellent freeze thaw stability greatly reduces tendency for spalling.

·        Does not contain any formulated glycols or similar solvents.

·        VOC compliant < 100 grams / liter, meets AQMD Rule 1113 for concrete sealer coatings.

 Meets ASTM Test on Coat Film Performance Characteristics

·        ASTM D0968 Abrasion Resistance (Method A)

·        ASTM D2369 Wt. Total Solids (28-30%)

·        ASTM D0714 Blistering Test (100% Passed)

·        ASTM D2243 Freeze Thaw Resistance (Passed)

·        ASTM D2794 Impact Res. (60 lbs/in² - Passed)

·        ASTM C-309 Liq. Membrane Forming (T1-Passed)

·        ASTM C-1315 Special Prop for Curing (T1-Passed)

·        ASTM D-1309 Test for Settling (Passed)

·        ASTM D3363 Pencil Hardness Test (2H)

·        ASTM D1630 Dry Time

·        5-10 minutes – tack free

·        1 – 2 hrs – dry hard - 16-24 hrs – dry through

THE HYDROPHOBIC HIGH-TECH AGGREGATE

The mineral lightweight aggregate ROTOCELL® becomes the high-tech waterrepellent granulate ROTOCELL PLUS® through a patented processing method. Due to this innovation a wide range of product
and processing advantages open up that increase energy efficiency and sustainability of products and applications significantly.


Natural expanded silicate was formed during the last volcanic eruption in Germany about 12,500 years ago.
Nature then produced an air-pore-rich, pebble-like mineral out of purely silicate raw materials was deposited just below the surface.
Since 1990, at its headquarters in Urmitz and Neuwied, Rhineland-Palatinate, ROTEC® has mined more than 180,000 tons of this ecologically excellent raw material per year and has been refining it into innovative
lightweight aggregates and ecologically valuable substrates.
NATURAL-EXPANDED SILICATE – A GIFT OF NATURE ROTEC® lightweight aggregates unite a world-class LCA:

• Mining in a nature and energy-saving open-pit-mining process
• Remediation of the mining areas into nature reserves or habitats
• On-site processing with low transportation costs
• Energy-efficient drying
• Refinement with ecological cleaning equipment
• Energy-efficient grinding and sieving
• Packaging-free and delivery in big bags or silo trucks



Benefits at a glance:
• Very low weight
• High compressive strength
• Excellent thermal insulation
• Water absorption controllable
• High yield
• Optimum processing properties
• Long-term stability
• Excellent sound absorption
• High breathability
• Great mixing properties
• Non-flammable
• 100 % mineral
• Solvent free
• Odourless
• 100 % recyclable Preferred application areas:
• Plasters
• Organic plaster systems
• Paints and primers
• Mortars
• Fine concretes
• Construction chemicals
• Facade facing panels and lightweight panels
• Fire and noise protection panels
• Insulation products
• Fills
• Plastics
• Oil absorber
• Water filters
• and much more

The Power of the Bead

NEW CONCRETE ADDITIVE AIDS LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE PUMPING AND FINISHING

Elemix® concrete additive reinvents the power and possibilities of concrete.  Its dynamic structure and dispersion characteristics deliver consistent, durable, lightweight concrete that pumps, places, and finishes easily,  Elemix additive provides architects,structural engineers, contractors, and developers with a concrete additive that changes the way projects are designed, built, and maintained. 

Lightweight

Structural lightweight concrete (900-130 pcf)  through tailored unit weights

Durable

Excellent freeze/thaw and crack resistance performance

Sustainable   

 Source reduction and enhanced R-value

CONSISTENT - LIGHTWEIGHT- AVAILABLE GLOBALLY

PUNCHouse Project 234

A green endeavor and the first LEED Platinum home built in Santa Monica - for well-renowned TV/media commentator, Lisa Ling, and husband, Dr. Paul Song, an LA based radiation oncologist. This house was built using green products and IMRAE Corporation is proud to have contributed in the realization of the couple’s quest for environmental responsiveness in their community. IMRAE Corporation provided the CoatMasters products for this project used in sealing various concrete surfaces, including seal penetration and topical application on custom designed concrete tiles manufactured by Smith-Laredo Specialty Surfaces for water protection.
CoatMasters sealers were the preferred choice for protective coating, and endorsed by Mike Taylor, President of Smith-Laredo Specialty Surfaces. The conceptualized bathroom designs made with 100% concrete tiles are subjected to different exposure conditions. To meet this challenge, various known brand sealers were evaluated side by side, and the CoatMasters sealers performed extremely well in terms of high water repellency that contributed to its superior water proofing resistance and required stain protection from various liquid drinks (i.e. coffee, soda, red wine, etc.).
“This is the right product for the intended application”, explained Mike Taylor to the architectural team committee of the PUNCHouse Project 234.
The special customized concrete tiles installed on all of the bathroom areas were exposed to various liquid contact and floor traffic conditions. For the concrete walls in the shower area, CoatMasters (CM) 3007, an impregnating sealer, provides “high penetrating effect on smooth micro porous surfaces”. Its main purpose is to seal concrete surfaces to prevent any capillary suction effect that would cause concrete to absorb water over time.

For other concrete wall areas, the CoatMasters (CM) Matte Sealer, a topical coating, was selected to provide a durable stain resistance from common drinks such as coffee, soda, and red wine. It also provides abrasion resistant properties which helps maintain the original appearance of the concrete surface.

All CoatMasters products used are environmentally friendly, and easily meets the VOC limit requirement of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and the use of these products qualifies for 1-LEED point under the “LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations”, section EQ Credit 4.2: Low Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings.
A remarkable true “Green Living” in many years to come with a responsive awareness in pursuit of environmental sustainability is the hallmark of Lisa Ling and Dr. Paul Song. IMRAE Corporation highly believes in these core values and shall always collaborate itself with concerned groups and other institutions sharing similar goals and objectives.

CoatMasters Dampprofing Coating

CM Dampprofing Coating:


A vapor coating retarder that can be applied on new precast concrete.  An excellent choice for in ground vaults.  The product is a mixture of emulsified acrylic (min. 50% post-consumer) and bituminous polymers of low VOC designed for above and below grade coating applications on concrete, stucco, masonry type substrates, modified bitumen, and rigid polyurethane foam ply, and rigid PVC materials. This modified acrylic and bituminous coating also provides excellent adhesion on incidental applications on metal and wood substrates.

CM Dampprofing Coating is a high solids system and provides a seamless durable coating, superior adhesion and flexibility to a variety of substrates, contains fungicide and mildewcide protection, UV protection, and heat reflective properties saving cooling costs, and provides water resistance and vapor permeability. The CM Dampprofing Coating comes in standard gray color and may also be custom color matched.


PRODUCT APPLICATION:
The product can be applied either by brush, roller or spray. For spray applications, the product can be both applied either by spray atomization or airless techniques. Please follow the spray equipment manufacturer recommendations for spray applications and optimize when the desired coating is achieved. For airless or air assisted sprayers we suggest to use 0.027 or 0.031 size tip and always maintain a uniform coating application.


LEED POINTS CREDIT
MR Credit 4.1: Recycled Content: 10%, (post-consumer + 1/2 pre-consumer) - 1 Point
MR Credit 4.2: Recycled Content: 20%, (post-consumer + 1/2 pre-consumer) - 1 Point in addition to MR Credit 4.1
Use materials with recycled content such that the sum of post-consumer recycled content plus one-half of the
pre-consumer content constitutes at least 10% (based on cost) of the total value of the materials in the project.
MR Credit 5.1: Regional Materials: 10% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured Regionally – 1 Point
MR Credit 5.2: Regional Materials: 20% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured Regionally - 1 Point in addition to MR Credit 5.1
Use building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured,
within 500 miles of the project site for a minimum of 10% (based on cost) of the total materials)
EQ Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings - 1 Point
Do not exceed the VOC content limits established in South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, Architectural Coatings, rules in effect on January 1, 2004.

Elemix Additive

Applications

Elemix additive comprises innovative polymeric spheres that have been specially formulated for use in concrete. Suitable for any application where lightweight and durability are important, Elemix additive has been successfully trialed in numerous commercial applications, including:

• University buildings
• Hospitals
• Museums
• Residential homes – disaster relief
• Elevated slabs on deck
• Concrete fill for walls
• Warehouse/storage facilities
• Tilt up concrete panels
• Air conditioner pads
• Concrete toppings

This additive distributes uniformly in concrete, providing lighter weight and enhanced durability in structural and non-structural applications.

BENEFITS

Specified Unit Weight

• Reduces overall building and transportation costs due to the concrete’s lighter weight

• Enables concrete to be used in new applications Enhanced Durability

• Increases the life of the concrete structure, reducing long-term costs Product/Performance Consistency

• Reduces variability in concrete mixtures due to tight manufacturing tolerances, which result in consistent performance properties, regardless of geographic location

Featured Project - CoatMasters

Rehabilitated by AB Construction & Unlimited Concepts

To realize practical savings on long term maintenance and long term customer satisfaction that truly delivers a “Value Adding Product”.

La Perla #7 Tower Coronado Shores, Coronado, CA. The work performed repair of ledges due to concrete spalling caused by salt water moisture, process consists of removal of old coatings, patching, impregnating using CM2007 CI (w/ Corrosion Inhibitors), and application of CM Stain Blocking Primer and CM Elastomeric Coating.
A value to the customers in protecting an investment.
Whether in new building construction, reconstruction or renovation, the water resistance of a building should not be left as the last taks of planners, businessmen and clients in defending against the financial losses caused by water damage. Chemistry plays an important role in "architectural protection" and should be to the forefront of every strategy for blocking water ingress. The effectiveness of CoatMasters film and non-film forming sealers provides several of the following benefits.  


High water repellancy
* Excellent vapor permeability
* Reduced salt transmission and chloride ion penetration
* Stain protection
* Good alkali resistance
* Good penetration
* Uniform substrate appearance
* Long term effectiveness
* VOC (volatile organic component) compliant
* Environmentally friendly

Ecolite: Form, Function, Faster

Ecolite Concrete USA is a building systems technology company. We license a suite of technologies which enable our licensees to design and fabricate proprietary walls systems for commercial, municipal, and government construction, typically on a large scale. Ecolite's patent pending wall system and proprietary fabrication process enable the rapid production and delivery of walls directly to the job site.

Ecolite walls are fabricated in a highly controlled design and manufacturing environment; a process which has demonstrated to significantly shorten the build cycle of most projects. The efficiencies created by the Ecolite system result in better buildings, in less time, for less money. Ecolite adheres to a vision of precision, innovation, quality, and care. Our goal is simple, to influence and change the way the world builds, one wall at a time.

APPLICATIONS

EXTERIOR LOAD BEARING WALL
The typical Ecolite panel has 2" (inches) of light weight concrete with lath, mid-depth on one side. 1" of concrete occurs outboard of the frame and 1" extends into the frame, embedding the studs. Steel member gauge, and stud spacing varies depending on the requirements of the project. These panels are also used as interior fire and sound walls.

DOUBLE SIDED (SANDWICH) WALL
Sandwich panels have 2” of light weight concrete on each face with a polystyrene foam sandwich between faces. These panels can be used for load bearing fire and sound walls, exterior walls where both sides are exposed to weather, or walls where drywall is not desired as an interior finish.

EXTERIOR CLADDING
Similar in construction to the exterior load bearing wall panels, but non-load bearing and attached to the face of the building superstructure. Cladding can be used for low, mid, and high rise buildings.

TEMPORARY BARRIER WALL
This versatile panel is similar to a double sided sandwich panel, but is free standing and designed to resist overturning from high winds and other forces. The barrier wall can be used as a temporary moveable wall system or fencing.

Featured Project

La Jolla Towers, San Diego, CA

Precast seatwalls along water features requires water stain resistance, and protection from effloresence. To meet customer requirements, contractors uses CM2007 or CM3007 for concrete protection

CoatMasters line of Impregnating Sealers are designed for use as a penetrating system and functions as a water and oil repellent for treating masonry surfaces, provides long lasting protection against water vapor permeability, and resistance to staining and or color deterioration.  The product will naturally protect color, and continuously provide a breathable porous substrate.  Additional benefits include excellent water repellency, greatly minimize spalling, and have a very low odor for ease of application by brush, roll, flow, and or spray.  

Why Elemix Additive

Spherical geometry

Reduces friction
•Reduces pump pressure
•Closed-cell structure
•Negligible water absorption
•Little to no loss of slump
•Reduced pump pressuresof 20-50%


Batching

Consistency
•Negligible water absorption
•No air entraining admixtures to meet density
•No geographic fluctuations in cost, quality, and availability
•Improved yields
•Reduced water/cement ratio

Concrete

Reduced density (unit weight)
•Improved pumping
•Improved resistance to cracking
•Improved finishing
•Improved thermal performance
•Improved long-term durability in freezing and thawing

Improved Finishing

Reduced bleed water
•Batched dry
•Reduced water to cement ratios
•No air entraining admixtures reduces risk of delamination

Value Adding CM 9007 Integral Admixture Improving Performance Characteristics

•Provides long term protection from efflorescence on all major cementitious compositions (i.e. Types I, II/V, III Cements, Bricks, Mortar, Tile, etc.).

•Excellent water ion protection from water and salt water solutions.

•Protects structures from water damage, and potential corrosion expansion on rebars (eliminates acid from CO2, water, and chloride ions).

•Due to water protection it greatly improves freeze thaw stability, thus eliminating spalling.

•As a densifier improves key strength performance characteristics such as compressive strengths on SRC-standard reinforced concrete; and flexural and ultimate strengths on GFRC-glass fiber reinforced concretes (Admixture System).

•Helps on easing of demolding procedures resulting to well defined edges.


Product Applications
•Precast concrete (architectural landscape, concrete pipes, underground vaults, tunnels, etc.) and glass fiber reinforced concretes (GFRC).

•Structural (i.e. tilt-up wall concrete, bridge water foundation on regular and salt water immersion, swimming pools, wastewater treatment plants, etc.)

Film Forming Sealers

Manufactured based on special modified acrylic systems, which exhibits high water repellency upon cure, provides long term protection from efflorescence, and provides additional stain resistance.

CoatMasters Impregnating sealers

Designed for use as a penetrating system and functions as a water and oil repellent for treating against water vapor permeability, and resistance to naturally protect color, and continuously provide a breathable porous substrate.  Additional benefits include excellent water repellency, greatly minimize spalling, and have a very low odor for ease of application by brush, roll, flow, and or spray.  

CM2007 is a product of novel technology made form new generation of silicon emulsions and other trade secret blends, designed to protect concrete from moisture and other fluids.

CM9007 - Integral Waterproofing Admixture

A novel product formulation engineered to provide the highest performance in integral waterproofing protection.

An integral admixture for waterproofing of concrete, GFRC, or other types of polymeric cementitious mixes.  For use in reducing water ingress and water absorption able to meet 1.0% maximum water absorption level according to recommended dosage.  Tested according to British Standard (BS 1881: Part 122: 1983).  Increases compressive and flexural strength properties, and densifiies the film upon cure.  The final result provides long term protection from corrosion on structural reinforced concrete, and efflorescence protection from various salt build-ups.

Sustainability

Rethinking the way concrete is manufactured.  

By helping people build smarter with Elemix additive, an efficient product that delivers sustainable benefits in bold tangible ways.
We are committed to the triple bottom line approach to sustainability – economic, social and environmental.  Our belief is that a sustainable business is a profitable and socially responsible one.

Environmental - Elemix additive is a patented, manufactured product that supplements naturally occurring aggregates. That means fewer quarries have to be mined – decreasing the impact construction has on the environment.

Social – The lightweight properties of Elemix additive provide a safer working environment. Loads are lightened significantly, lessening the effect manually transported concrete has on workers well-being.

Economic - Elemix additive improves the thermal characteristics of concrete.  As the R-value increases, energy demand decreases, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs for buildings.  The lightweight characteristics of elemix additive allows for overall material source reduction – reducing the amount of concrete and steel needed to build – delivering a more cost-effective structure.  The global consistent availability of Elemix additive helps to streamline product offerings for businesses operating in multiple geographies – delivering a standard solution, regardless of location.

Innovation on silicon molecular structure

There are three main classes of silicon compounds 
The silicones or silanes used in the hydrophobisation of construction or construction materials can be subdivided into three classes.

• Monomeric alkyl alkoxy silanes
• Oligomeric alkyl alkoxy siloxanes
• Polymeric siloxanes


All three types form a 3-dimensional resin like network after application and curing.  Their chemical stability to the silicate components of building materials produces a stable and durable bond to most mineral substrates. At the same time, the alkyl groups orient themselves towards the exterior (air) side and protect the surface, acting rather like microscopic umbrellas to protect against the penetration of humidity.


Molecular structure determines key properties
The mode of action or the site of attachment of the siloxanes depends on their chemical structure.
While polysiloxanes create a film at the surface of the substrate, low molecular weight silanes and oligomeric siloxanes penetrate into the available pores. i.e. these low molecular weight products are subject to capillary absorption.  Embedded in the pores of the building material, they reduce the capillary absorption of water, the well known “suction” effect of all capillaries.  Therefore, they have almost no influence on the surface of the substrate, and its appearance remains visually unchanged.


The polysiloxanes on the other hand, form a surface film which leads to a visual change producing a dark, wet looking surface.  Beading effects, which are commonly used to demonstrate the effectiveness of a hydrophobic treatment are more pronounced on a polysiloxane treated surface than for the two other product classes.  This is not, however, an indication of effectiveness.  On the contrary, no film forming polysiloxane is allowed or approved for use by certain European and US building agencies.


Silanes and polysiloxanes have been traditionally used as hydrophobing agents, but more recently oligomeric siloxanes have gained grounds. They represent an excellent way to combine certain properties of the other two classes, such as high effectiveness and good penetration, durable bonding, and minimal visual change to the surface along with its good water vapor permeability typical of silicones.


Innovation on silicon molecular structure
The ability to develop newer class of silicon emulsions is very much possible with technologies that improve both hydrophobic and oleophobic characteristics by producing silicon hybrids with multiple functionalities.  In addition to the standard characteristics that regular Silanes and Polysiloxanes has to offer, new hybrid silicon are developed by IMRAE to improve properties of concrete with greater effect on reactivity “in-situ” with other molecular structures formed during the continuous hydration of cement. This unique feature further enhances both its physical and chemical characteristics that further prolong the performance life of concrete.


References:
(1) Salvatore Re, Stain Prtoection…Paper at “Coatings for Masonry and Concrete”, Brussels
2003; published by the PRA, Hampton, UK.
(2) E. Garci, Silicon Resin Emulsions, Paper at “Silicons for Coating”, Brussels 1996, published
by the PRA, Hampton, UK.

Water Repellancy

Excellent Hydrolytic Stability
A unique feature of both our topical and impregnating sealers is their ability to maintain performance integrity. Exhibits excellent water resistance, and provides a breathable concrete surface for release of vapor pressure.

Quality Thru Product Innovation

Understanding effects of corrosion in reinforced concrete.


Although well known for its durability, concrete is subject to corrosion as a result of the onslaught of humidity and chloride-ion penetration, which does not only have a destructive impact on the concrete itself, but also on the reinforcement steel used to improve the tension of the structure. When rebar corrodes, the rust expands cracking the concrete, and unbonding the rebar from the concrete. The water in the pores of the cement is normally alkaline-and in such environment steel is passive and does not corrode. However, the carbon dioxide from the air reacts with the alkaline in the cement and makes the pore water more acidic.  The acidity in combination with humidity leads to corrosion of the rebar – and the process is hastened by the presence of chloride ions.

All this destructive reactions require water. Hence, keeping the concrete dry is an important feature for concrete protection and maintenance. Bituminous coatings are reported to have limited durability and after a while the corrosion process will start due to its weak interfacial film failure that occurs overtime. The limited mechanic ability and penetrabili ty to protect the surface deeper from the concrete surface does not provide the protection needed due to attack of anions toward the passive steel in the concrete matrix. At the same time rendering bituminous coatings prone to adhesion failure, wherein durability is weakened by the elements over varying weather conditions.

Proven effectiveness of Silicon Emulsions


Water based silicon emulsions based on various types from siloxanes, and silane derivatives however, have been considered as the latest solution to contain corrosion. Tests conducted on the use of siloxane emulsions on roadwork applications such as tunnels and bridges by independent and authorized institutes in Germany and Sweden, have proved their efficiency. Recent tests for US highway applications according to National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 244-11 have also confirmed the European results. The main subjects of the tests were water absorption, drying (vapor permeability) and chloride-ion absorption. Water-repellant protection via integral (i.e. mixing with cement, aggregate, sand, and water) provides the most effective corrosion protection possible in freshly poured concrete, wherein all dimensions of the concrete are protected while at the same time leaves the concrete continuously surface breathable (vaporpermeable) and reduces (or suppresses) the chloride ion penetration.


References:
(1) SP, Swedish National Testing and Research Institute, Boras, Sweden.
(2) US Highway Research Program, Report 244-11, Maryland, US.

Rehabilitated Concrete Structure

Featured Project

Projects consisting of unique concrete repairs, restructuring, and recoating processes specific to customers requirement according to cost and maintenance goal requirements.

Rehabilitated by AB Construction & Unlimited Concepts
La Perla #7 Tower Coronado Shores, Coronado, CA started Summer of 2009. The work performed repair of ledges due to concrete spalling caused by salt water moisture, process consists of removal of old coatings, patching, impregnating using CM2007 CI (w/ Corrosion Inhibitors), and application of CM Stain Blocking Primer and CM Elastomeric Coating.

It's a New Year

I would first like to thank all of our continued customers.  If I have not met with you individually yet, I am truly looking forward to the opportunity as well as building a strong and lasting relationship with you.   Along with providing the highest quality products and the customer support you deserve, we can enhance all of your already exceptional products to be more sustainable with total care for the environment.    


If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you.  If there is anything you need that I can provide or help you with, please contact me at wmerchant@imrae.com or go to my e-mail in my complete profile.  

wishing you a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year!