Compared with other comparable building materials, concrete is one of the most affordable and versatile building materials around. Widely available, it is used in most buildings if only for the foundations and footings. Beyond that, because of its strength and durability, it is used to construct bridges, dams, tunnels, and along with steel, it is the primary building component of most multi-story buildings or sky-scrapers.
Since 1916, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) has been manufacturing cement, which is mostly the paste that holds the concrete aggregates sand, gravel, and crushed stone together. Curing plays a significant role in the development of strength and durability in concrete. According to the PCA, “Properly cured concrete has an adequate amount of moisture for continued hydration and development of strength, volume stability, resistance to freezing and thawing, and abrasion and scaling resistance.”
Understandably, concrete that is not adequately cured can lead to defective concrete. While imperfections visible on the concrete surface indicate a weakened external layer, they are not always apparent. Hidden defects inside the concrete can increase the permeability, reduce the durability, and decrease its protective properties.
Concrete curing times range from 7 to 28 days depending on the installation.
And while your concrete cures, you wait, and wait, and wait…
Yes, concrete curing is essential, but what if you don’t have the time or the budget to wait? Xtreme Engineered Floor Systems has the Solution – V-8 Rev M.V.P.
V-8 Rev M.V.P. is a two-part, fast-drying, 100% solids epoxy coating, which provides moisture vapor protection on uncured concrete. It delivers the strength and durability without the 28-day curing time. Rev M.V.P. can be applied as soon as 24 hours after the concrete has been poured.
In addition to reducing the time, you must wait for your concrete to cure, V-8 Rev M.V.P. can be used as a stand-alone floor coating. It complies with all USDA requirements and VOC standards, is both chemical and UV-resistant, and when dry, it provides an attractive, high-gloss finish that is easy to clean. It can also be applied as a base coat under carpet, tile, hardwood, or other floor coatings.
When it comes to concrete, you can reduce the wait! Talk to a flooring expert today at Xtreme Engineered Floor Systems.
