Concrete floor in garage grows salt

[kenimpzoom]

My concrete floor in the garage grows salt crystals when it gets damp.<br /><br />Would a normal cement sealer prevent this, or do I need a special sealer?<br /><br />Ken

 

[ob]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

Never heard of "salt" crystals coming from concrete.Is your slab on salty ground?

 

[Realgun]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

Never heard of "salt" crystals coming from concrete.Is your slab on salty ground?

Water picks up salts in the concrete and in the ground water/moisture under the slab. When the water evaporates on the surface of the concrete it leaves a salt.<br /><br />Now you want to wash the heck outa the cocrete and blow dry it. I use a harsh detergent then a rinse of clear water. I suggest a leaf blower. Then coat it with an epoxy sealer made for garage floors.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

In one place there is about 1/2 inch of very light salt crystals. Pretty neat looking, but annoying.<br /><br />I just powerwashed it, then the salt came.<br /><br />I'll try the sealer.<br /><br />Ken

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

You might want to check out a product called 'Xypex' as an alternative to the sealer. As compared to forming a surface barrier, this stuff actually penetrates into the concrete and forms a crystalline barrier. <br /><br />It's an industrial product that until recently wasn't readily available for home use, but used for things like tunnels, etc.<br /><br />I've used it on my basement walls and can vouch for it for that application. Don't know about a concrete garage floor, but might be worth giving them a call and comparing with an epoxy sealer...<br /><br /> http://www.xypex.com.au/products/index.htm <br /><br />btw, with xypex, you actually want the surface you're applying it to to be damp. the moisture helps carry the product into the concrete where it then crystalizes.

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

Lakelivin---That looks like just what I need.Where can I get some?????????

 

[Laddies]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

when a concrete floor is finished thr trowling puts a glaze on the surface, you removed it with the power washer, it was the dark color you removed you aren't the first and won't be the last, a good quality sealer or floor paint will help you

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

I do believe that Thompsons Water Seal will work on concrete. It is pretty cheap too.<br /><br />Bob

 

[ED21]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

Moisture migrating through a slab will usually cause epoxy to bubble up.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

Actually the salt has been appearing over the last few years. Sometimes a lot, sometimes very little.<br /><br />Sounds like this xypex is a carbonate or sulfate based chemical. Calcium Carbonate (chalk) and Calcium sulfate (gypsum) are very insoluable in water.<br /><br />Ken

 

[fixin]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

Originally posted by LakeLivin:<br /> <br />btw, with xypex, you actually want the surface you're applying it to to be damp. the moisture helps carry the product into the concrete where it then crystalizes.

Wow.I've never seen a product you could use on concrete when it's damp.That's were a lot of people screw up(myself included),by not letting the concrete dry for a couple of days after power washing

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

Bart Sr.:<br />Check the link included in my post above. You should be able to find out where you can get Xypex from their site (or at least get their phone number to inquire). When I bought it (5 or 6 years ago) it was available directly from Xypex only. But I think I saw it at Home Depot or Lowes last time I was there.<br /><br />Ken:<br />From the Xypex site: <br />"What Is XYPEX? <br />Xypex is a non-toxic, chemical treatment for the waterproofing and protection of concrete. Xypex's primary and most distinguishing performance feature is its unique ability to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation deep within the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete - a crystalline structure that permanently seals the concrete against the penetration of water and other liquids from any direction. Xypex crystalline products are dry powder compounds composed of portland cement, silica sand and many active, proprietary chemicals.<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />How Does XYPEX Work? <br /><br />To create its crystalline waterproofing effect, Xypex must become an integral part of the concrete mass. It does so by taking advantage of the natural and inherent characteristics of concrete; concrete is both porous (capillary tract system) and chemical in nature. By means of diffusion, the reactive chemicals in Xypex use water as a migrating medium to enter and travel through the capillary tracts in the concrete. This process precipitates a chemical reaction between Xypex, moisture and the natural chemical by-products of cement hydration (calcium hydroxide, mineral salts, mineral oxides and unhydrated and partially hydrated cement particles). The result is crystallization and, ultimately, a non-soluble crystalline structure that plugs the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete. In this condition, the pores become discontinuous and the concrete is thereby rendered impenetrable by water and other liquids from any direction. The Xypex crystalline process will reactivate whenever water is present." <br /><br />If intereseted, I'd still call Xypex & see how appropriate it is for a garage floor (and also mention the salt crystals you're getting to see whether they may impact use of the product) ...<br /><br />Fixin:<br />See above as to why the concrete has to be damp for this product to work. You actually have to remoisten the concrete several times after the product has been applied. Totally different mechanism of action than a barrier sealant.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

What would concern me would be any oil that has leeched into the floor. I would expect that to coat the surfaces and possibly prevent the crystalization. I'd definately ask about that.<br /><br />I'd like to add a quesation that would be very much related to this topic. What is the best way to get oil out of unsealed concrete?

 

[dolluper]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

Willy try "tsp" and scrub well varsol instead of water

 

[Heinz CA.]

Re: Concrete floor in garage grows salt

I noticed that too in our apmt. coverd parking space! Kinda weird here in N. CA.??? Maybe because close to the Delta???(is were we get brackish water, where salt meets fresh).