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Why Concrete Fails: Abrasion

“Many industrial floors are subjected to abrasion by steel or hard rubber wheeled traffic, which can cause significant rutting.”—Portland Cement Association Abrasion is the simple act of one object rubbing against another. For example, in a sandstorm, sand particles are blown by the wind against painted objects, like cars, signs and houses, stripping the paint […]

Why Concrete Fails: Carbonation

Carbonation is something we typically associate with sodas, soft drinks and beer. Just as carbon dioxide penetrates some of our favorite liquids and creates effervescent bubbles, it can also penetrate the pores of concrete, directly from the surrounding air. When it does, and sufficient humidity is present, carbonation leads to concrete corrosion. How can our […]

Why Concrete Fails: Corrosion

“Corrosion of reinforcing steel and other embedded metals is the leading cause of deterioration in concrete.” — Portland Cement Association Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials and is present it nearly every Sacramento home. Protecting your concrete from failure increases the longevity of your home and its decorative elements. In the […]

How Concrete is Made

The terms concrete and cement are commonly interchanged when describing a solid surface made from these substances. If your neighbors need a new patio, whether they tell you it’s going to be made of cement, or they call it a concrete patio, your vision of the finished product may be the same. You understand that […]

What is Cement Made From?

Many think that cement is a raw material, like coal or iron, dug up out of the ground. In fact, cement is actually manufactured from other raw materials. According to the Portland Cement Association*, a British bricklayer made the first modern cement in his home kitchen, combining limestone with clay. Although making cement is a […]

Protecting Concrete From Chlorides

Lately California Custom Coatings has discussed various substances that cause damage to concrete with consistent exposure. For this article, we focus on chlorides. The Portland Concrete Association writes: “No other contaminant is documented as extensively in the literature as a cause of corrosion of metals in concrete than chloride ions.” (PCA) The primary risk is […]

Protecting Concrete From Sewage

Sixth in a series about common causes of concrete deterioration. Sewage is one of those things we do not want to see or smell, but dealing with it properly is essential for a healthy, functioning society. That’s why we have rooms and buildings dedicated to “eliminating waste” and facilities for processing it safely. Almost all […]

Protecting Concrete Floors From Freezing

Fifth in a series about common causes of concrete deterioration. Most of California is fortunate when it comes to freezing weather. In Southern California, for example, freezing weather is seldom seen. In Northern California, a number of sub-freezing days are expected, even more in the Sierras and other high altitude locations. Where freezing weather mixed […]

Protecting Concrete Floors: Wine

This is the fourth in a series of articles about substances that can damage concrete. Wine is the oldest alcoholic beverage. Fermented grape juice has a long history and its manufacture is very important to the Northern California economy and our enjoyment of the many “farm to fork” products available in Sacramento. Yet those involved […]

Protecting Concrete Floors: Alcoholic Beverages

This is the third in a series on substances that can damage concrete floors. With the boom in craft brewing, the idea of visiting a neighborhood brewery is now a reality in Sacramento and Northern California. Many of these friendly and welcoming establishments are working out of warehouses or buildings not specifically designed for brewing, […]