Concrete (and other masonry products) is typically a mixture of five components: sand, gravel, cement, water, and air. Water and air occupy a significant portion of the concrete, leaving pores, pockets, and veins after the curing process.

These cavities are interconnected, forming an effective transport system for water. This water carries pollutants, acid rain, chlorine, and acids, naturally reducing the strength and density of the concrete.

Standard concrete composition:
Approximately one-fifth of hardened concrete consists of voids left behind as the water escapes, creating a capillary system within the concrete.

Water/Moisture Penetration
Water transport is the biggest issue for concrete, carrying destructive substances like chlorine and acids into the structure while leaching out key components like calcium. Water also accelerates frost damage and rust. By filling pores and capillaries, Controll® Betongtett blocks water intrusion, preventing or mitigating these problems.

Frost
Concrete surface damage caused by frost is due to water expansion (about 9%) when freezing. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles worsen the damage, especially with added salt. Controll® Betongtett seals pores, preventing water entry, so ice forms only on the surface, avoiding internal damage.

Breathability (Diffusion Open)
Controll® Betongtett allows concrete to breathe and evaporate moisture while blocking water, oil, acids, and other harmful substances. Unlike many sealing products, it retains the diffusion properties vital for concrete quality.

Cracks
Small cracks in concrete are highly vulnerable to further chemical and mechanical damage. Controll® Betongtett effectively seals cracks up to 1 mm. Larger cracks can be cleaned, filled, and treated.

Acid Rain
Airborne pollution, such as sulfur dioxide, reacts with rain to form acids that degrade concrete. Controll® Betongtett seals pores, preventing acidic penetration and damage.

Efflorescence
Efflorescence occurs when salts in concrete move to the surface, leaving white deposits. This is more pronounced in porous concrete. Controll® Betongtett blocks this by sealing the pore system.

Saltwater
Controll® Betongtett limits water ingress and leaching, reducing salt damage in marine environments.

Chlorides
Chlorides in concrete can come from materials, additives, or external sources like road salt or seawater. These destroy the protective alkaline layer around reinforcement steel. Controll® Betongtett prevents such penetration.

Rebar Rust & Carbonation
Carbon dioxide reacts with water in concrete, reducing pH levels and enabling rust. Rust expansion (up to 9x the original volume) causes cracks and weakens structures. Controll® Betongtett prevents carbonation and water intrusion, protecting reinforcement steel.

Alkali Issues
Alkalis in concrete react with moisture, causing problems like peeling paint, stains, and efflorescence. Controll® Betongtett stops moisture transport, solving alkali-related issues.