Efflorescence Prevention Guaranteed - EffLock Efflorescence-Curing System

Efflorescence is the dandruff of concrete. EffLock is the Head & Shoulders you need to cure it. Learn about how to permanently stop both primary and secondary efflorescence in concrete and masonry using the EffLock system of products. This includes the Liquid Admixture, Powder Admixture, Topical Treatment for existing concrete surfaces, and an Efflorescence Remover.

NewLook's EffLock™ is an efflorescence-curing system for cement and masonry. It's truly revolutionary because it permanently prevents and completely eliminates both primary and secondary efflorescence. Unlike other admixtures that try to reduce efflorescence by slowing water intrusion, EffLock's nano-fusion chemistry actually uses the presence of water to react with and bind minerals, chlorides, salts deposits and other impurities of concrete mixes at the nano-molecular level. It converts these into harmless matter that becomes part of the concrete. This keeps efflorescence from leaching out onto brick, block and other mortar set products permanently; it is also excellent for pre-cast and poured-in-place concrete.

EffLock admixtures are guaranteed* to permanently stop efflorescence when mixed according to instructions. EffLock products are specifically formulated for cement and mortar mixes.

EffLock is a proprietary engineered product system containing nano-fusion composites in aqueous solutions that react with impurities, such as calcium and mineral-based salt. These contaminants can be found in mortar mixes, cement products and aggregates. This reaction permanently binds the impurities and prevents efflorescence salt from leaching out to the surface.

The nanotechnology of EffLock's chemistry is approximately 100,000 times smaller than even the smallest cement particle. This allows it to literally pass through cement minerals or (hollow) sand and become part of the mineral with which it reacts. EffLock reacts when hydrogen is present; it stops reacting when the concrete dries out, but will react again when the concrete gets wet again--further improving the ability to lock out efflorescence.

Other products react with oxygen or don't react at all. EffLock reacts when hydrogen is present, meaning it needs water (H2O) to react; it stops reacting when the concrete dries out. But EffLock will continue to react each time the concrete gets wet. This prevents the formation of efflorescence for the life of the concrete. But EffLock's efficient reaction during hydration allows treated concrete to retain moisture longer, which improves the initial curing process and enhances the green strength of concrete.

A more efficient reaction during the curing process also helps brighten integral colorants because there are fewer chemical impurities present that would otherwise dull the finish. Also, it reduces the amount of integral color pigment needed, which means greater value to concrete professionals. Can I get an AMEN!

EffLock also improves the performance of densifiers and penetrating sealers. It binds contaminants and other salt-based minerals that can inhibit penetrating sealers' ability to absorb and react. When the excess salt is bound within the slab and more free lime is present, penetrating sealers will penetrate deeper and react more efficiently.

The overall quality of concrete is tremendously improved when treated with EffLock. The cosmetic appearance is improved as the concrete cures properly, resulting in a more uniform finish. Fewer air pockets and pinholes appear during the finishing process.

EffLock can be used with all cement types and ingredients, including lime, calcium, alpha and beta gypsum, fly ash, volcanic ash and hydraulic cement. Cure and seal products may still be used on EffLock-treated concrete. Other admixtures may also be included in the cement mix. However, EffLock should be added first and mixed with water before other admixtures are introduced to the mixture. This allows EffLock to react properly.

The liquid and powder admixtures are guaranteed to stop efflorescence permanently when they are mixed thoroughly exactly according to instructions. Since NewLook cannot control how well an existing concrete surface is prepared or how porous it is, we cannot offer the same guarantee on EffLock Topical Treatment. Visit our Terms of Use webpage for all the legal mumbo-jumbo.

Yes, you can use any other admixture or additive with EffLock in concrete and masonry. EffLock should be the FIRST admixture used to ensure proper reaction. Once EffLock is mixed properly, you can use any additive you want. In fact, EffLock will improve the performance of many other admixtures.

Lawn Turf or Sod - What Is the Difference?

I was considering installing a new lawn using rolls of grass, and got to thinking about all the terms used for the ground cover. You can almost use the terms, turf, sod, and lawn interchangeably, and most people would know what you mean. But since I like to be somewhat correct in my choice of words, I researched the difference between these terms. To accomplish this I decided to use a dictionary and in each case went with the first dictionary option. Here are the results. Turf: A surface layer of earth containing dense growth of grass and it's matted roots. Sod: A section of grass-covered surface soil held together by matted roots. Lawn: A plot of grass, usually tended or mowed, as one around a residence or in a park or estate.

Of the three definitions lawn stands out as the most different from the other two. Lawn is more the finished product, as what would go around a house or park. To illustrate, lawn would be like a fully tiled floor in a house, not the individual tiles before being Installed.

Sod and Turf are a little closer in definition but not exactly the same. They both have a surface layer of soil or earth, both have grass and matted roots. The difference in the definitions I found is that, Sod is a "section that is held together" by matted roots. Rolls of grass come in sections and need to be held together by matted roots. Even if they use meshing to help hold the rolls together they still need the matted roots.

Turf is not held together by matted roots, and does not necessarily come in sections. It is a surface layer. When people claim an area as 'Their Turf' it is bigger than a section of sod.

My conclusion is that the most correct term for rolls grass is Sod. Having a new lawn installed could include using rolls of sod but it could also by definition include having an area seeded with grass that will eventually grow into a lawn.

Once a turf farm cuts out sections of grass and matted root, those sections become Sod. They are then rolled up and shipped out to a requested location. once at the site the Sod is laid on the ground one matted section at a time. To go back to the illustration the sod is laid out like tiles on a floor. Once the sections are laid out and joined together it becomes a lawn or turf.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7444429

1-2-3 A Beautiful Stone Walkway!

How often have you dreamed of having a lovely stone walkway through your yard or garden? Perhaps you've imagined how it will look, but have never had the financial resources to carry out your plans. Stone walkways can not only beautify your yard but also add solidity to walking paths with long-lasting practical use. If you're on a limited budget but still want to create amazingly unique stone paths, consider using concrete stone molds. Outlined below are three simple steps to realizing your dream.

1. Purchase Stone Molds

Instead of buying pre-made manufactured stones, consider buying plaster molds so you can make your own. With concrete molds, you'll buy the materials needed to make stones and then pick and choose from various coloring and mold designs to get the desired look. This enables you to achieve a truly matchless yard decor without spending a fortune on manufactured stones. You can buy one or two molds or a larger batch depending on the number of stones you'll need. Measure how many stones you'll likely need for your path before getting started. Also, determine if you want cobblestone, castle stone molds or another design.

2. Buy Materials

The second step is to buy the materials needed to use your concrete stone molds. Landscape stones can be created using a bag of premix concrete, water and a shovel. Then you'll also buy special coloring, additive and a sealer to create your "footprint design" for each stone. Or, make your stones plain gray if so desired. You'll need vegetable oil to lubricate the stone molds so you can remove the stones easily after hardening.

When you purchase cement molds, make sure the molds come with easy-to-follow instructions. You can order concrete stone molds online and even read the instructions on the Web to see how simple the process is before buying. Some sites offer stone mold kits with everything you need plus 25 or more molds. This makes it a cinch to get started...and you don't have to attend brick masonry class to do it! Also, be sure the molds are of good quality and won't break or crack under pressure when it's time to remove your stones. Some are made of more durable materials to withstand the hardening and pressure.

3. Lay Your Stones

You can create stone paths in your yard as wide or narrow as needed. Then plant bushes or flowers alongside the stone paths to enhance your yard even more. Place a lovely stone path to your front porch or rear patio. Line your garden with stone paths to break it up in sections. This makes it easier to stroll through your yard after heavy rains, without getting your shoes wet.

Once you create a stone path, be sure to enhance your yard with other accessories such as garden fountains, statues, bird houses/baths, bird feeders, hammocks, etc. Your yard will never look the same, and you'll feel a sense of achievement after creating your own charming paths with concrete stone molds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5078590

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