UK-based ASI, a specialist in asphalt and concrete repair and rejuvenation, has launched the Chem-Crete Pavix range - an environmentally friendly protection treatment for concrete, according to the company.
The Pavix range, which comprises two complementary products, Pavix Green for new concrete and Pavix Blue for established concrete, will only be available from a select number of appointed applicators, who will be stringently managed by ASI. This strategy is designed to address an endemic problem of the sector i.e. unrestricted access to concrete protection products, which has led to compromised/diluted application procedures.
In addition, the Pavix range will be underpinned by a new Concrete Assessment Survey (CAS Test), developed and conducted by a London University team led by Professor Dennis Chamberlain. It is designed to test the suitability of the concrete structure for a protection treatment and, where necessary, (e.g. dense, low permeability concrete), ensure that The Pavix range is not recommended.
Pavix Green has been developed to protect new concrete from water and moisture associated problems, especially damage caused by winter freeze/thaw cycles. It also protects the new concrete from invasive vegetation by reducing surface absorption and therefore availability of water for it to feed on.
Pavix Blue offers the same water and moisture protection benefits, but also enhances, renovates and rejuvenates aging/established concrete. In addition, cracks up to 2mm can be protected by Pavix Blue to seal them and help prevent moisture penetrating deep into the concrete, says ASI. Unlike opaque protective coatings, the cracks will still be visible and capable of being monitored.
Commenting at the launch of the Pavix range, Neil Caldwell, managing
director, ASI said: ‘Concrete is a ubiquitous building product which suffers three fundamental problems. First, usage and the elements affect it adversely; secondly, protection treatments have to date been toxic (to both the people applying it and the environment); and thirdly, prescribed strengths of the treatment have been prone to abuse.
‘Our intention is to market a green‚/non-toxic product, whose efficacy is not compromised by unaccountable applicators.’