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How to: Clean | Seal | Restore
Concrete Block
Cleaning - Problem Solving - Protection - Care
Fluted Split Block
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Slump Block with split block column and banding |
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<< This building uses bands of "split" block alternating with "burnished" block. The close up is of a burnished block face.
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| Concrete Masonry Units (CMU's) are made with heavy vibration and compaction machinery to achieve a building unit of 1000 psi compression rating or greater. These are not as dense or high psi as a concrete interlocking paver. |
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There is no need for confusion or problems brought about by misidentification of a surface type, yet it happens all too often. If you would like to see why this is the case and how to properly identify a surfacing material .....
Click here
If you are concerned about doing it yourself - consider that the satisfaction of a project is directly related to your knowledge of what needs to be done and how. Who actually does the work is less important. We estimate that 25% of the usage of Aldon products is by "do it yourself" homeowners and we know they are happy because we hear from them.
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION - With Identifying Characteristics
- Finishes vary greatly - smooth, split, slump, shot blast, ground face, etc.
- Many colors and shapes for any type construction
- The concrete is anything from regular aggregate concrete to various mixtures of light weight aggregates.
- Usually colored with iron oxide pigment throughout the mixture.
- Concrete block are all very absorbent and will tend to soak up a lot of sealer if you just keep pouring it on. Too decrease the amount of sealer required - click
here
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ADVANTAGES TO THIS MATERIAL
- Great variety of colors and shapes allow for a wide spectrum of creative design.
- Available everywhere.
- A wall is built that is already finished and does not require paint or any other decorative treatment.
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CONSIDERATIONS (All Are Preventable!)
(Click links for Aldon's solutions to these issues!)
- Removing mortar residue with acidic cleaners is risky for concrete surfaces due to color and texture reactions. This is even more critical for interior projects. Instead use Aldon Grout Residue Remover/Brick and Block Cleaner .
- If mortar stains on the block face are an issue, do not use a sealer as a grout barrier (
pre-seal). Prevent mortar smears and keep mortar residue out of any surface texture by coating with Aldon Grout Easy . "Grout Easy" is a water soluble coating that comes off easily while mortar is being cleaned up with water and a sponge.
- Efflorescence (subsurface originating white powdery stains) and scuffing can occur. However, this is
easily cleaned.
- Colors can "fade". Actually the iron oxide pigments used in concrete products do not fade. The appearance of fading is actually from light efflorescence and
can be stopped by sealing with the appropriate Aldon sealer.
- All concrete products are subject to damage from acids. However, the appropriate Aldon sealer prevents this.
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Following are recommendations for products you may need (in sequence of use ) for whichever of the categories applies to you. Please review each and mark your printed
worksheet accordingly.
Layed, But Not Grouted
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 Grout Easy
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 Efflorescence Treatment
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 Grout Residue
Remover
(should not be needed after using Grout Easy)
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Grouted, But Not Sealed
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Grout Residue
Remover
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Efflorescence Treatment
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.............Sealer ( see below )
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 Lifeguard
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Care ...........
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Sealer Has Been Applied
Important! - First -
Click here!
 Premium Stripper- ...........Cleaners ?
- ...........Sealer ( see below )
- Lifeguard
- Care ..........
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Protection:
Use the Aldon  for "Concrete: Block - Pavers - Slabs" to pick the appropriate sealer for the desired finished appearance.
An Aldon sealer does far more than just bead water and look pretty! To see what that is -
click here.
Your results may vary somewhat from these pictures due to variations in computer display and the surface materials themselves. Nevertheless, you will be able to see the differences well enough to make good choices.
Different areas of the same piece are used as much as possible to minimize raw material variations.
Of all the sealers Aldon manufactures, the ones shown are recommended as best suited to this surface type.
(Important: If your project has had any sealer applied in the past, it must be evaluated differently. To see why,
Click here!)
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"Same Day Sealer"
Water Based - Penetrating Type
It is usually desirable to not change the appearance of a concrete block wall with the use of a sealer, "Same Day Sealer" is, therefore, the best choice. However, the other sealers shown in
can be used if you want some color enhancement and/or gloss.
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One Application
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No change to color
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No gloss
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"Split Block" with "Same Day Sealer"
Note arrow pointing to a water drop and that the appearance of the block is unchanged. This is an extremely porous, absorbent surface. This seals easily with Same Day Sealer. All other concrete block type are denser and easier to seal than a split face.
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* Note: will add another level of gloss to any of the above sealed surfaces.
It also prevents traffic wear to the sealers finish.
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