Fortress Deep Seal

Fortress Deep Seal contains a proprietary catalyst which "pursues moisture" in concrete, and upon contact reacts with the "free" alkali (lime) and calcium hydroxides (already in concrete or masonry) to form a silica gel on the surface of voids and particulate, impregnating the entire depth penetrated. This gel hydrates into glass, turning the entire depth penetrated into a solid mass.

Click to See How Deep Seal & Top Seal Work Together

More technically speaking, this is what happens when you apply Deep Seal and why it is a permanent treatment that improves concrete:

As the silicate solution penetrates the concrete surface, the soluble SiO2 species react with portlandite or calcium hydroxide, (Ca(OH)2) and/or Ca2+ in the pore solution to form calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). CSH is the space filling glue phase created when the cement in concrete is hydrated with water.

Portlandite is an undesirable phase in concrete because it precipitates as platelets near aggregates. The result is a porous paste/aggregate interface that increases concrete permeability and reduces compressive strength.

Portlandite is also subject to acid attack and carbonation. Also known as Calcium hydroxide, traditionally called slaked lime or hydrated lime, it is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)2.

In contrast to portlandite, calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2, C-S-H is the desirable, space-filling glue phase.

Applying Deep Seal causes C-S-H to replace portlandite. The results are: decreased permeability, less susceptibility to acid attack and carbonation enhanced abrasion resistance (that is, dust-proofing), chemical resistance, and durability of the concrete surface

This internal, permanent seal and water barrier also hardens and dust-proofs the surface while increasing the compressive and flexural strength. For a more detailed, comprehensive explanation of the many unique benefits of using Concrete Remedy DS. Please refer to Technical Reports 1 through 10.