CONCRETE SYSTEM
Vitrification process for concrete slabs and screed.

HISTORY. The qualities of concrete are well known and have made it an indispensable part of modern construction.
On the ground, walls or ceiling it is nearly always covered to hide its raw appearance. The minimum treatment would be a coat of paint to prevent it from shedding dust.

DEVELOPMENT
Since the 1980s the desire and imagination of those involved in the construction industry (concrete manufacturers and architects) have brought concrete to the forefront.

To make concrete a feasible covering in itself it had to be given an appearance and hardness equivalent or superior to those of other available coverings such as resin or tiles, but also at a lower cost.

CONCRETE SYSTEM
CONCRETE SYSTEM can transform both new and old concrete surfaces into decorative features in all types of premises and at an attractive price.The process combines chemical treatment with VITRO BETON and sanding. It can be carried out on all types of concrete, new or old (restored) providing it is grey or white cement based concrete.

VITRO BETON CHEMISTRY
VITRO BETON treatment modifies the molecular structure of underlying layer to make the components (cement, sand and grain) bond more tightly. This makes the mixture tougher, denser and more even. The result is a true vitrification. Complete treatment with VITRO BETON increases resistance to abrasion by up to 400%. The hardening affects several millimetres depth of the surface, depending on the porosity of the original surface.

SANDING
VITRO BETON vitrification also involves sanding. Sanding seals the material mechanically, and so finishes the vitrification process. Aesthetically, sanding highlights the grains in the same way as Terrazzo or Granito. There is much scope for creativity; the choice of grains, colours and compositions being infinite.
Diamond sanding on the extremely dense concrete gives a finish beyond comparison, similar to marble.

SURFACE EFFECTS
Once vitrified and diamond sanded, the surface of the concrete is said to be “softened”. Its colour has more depth and tone. When hardened in this way the underlying layer never completely looses its porosity.
At this stage it is possible either to leave the vitrified concrete in this state, to give it a treatment to reduce the porosity or to create a high shine finish using crystallisation. The concrete will then take on an aspect similar to the best quality Terrazzo or Granito.
The paradox of VITRO BETON is that it gives treated concrete both hardness and resistance, whilst giving it the shine of marble. The shine obtained through crystallisation is intense and durable like that of granite.
Unlike the shine on marble or granite which can fade from daily wear and tear, the vitrification shine actually improves with wear.

MAINTENANCE
Treated concrete reacts with acids, but is insensitive to alkalis and is exceedingly scratch resistant. Damp sweeping is sufficient maintenance whether the surface has been crystallised or not.
In extreme cases an alkaline degreasing or stripping chemical used with a suitable machine (cleaning machine or a monobrush fitted with a green or black pad) will remove all forms of dirt.
If a high shine is required it is possible to restore shine using steel wool and a crystallising product.

TREATMENT LIFESPAN
In theory, the treatment will last as long as the material itself. Only mechanical wear through the whole depth of the treated layer will remove it.
If an area becomes damaged, resurfacing can be carried out by sanding by just tenths of a millimetre where necessary.
If the sanding should exceed the depth of the treated layer, VITRO BETON can be applied locally to re-vitrify the specific area.

ECONOMIC DATA
On an existing (renovated) concrete floor, or a brand new floor, the cost of CONCRETE SYSTEM treatment (vitrification, sanding and, if required, shining) is similar to marble treatment costs, but lower than those of granite. Treating concrete flooring can save the cost of having marble or granite floors laid.

USES
It is possible to use concrete flooring in all types of premises.
Industrial environments:
It is an advantageous alternative to floor paint.
Commercial premises or private residences: Shops, halls, residences, etc... Decorative effects can be achieved by mixing in colours and grains, using decorative partitions and inserts.
When used on Terrazzo, CONCRETE SYSTEM creates an even shine, even on the cement-based binding material which generally reacts badly to crystallisation.