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Deicing Chemicals Wreak Havoc On ConcreteBy Art Gib Industrial and commercial enterprises' assets have to endure some real stresses: harsh weather conditions such as hail, rain, extreme heat, and snow continually pound on a company's buildings; roofs and outdoor pavement are particularly susceptible to the forces of nature and need to be protected; another hazard to equipment may be flying debris. But what people don't often consider is the harmful effect of chemical exposure in industrial settings. Contact with chemicals may occur within equipment (such as pipes), or without (such as chemicals coming into contact with concrete flooring). Without proper protection, even the toughest materials are subject to the costly damage caused by corrosion. As an example, consider the effects of deicing materials commonly used on untreated concrete. One form of deicing salts uses calcium chloride. This particular chemical reacts with the composition of untreated concrete and affects the cement paste of durable and non-durable concretes alike, resulting in discoloration and corrosion. Magnesium chloride salts have been shown to actually produce crumbling when used on concrete products. Acetate solutions are the most damaging. The use of these materials, when combined with the repeated freezing and thawing cycles as well as wet and dry cycles that naturally occur during winter conditions was shown to produce very severe damage. Cement pastes suffer not only discoloration, but widespread serious deterioration which can cause the development of deleterious shrinkage cracks. When debonding occurs, the integrity of the concrete is seriously compromised because foreign materials and possibly other corrosives are allowed to enter through the cracks. As the effects of chemicals used in deicers show, damage caused by the corrosive nature of chemical contact may result in extreme harm to a company's bottom line since untreated exposed materials and equipment must be continually repaired or replaced. Floors, of course, are in particular need of protective measures, but some other susceptible areas include the interiors of holding tanks and pipes, roofs, bridges, walls, or any other surface or structure. It is prudent for owners of commercial industrial enterprises to assess any need they might have for protective measures against chemical exposure and even water damage. In tough times, everyone's bottom line is more important than ever. Preventing the effects of corrosion is much cheaper in the long run than having to continuously replace a company's valuable equipment. Frequent inspections and consulting professionals will ensure that the business is doing all that it can to protect its assets. About the author For the very best help in deciding which chemical resistant coatings might work best to protect your industrial business, contact Bowers Industrial Sales, Inc. (http://www.bowersindustrial.com). Art Gib is a freelance writer. |
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