Colloidal Silica - Ron Blank & Associates, Inc.

EWEB Operations Center – Eugene, ORThe new Operations Center of the Eugene Water &Electric Board was attempting LEED Goldcertification. The owner wanted an exposedconcrete floor that was durable, stain resistant, andattractive.The floor was originally specified for hardeningusing a magnesiumflurosilicate hardener. However, itwas feared that the extensive water-flushing neededby this product would allow the chemicals tocontaminate the building’s eco-friendly septicsystem.Instead, the contractor suggested densifying with amore eco-friendly colloidal silica densifier andprotector, which does not require flushing. Afterallowing the surface to cure for twelve hours, it wasthen burnished with a high-speed floor burnisherand a fine diamond pad (1500-grit or 3000-grit) toachieve a reflective, slightly wet look.To protect this floor with an epoxy system wouldhave cost $4-5 per sqft, a cost that wasunacceptable to the owner. Protection with silicapolymer dispersion solution cost was $0.75 persqft., resulting in a substantial savings.