Brand Spotlight: Prosoco – Innovative Solutions

Prosoco has been manufacturing chemicals for the construction industry for over 80 years and Niagara Machine is one of their largest, fully stocked distributors. This has been made possible through a combination of chemistry, and the right, like-minded distributors they have partnered with. We do everything possible to solve our customers' problems in a constantly evolving business environment.

Overview of Prosoco’s Product Line

Prosoco develops and provides a wide variety of chemicals for the concrete and masonry industries. Everything from protecting to cleaning once a system has been installed. Their offerings include the following.

Hard Surface Care

• Cleaners
  • New Construction, Graffiti Removal, Paint Removers, Interior and Exterior Restoration Cleaners
• Protection
  • Graffiti Protection, Water Repellents, High-Performance Coatings, Hardscapes & Paver Sealers

Air & Water Barriers

• Whole Wall Coatings
• Rough Openings & Penetrations

Concrete Flooring

• Preparation & Repair
• Hardeners/Densifiers
• Dustproofing
• Decorative Color
• Protection & Maintenance
• Cures & Sealers

Anchors

• Replacement Ties
• Stone Retrofit Anchors
• Helical and Mechanical Anchors

Concrete Flooring

One market that Prosoco specializes in is collaborating with polished concrete contractors. They were one of the first to introduce lithium silicate technology to the industry. This technology propelled them to become a top supplier to any contractor seeking to polish a concrete slab. They produce a complete line of chemicals to harden, densify, protect, and clean a polished surface.

Polished concrete has grown exceptionally fast since its beginning in the mid-to-late 1990s. As the market grew, the polishing industry needed new chemistry to move it into the next generation. That’s where Prosoco stepped in. With their understanding of concrete from a chemistry standpoint, they started to introduce a list of chemicals to not only help the installer, but the client also.

Prosoco Concrete Sealers and Protection

When selecting a protection system for your project, a thorough evaluation is highly recommended. The first thing is to look at what you are protecting the substrate from. It can have a low pH (acidic) or a high pH (caustic). It might also have oil or another substance that produces a stain if left to dwell on the surface.

Sealers also produce a look of their own after it has cured. They might enhance and bring out the color or increase the gloss. There are also sealers that will elevate the slip resistance by reducing slip-fall accidents. Some sealers absorb into the surface leaving no visible film. It will not change the appearance of the substrate but will provide a level of protection.

The trial-and-error process is not the most efficient way to select a protective sealer. Applying it and seeing how well it holds up can be an expensive endeavor. This is when a mock-up will not only help the installer but also the client. A mock-up will stand for the result. Chemical resistance can be assessed, and the owner can sign off approving the appearance.

Specialized Cleaning Solutions

When going through the evaluation process when you are about to start a tough cleaning project, you need to be concerned with what the substrate is made up of, how old it is, and the contaminate that will be removed. Concrete is an exceptionally durable building material. Selecting a cleaner for a concrete floor is an easier process than selecting one for an old, ornate building façade.

Historical structures need to be cleaned with great caution while not harming the substrate. Testing should be done in an inconspicuous place in the building. Always use the same methods intended for the entire project. A historical site might be governed by a society made up of not only historians but also registered Structural Engineers and Architects. They take part in overseeing the process and help ensure the correct preservation process is followed.

With concrete floors, there are basic rules to follow. The first is to use a pH-neutral cleaner. The pH of concrete is between 8.5-9.5. This is the pH level the cleaner needs to be at. Prosoco has an array of cleaners that have the proper pH to clean any contaminate from almost any surface. Again, a mock-up should be installed to decide compatibility. Not every cleaner should be used on a concrete floor.

Advanced Waterproofing and Air Barrier Solutions

An air barrier is a material or system that is designed to control the movement of air through the building envelope. It prevents drafts and air leakage, which can cause energy loss and an uncomfortable environment. An air barrier should be impermeable, continuous, durable, and able to withstand the forces that may try to infiltrate it. Depending on the wall assembly, an air barrier can be vapor-permeable or vapor-impermeable. Most U.S. states have an air barrier building code requirement.

Prosoco provides various materials to conduct the work. They supply water and air barriers for the entire building envelope. This could be a stick-built structure, poured wall construction, or Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). They have a level of protection that will fit your needs.   

With all the rough openings in a building, there is always a possibility of air and water infiltration. Sealing these gaps with a fluid-applied sealant will dramatically reduce any issues. Prosoco offers a complete system to tighten up your building whether it be around the doors and windows or the entire wall system.   

Conclusion

Prosoco is a United States-based company that has been supplying contractors with quality solutions for decades. From cleaning masonry and concrete structures to developing systems to aid in the polishing of a concrete floor, they provide moisture and air barrier systems that keep our buildings warm, dry, and comfortable.  

If you have one of the needs Prosoco manufactures a system for, contact Niagara Machine for help. Our sales force, inside and outside, has been diligently trained to guide you to the right solution. Give us a call before starting your next masonry or concrete project.