Concrete Damage Factors

What Causes Deterioration

Concrete is often seen as a durable, maintenance-free material – but in reality, it is highly vulnerable to environmental stress. Its porous matrix allows harmful substances to enter and react with the material from within. Moisture, chlorides, freeze-thaw cycles, CO₂, acids, and mechanical wear are among the most common culprits. Understanding these damage mechanisms is essential for choosing the right protective strategy. This page outlines the key factors that degrade concrete over time – and how Komsol’s treatment technology addresses them.

Water – Concrete’s greatest enemy

Water is the main carrier of harmful substances such as chlorides, sulphates and acids. These dissolve the concrete’s binder (calcium leaching), lower the pH and lead to corrosion of reinforcement. Over time, the structure weakens and loses durability.

Komsol Seal penetrates deep into the concrete, raises the pH, strengthens the binder, and forms crystals that block further water ingress – while still allowing moisture to evaporate outward.

Carbonation – CO₂ and corrosion risk

Carbon dioxide in the air reacts with moisture, calcium hydroxide in concrete and forms calcium carbonate – a process known as carbonation. This reduces the pH from 12–13 to below 9.5. When pH drops, the reinforcement loses its natural protection and begins to corrode, causing internal cracking.

Komsol Seal prevents water and CO₂ from penetrating, helping maintain a high pH and protecting the reinforcement from corrosion.

Frost – Silent cracking force

When water freezes inside concrete, it expands by about 9%, creating internal stress and cracking. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles accelerate the damage, especially in the presence of salts. With de-icing salts or marine exposure, expansion can exceed 15%.

Komsol Seal stops water from entering the concrete, preventing the root cause of frost damage.

Efflorescence – White deposits from within

White stains on concrete surfaces are typically caused by moisture dissolving calcium hydroxide in the cement paste and carrying it to the surface through capillaries. As the water evaporates, the calcium reacts with carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate – a process known as efflorescence. It is a visible sign of ongoing moisture movement and material leaching.

Komsol Seal binds calcium within the concrete and blocks capillary transport, effectively halting efflorescence and helping to stabilize the surface.

ASR – Alkali–Silica Reaction

ASR occurs when reactive aggregates in the concrete react with alkalis in the cement paste and form a gel. This gel expands in the presence of water, causing cracking. Since the root cause is material choice, there's no complete cure – but

Komsol Seal significantly slows the reaction by stopping moisture ingress.

Acid attack – Air pollution and acid rain

Airborne sulphur dioxide (SO₂) reacts with water and oxygen to form sulphuric acid. This acid breaks down the cement binder and forms calcium sulphate, creating a crust while the inner concrete continues to deteriorate behind it.

Komsol Seal raises the pH and creates a deep-set, acid-resistant shield inside the concrete. It seals out water and establishes an alkaline environment that actively prevents moss and algae growth.”

Impermeable coatings – Risk under moisture pressure

Bitumen, epoxy and other impermeable coatings block water ingress – but also trap moisture. If moisture rises from below (e.g. under a ground slab), the pressure can cause delamination or blistering. If the coating is damaged, water becomes trapped and accelerates internal degradation.

Komsol Seal creates a breathable, integrated barrier within the concrete that resists impact and wear, tolerates rising moisture, and allows for easy inspection and local repairs.