Concrete: Materıal & Consultancy
As LETOON Architecture, we consider old and new exposed concrete surfaces not merely as structural elements, but as integral parts of architectural expression, material character, and surface integrity. Therefore, we plan exposed concrete repair, surface rehabilitation, improvement, and protection works with a target of controlled and long-term performance, without damaging the original texture and mineral character of the concrete.
Concrete Cosmetics and Protection Approach
In this field of application, often defined in the literature as “Concrete Cosmetics,” our fundamental approach is not to hide or transform the concrete, but to strengthen it while preserving its existing character and managing its aging process healthily. In our applications, the targets are preserving the natural mineral matte appearance of the concrete, ensuring texture continuity, and increasing the surface’s resistance to environmental effects.
Interventions carried out in this scope are based on;
- Full harmony with the mineral matte character of the concrete,
- Balanced integration with the existing concrete color,
- Systems that do not cause texture loss or seal the surface,
- High UV resistance, non-combustible, and silicification-based solutions.
The systems used integrate with the concrete by establishing a chemical bond (silicification) instead of forming a film layer on the surface, ensuring long-term durability.
One of the fundamental approaches we prefer in exposed concrete applications is mineral-based silicate technology. In this field, KEIM Potassium Sol-Silicate Paints, which we represent, are systems developed for mineral surfaces since 1878 and accepted worldwide.
Silicate technology chemically interacts with the applied concrete surface through silicification, thanks to its binder liquid potassium silicate (water glass) and structure formed with inorganic mineral pigments and fillers. Thus, it becomes an inseparable part of the concrete without forming a coating layer.
Thanks to this approach:
- Concrete surfaces retain their natural, mineral matte appearance,
- Board formwork marks and original texture are not lost,
- The surface gains high resistance against UV rays,
- Thanks to very low Sd (H₂O) value, concrete dries quickly and breathes,
- Blistering, peeling, and film-layer-based deteriorations do not occur.
KEIM systems allow for balancing color differences, providing concrete maintenance, and developing semi-transparent or colored solutions depending on the architectural design. While absolute color fastness is ensured thanks to pure mineral pigments, the risk of algae, moss, and biological formation on the surface is minimized.
With the awareness that long-term performance on concrete surfaces cannot be achieved solely by visual improvement, we carry our surface protection solutions to the molecular level. Accordingly, we actively use EVONIK – PROTECTOSIL silane-based building protection technologies, which have over 60 years of R&D experience, in our projects.
Protectosil systems provide invisible protection by penetrating deeply into concrete and mineral surfaces. This ensures effective protection against threats to structural life such as;
- Reinforced concrete reinforcement corrosion,
- Freeze-thaw damage,
- Salt and sulfate attacks,
- Acid rain,
- Algae, mold, and graffiti formations.
The Protectosil product groups we use include water-repellent systems, soil-release surface protectors, corrosion control solutions, anti-graffiti products, and stone consolidation systems. These solutions prevent the entry of water and harmful ions into the structure while preserving the breathability of the concrete.
The LETOON Approach | Right System, Right Surface, Right Time
On exposed concrete surfaces, we integrate KEIM potassium silicate systems and EVONIK Protectosil silane technologies separately or together, depending on the surface needs. Detailed surface analysis conducted before each project allows us to determine the intervention level and protection strategy.
Our goal as LETOON;
- Not to ignore the problems of concrete, but to understand and read them,
- Not just to intervene, but to improve the structure’s performance,
- Not to produce temporary solutions, but to ensure long-lasting, safe, and sustainable surface performance. This approach makes LETOON the determinant of correct decisions and long-lasting standards in projects.