Characteristics of Sillmaster concrete products:
Characteristics of natural building materials:
Concrete is a natural product, and Sillmaster sees it as such, with all its signs and qualities of life.Living surfaces with their play of colour tones and light reflections, rather than dead and clinical surfaces, are the hallmark of Sillmaster FRC and Iso-Concrete.
The colouring of the concrete matrix also focuses on meeting the ecological requirements of modern design.
Natural raw materials are therefore used in the production process to ensure that each product is authentic.
Low porosity, homogeneous colour and the requirement for strictly even, smooth surfaces are not part of our sustainable philosophy.
The variations in colour and texture are characteristics of our natural product.
Live Concrete:
The products coloured in the material (stone effect cornice, elbow, wall cladding, skirting, wood effect natural and anthracite cornice, stair tread) are not chemically treated or stained, minor imperfections, dents, stress lines, stains and textures are visible.
When the cement solidifies, it secretes calcium hydroxide.
This dissolves in water and can migrate to the concrete surface.
When the water evaporates, the calcium hydroxide is returned to the surface and turns into calcium carbonate (lime).
When this natural process is amplified by adverse conditions, it leads to the deposition of calcium carbonate, which is visible as a whitish stain.
Lime efflorescence is a natural characteristic of all cementitious composites.
It is part of nature, so it is resistant and stable:
Sillmaster FRC is not an artificially created material that exists in isolation from the natural cycle of the environment.
As adaptable and extraordinary as concrete skins are, Sillmaster is also authentic.
The factors that influence possible colour changes are temperature fluctuations and changes in air humidity.
Concrete is hygroscopic.
It absorbs moisture and then releases it again.
We have tried to keep this to a minimum.
The material of the products is such that wet patches can dry at different speeds.
Visible colour variations may occur between products and within a product.
The visible properties of concrete are enhanced on matt surfaces.
A characteristic feature of highly compacted, high-quality concrete surfaces is the so-called blue and green discolouration, which can occur especially in brightly coloured or fresh slabs.
These are due to the natural setting and drying process of organic materials.
Tests and experience have shown that this blue discolouration can disappear on the pavement when exposed to UV radiation and light.
This is due to climatic and environmental influences.
Heat, sunlight and drought can particularly accelerate the process.
