E

Edger – A tool used on the edges of fresh concrete to provide a clean, finished edge.

Engraving- The use of special tools and equipment to cut or route out patterns and designs in hardened concrete. Usually the concrete is stained first to give it color, so the routed areas look like grout lines.

Efflorescence- A crystalline deposit of salts (usually white in color) that forms on the concrete surface when soluble calcium hydroxides leach from the concrete and combine with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. On colored concrete, especially darker tones, these white deposits can be particularly unsightly.

Epoxy – Also known as polyepoxide, is a thermosetting polymer formed from reaction of an epoxide “resin” with polyamine “hardener”. Epoxy has a wide range of applications, including fiber-reinforced plastic materials and general purpose adhesives.

Epoxy Injection – A method for sealing or repairing cracks in concrete by low-pressure injection of an epoxy adhesive.

Epoxy Resins – Organic chemical bonding systems used in the preparation of protective and decorative coatings for concrete, adhesives for injection of cracked concrete, or as binders in epoxy mortars.

Epoxy Terrazzo – A poured-in-place topping for concrete substrates that goes on at a thickness of 1/4 to 3/8 inch. The epoxy resin matrix can be pigmented to achieve an unlimited spectrum of colors and is often seeded while still wet with decorative aggregates or color chips.

Etching Gel – A gentle etching medium often used with adhesive stencils to lightly etch designs in concrete surfaces. The material is thick enough to be applied by brush, permitting controlled application.

Evaporation Retarder – A waterborne, spray-applied film that temporarily reduces moisture loss when applied to the surface of freshly placed concrete.

Expanded Metal Lathe – A sturdy but flexible diamond mesh often used as a framework or support system for concrete sculptures, faux rock, and vertical stamped concrete.

Exposed Aggregate – A decorative surface formed by removing the surface mortar from a concrete slab (either by scrubbing, pressure washing, or abrasive blasting) to expose the underlying aggregates. (Also see Surface Retarder.)

  Tags: bonding systems, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, color chips, colored concrete, concrete surface, concrete surfaces, cracked concrete, cracks in concrete, crystalline deposit, decorative aggregates, decorative coatings, diamond mesh, epoxy resin, epoxy terrazzo, etching medium, grout lines, metal lathe, moisture loss, resin matrix, soluble calcium
Category: Concrete Glossary