FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ConShield molecularly bonds to the concrete particles and impregnates the entire concrete matrix. Protection is throughout the entire thickness and not just on the surface. It is an EPA registered anti-bacterial agent clinically proved to prevent colonization of Thiobacillus bacteria that produce sulfuric acid in sanitary sewer systems. When there are no bacteria, there can be no corrosion.

• Using ConShield is a single step process precisely dosed under factory controlled conditions for consistent quality control/quality assurance.
• Using ConShield requires no special tools, forms, training or equipment
• ConShield is in the product. It is not a coating so it will not delaminate, disbond, peel, pinhole or “wear off” over time.
• ConShield is environmentally friendly – it allows an engineer to “go green”.
• Using ConShield is much less expensive than coatings and liners thereby providing a great value to the owner.
• ConShield fortified structures last for the life of the concrete.

Generally, it adds only $3 to $4 per square foot of interior surface even though it is throughout the entire thickness. Actual costs must be obtained from the pipe or manhole producer and costs will vary by size and wall thickness. By comparison, the higher costs of coatings and linings are raised even higher because the contractor must do additional work in the field such as welding, spark-testing, joint coating and touch up after the pipe is buried.

ConShield is less than half the cost of embedded plastic liners and coatings and less than one-third the cost of Linabond®. Plastic liners and coatings require additional work in the field once the manhole is installed to weld the joints, to spark test and to correct the inevitable pinhole defects therefore the cost directly from the precaster is NOT the complete cost to the owner. Coatings and liners are subject to field damage and wear which lead to failures (sometimes catastrophic) if routine inspection and repairs are not made. This results in a much shorter service life.

ConShield is less than half the cost of embedded plastic liners and coatings and less than one-third the cost of Linabond®. Plastic liners and coatings require additional work in the field once the manhole is installed to weld the joints, to spark test and to correct the inevitable pinhole defects therefore the cost directly from the precaster is NOT the complete cost to the owner. Coatings and liners are subject to field damage and wear which lead to failures (sometimes catastrophic) if routine inspection and repairs are not made. This results in a much shorter service life.

For what type of structures is your system best applicable?
Shook: Because manholes suffer from a variety of problems, we offer multiple solutions, including Permacast structural cement liner, Permaform no dig replacement system, Cor+Gard 100 percent solid epoxy coatings, Cor+Roq structural epoxy, Conshield additive to Permacast, Permaform CIPP liner, and Cor+Flex flexible urethane sealant.

How important is structure preparation for your products? What preparation do you recommend?
Shook: Permacast cement liners are structural by themselves and they adhere well to existing masonry and concrete substrates after pressure washing to remove laitance and contaminates. Cor+Gard coatings adhere extremely well over our own Permacast cement liners which provide the structural value of a composite. Primers are used over new, precast concrete.

Does your product bond to a host structure, or does it form a structure within a structure?
Shook: Cor+Gard, is a coating that adheres well to the properly prepared substrate. Permacast and Cor+Roc structurally reinforce the existing manhole to which it bonds. The Permaform system is a totally independent structure within the old one.

Have product failures occurred and, if so, what were the cause and remedies?
Shook: Failures can occur whenever proper preparation and/or application procedures are not followed. We strive to eliminate field problems by requiring certification training with annual updates so applicators demonstrate proven performance standards. In rare instances when defects are discovered, an investigation is made to discover the cause then defects are corrected and reports issued to eliminate recurrence. Our company has provided solutions since 1976 without a single failure to correct defects. No matter how rare or costly.

After completion, when should your installed product be re-inspected to verify that no potential defects will occur that will affect long-term performance of the product?
Shook: It is best to perform tests immediately upon completion. Follow up inspections should be made during routine maintenance of the manholes and following major storm events or similar harsh events which impact the sewer system..