What is parging?

What is parging? A parge coating is simply a light coat of a hard-wearing cementitious or polymer mortar applied directly to masonry or concrete for refinement of the finished surface. Targeting is an involved process, involving elaborate designs in relief creation on the face of the poured surface. The basic concept of parging lies in a concrete floor that has been poured with a raised textured relief of polymer materials designed to be permeable to water for easy drainage. The application of parging allows the decorative and functional qualities of concrete to be enhanced without blocking the natural drainage of the poured floor.

There are many reasons why a professional contactor may recommend pargeting as part of a concrete improvements project. In general, pargeting creates a smoother and more visually appealing surface, one that can resist corrosion and other wear and tear that occur over time. By sealing the surface, the engineers are also protecting the surrounding concrete from weathering and cracking. When a project is carefully planned and the options for improvement laid out before beginning work, saving money by not having to repair or replace wasted concrete is possible. Additionally, if pargeting is carefully implemented the surface will continue to look its best for years to come. Furthermore, it will increase the overall value of the home.

It is very important that when pargeted an contractor select the right texture and chemical blend for the project. For example, to create a smoother and more aesthetically appealing surface than would be achieved with a coarse aggregate like sand or silt would require a finer targeting. In addition to the type of material to use, another important factor to consider when pargeting lies in the location of where the parking will be placed. If the project is being undertaken on a commercial basis, there are a few additional considerations that will need to be addressed. Most importantly, the depth of the pit will need to be carefully considered. A deep pit is capable of holding more water and therefore will require more targeting than a shallow pit.

The contractor should also keep in mind that the quality of the targeting will directly impact the durability of the seal. Pterons that are poorly manufactured will not only fail to provide a good seal; it could weaken the underlying concrete as well. Pterons are often made out of rubber but synthetic material such as concrete could equally be used. This is often an overlooked step in many projects but it is critical in determining the longevity of the targeting and its overall effectiveness.