Concrete sealants protect decorative and plain concrete surfaces from weather damage, grime, and foot traffic. They can be sprayed or rolled onto the surface.
Acrylic sealers form a protective film on the concrete surface and work well for driveways, patios, and sidewalks. These are easy to apply and low-cost. More by clicking here.
Waterproofing
Concrete sealants are water-based products that can be applied to bare or painted concrete surfaces. They provide a barrier to the corrosive effects of dirt, oils, sunlight, and chemicals. They can also increase traction. They can be brushed, sprayed, or troweled onto the surface and may require several coats to get optimal results.
Moisture damage to concrete is expensive to repair and can weaken structures over time. Waterproofing your concrete structures prevents this and keeps them looking fresh and clean for a longer period of time.
A penetrating sealant will react with the concrete to create a chemical bond that fills microscopic capillaries and pores, restricting moisture. This can help to protect concrete from damage caused by freeze and thaw cycles, reducing the likelihood of cracks and discoloration over time. It can also reduce maintenance costs by limiting the need for cleaning and stripping. It can even help to prevent dampness, mildew, and mold. It is a great investment for any building as it will save money on maintenance and restoration costs over time.
Stain Resistance
Stain resistance is important, especially for concrete countertops where food and beverages are often served. Sealers that allow the concrete to maintain its natural look while protecting it from stains are ideal.
Testing a surface with multiple substances over various exposure lengths allows you to evaluate and compare the stain resistance of a variety of different sealers. This helps to reveal how and where each type of sealer excels, rather than comparing a single result over a short time period.
The stain resistance ratings are based on a combination of test results over four-time increments. This gives you a more realistic view of how a sealer will perform in the real world. It’s also important to remember that a sealer’s ranking in stain tests is a reflection of how well it resists a wide range of stains, not the overall desirability of a specific product. This is because some factors that are not tested, such as appearance or ease of application, may influence the final choice of a sealer for your concrete project.
Durability
Durability refers to a concrete’s ability to resist damage caused by weathering, chemical attack, and abrasion. A concrete sealer can help to increase the durability of your concrete, protecting it from damage and allowing it to hold up under heavy traffic or harsh chemicals like deicing salts.
Most concrete damage is due to surface moisture intrusion. Concrete sealers can block up to 99% of surface moisture, protecting concrete from damage and premature deterioration.
Acrylic is a popular concrete sealer for commercial applications, offering durable protection that lasts one to three years. Epoxy sealers are more expensive, but provide a harder, more glossy finish that can last up to 10 years. They are also a more effective sealer for concrete, limiting a concrete surface’s permeability and creating a barrier that can prevent oil, salts, and chemicals from permeating the slab. They also require no surface preparation prior to application and can be applied with a brush, roller, or trowel.
Appearance
Concrete sealing makes your exterior concrete look newer and better. This is especially important if you have invested in stamped concrete that can fade over time due to sun damage. Concrete sealing will help protect your concrete from the deteriorating influence of weather, water, chemicals, dirt, and debris.
Concrete can be damaged by freeze-thaw cycles, which cause the concrete to absorb moisture and then crack as it freezes and thaws. Sealing the concrete will prevent this, as well as protect against salt, stains, mold growth, and more.
Penetrating concrete sealers, also known as impregnating sealers, penetrate the concrete and create a hydrophobic barrier. This repels water, chemicals, and stains and does not change the appearance of the concrete. The best way to test a penetrating concrete sealer is to pour water on the surface of the concrete. It should either soak in or bead, depending on the type of sealer. If it beads, your concrete is ready for a new coat of sealer. Refer to This Web Page.