Today concrete is widely used for different applications. It is poured for everything from driveways and sidewalks to patios and porches . If it is maintained and kept in good condition then it can increase the value of your home. To protect and preserve concrete surfaces around the home sealing should be done. A good concrete sealer provides years of protection and ensures a long life span.
Concrete sealers protect the surface from many stains and spills. It won’t stop hundred percent penetration , but will stop deep penetration from dirt, water rust, grime , oil spill and so on making the cleanup much easier.
How Does Concrete Sealing Work?
Quality concrete sealers lock out moisture in cold climates. As water can penetrate concrete it can freeze and cause extensive damage. Sealing concrete stops moisture and water from penetrating the surface. A good concrete sealer protects the surface from winter salts than causes pitting and erosion.
Some of the concrete sealers actually enhance the look if that is what you are looking for. Concrete coatings are available in matte finish that will not change the look of the Concrete, also sealers will give WET finish to the surface bringing out the natural tones.
Coloured concrete is becoming popular but can fade over time from excessive traffic and weather. Sealing the concrete protects the original colour and prevents the concrete surface from becoming faded and dull.
Sealing the concrete surfaces with the quality concrete sealer is one of the best ways to protect your investment and maintain your home’s value. It is a great way to preserve and enhance the concrete for many more years to come.
Just as you paint your home regularly also seal your concrete to protect it from moisture and prolong its life.
What Precautions Must Be Taken After A Concrete Ceiling?
When concrete is first applied then you have to keep moisture in, on maturation you have to keep moisture out- specially Concrete which is subject to freezing and thawing.
To make concrete more resistant to freeze/thaw cycles is by air entrainment that is a purposeful addition of small air bubbles into the concrete during batching. After the hardening of concrete, these air bubbles remain and allow the expansion of freezing water that is in the hardened concrete.
If the surface of hardened concrete is wet for a long duration then some water will be absorbed and saturate the concrete. The salt itself does not harm the concrete ‘s surface, melting of Ice and Snow keeps the water surface saturated. When this freezes, the air entrainment system is overloaded, the air pocket walls rupture and damage the concrete .
The air bubbles may be enough, you can limit the amount of water getting into concrete by sealing it with a product to keep out water and deciding salts. If you want to know more about them then Look here for coatings sealers and your queries would be handled.
Two Main Types Of Concrete Sealers-
1.Concrete Film Formers- The Wet Look-
Film formers are made of acrylic or rubber based compounds. They form a thin coating on the surface of concrete leaving a wet look just like varnish on wood. They are less expensive and protect against some stains better than penetrating sealers.
2. Penetrating Sealer-the Dry Look-
Mostly they are made from derivatives of silicone or siloxanes made to penetrate concrete pores . They react with alkaline materials and moisture to form Silicone , making concrete water repellent. They cost more and also last longer. Penetrating sealers are popular as they don’t change the concrete’s appearance when applied properly.
