Is Sealing Your Concrete Necessary?

Concrete is a common construction material. It is often used to build sidewalks, bridges, and homes. But it can also be a problem if not taken care of properly. Even though it is one of the most popular building materials available, it is also susceptible to cracks and other types of damage. If this occurs, then sealing your concrete will help prevent damage, prolong the life of the concrete, and improve its appearance.

If your concrete is unsealed, it will likely develop mold and mildew, and it will develop green discolorations and may begin to grow on the surface. Therefore, it’s not something you should put off.

Once the concrete has been properly sealed, it will be protected from water, salt, harmful salts, chemicals, stains, and corrosion. Furthermore, sealing your concrete means it will also be resistant to UV rays, and as a result, it will maintain its rich colors and look better.

If you have a large area, you may want to consider hiring a professional concrete sealing service. And depending on the type of sealer your contractor uses; you can expect to have to replace it every ten years or so. However, this is less expensive than replacing the concrete altogether, which can be costly.

What types of concrete sealing your contractor should use?

Sealing concrete is a process that preserves the concrete's appearance and also protects it from the elements. The goal is to seal up any cracks or pores to prevent future freeze/thaw damage. However, you need to make sure your concrete sealing expert uses the right concrete sealer. This is essential to the long-term health of your driveway, patio, or any other concrete project you have in mind.

The key to making sure you hire the right concrete sealing expert is to read the information provided below so you can ask the right questions. A professional concrete sealer will be able to answer correctly and elaborate on your question.

Types of Concrete Sealers

There are various types of concrete sealers on the market, including penetrating, topical, and urethanes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

For instance, a topical sealer can be easily reapplied every few years. They offer great protection against rain and sun. They also have a protective coating that helps fight mold and mildew.

A penetrating sealer, as its name suggests, penetrates the surface of the concrete and creates a protective coating. This layer not only repels water but can also be used to repel other elements such as deicing salts. They are perfect for driveways, sidewalks, and patios. They will also keep your concrete looking natural and are ideal for protecting surfaces against stains and other contaminants. Plus, they work well on newly cured concrete, and have the longest lifespan.

Film-forming sealers are another option. They are more durable, but also have a longer lifespan than penetrating sealers.

For high-traffic areas, epoxies and urethanes are a great choice. These sealers will give you a more permanent, glossy finish. However, they cost more than acrylics.

With commercial applications, you'll want to use a heavy-duty sealer. This sealer will protect your concrete from abrasion, heat, UV rays, and chemicals. It may also improve the curing process of the concrete.

If you have a brick or other porous concrete, you might choose to use a sealer that has a higher concentration of Siloxane. Siloxane has been proven to reduce the deterioration of magnesium chloride in concrete.

Water-based sealants are better for indoor projects, while solvent-based sealers are a better option for outdoor applications.

How much sealer is needed?

The amount of reapplication needed will depend on how much wear the surface receives. Generally, you should rebook your concrete sealing contractor to reapply it every three to four years depending on the weather and the type of material.

Always ask questions when hiring concrete sealing experts!

In the end, a good concrete sealer will protect your surface from stains, grime, and other contaminants. It will also help prolong the life of your concrete.Therefore, using the right sealer can be the difference between having an attractive, long-lasting concrete surface and one that needs extensive repairs. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask your concrete sealing expert to give you options.