Concrete Sealer- A Protective Coating for Concrete Surfaces
Concrete sealer is a liquid protective coating that is applied on exposed concrete surfaces both indoors and outdoors. The primary purpose of applying concrete coating is to protect the concrete from damage caused by water, chemicals, de-icing salts, UV rays, corrosion and abrasion. Different types of concrete coatings are used for varied applications based on the specific requirement.
Types of Concrete Sealers
There are different types of concrete coatings available in the based on their composition and the properties they impart.
- Acrylic Sealers: Acrylic concrete coatings are water-based and produces a clear, glossy finish on Concrete Sealer. They are more flexible than other sealers and also offer good protection from water, chemicals and UV light. Acrylic sealers are a popular choice for indoor applications.
- Epoxy Sealers: Epoxy sealers form a very hard, durable coating that protects concrete from extreme weathering, chemicals, oils and abrasion. They provide the highest level of protection but the surface has a glossy finish. Epoxy sealers are commonly used for garage floors, patios and driveways.
- Urethane Sealers: Urethane Concrete Sealer offer good chemical resistance with a low to semi-gloss finish. They are flexible like acrylics but provide more durability. Urethane sealers are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in commercial and industrial settings.
- Silicone Sealers: Silicone sealers create an extremely water-resistant, breathable and natural look coating for concrete. They allow moisture to escape from underneath but repel water on the surface. Silicone sealers are preferred for basements and areas prone to efflorescence.
- Hybrid Sealers: Hybrid sealers combine the benefits of different materials like acrylic, epoxy or urethane to provide enhanced performance and protection. They offer the hardest, most durable long-lasting finish for high-traffic surfaces.
Benefits of Using Concrete Sealer
There are several advantages of applying high-quality concrete coating on exposed concrete surfaces:
- Protects from Water Damage: concrete coatings create an impervious barrier preventing water, rain and snow melt from entering pores and cracks in concrete. This protects it from spalling, rusting of reinforcing steel and other issues caused by water damage.
- Enhances Aesthetics: concrete coatings enhance the aesthetics of plain concrete by adding luster, bringing out natural tones in the aggregate and creating an even finish. It can also be used to change the color of concrete.
- Improves Durability: The sealer acts as a protective shell, preventing wear and tear caused by abrasion, chemicals, de-icing salts and weathering. This significantly increases the service life of concrete.
- Easy to Clean: Sealed concrete surfaces have a non-porous finish making them stain-resistant and easy to clean with a pressure washer. Dirt, mold, algae, oil spills etc. can be easily removed.
- Reduces Dusting: concrete coatings fill the pores and close them, preventing fine particles from lifting and causing a dusty surface over time.
-Adds Slip Resistance: Some sealers when applied can increase the coefficient of friction thus improving slip resistance of driveway, pool decks and walkways.
Application Process
Proper surface preparation and correct application technique ensures concrete coatings perform effectively. Here are the basic steps:
- Clean the surface thoroughly and allow to dry completely. Remove any dirt, grease, previous coatings etc. using pressure washer or cleaner.
- Fill any cracks, pits or holes using concrete patch or repair products and allow to cure fully.
- For new concrete, wait at least 28 days for sufficient curing before applying sealer.
- Use a solvent like xylene to degrease garage floors before sealing.
- Stir the sealer container well and pour into a small container for application using roller, brush or sprayer as per instructions.
- Apply in thin, even coats allowing each coat to fully dry in between. Two light coats are better than one heavy coat for best performance.
- Follow re-coating times as per manufacturer instructions for complete curing before allowing traffic on the sealed surface.
- Maintain sealed surfaces periodically by reapplying an additional topcoat as needed.
Concrete Sealer - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about concrete coatings:
- How long does a sealer last? Typically 1-3 years with proper upkeep depending on surface usage and environmental conditions. Interior applications may last longer.
- When should resealing be done? Reapply topcoats every 1-2 years or when the sheen noticeably wears off. New coats will boost protection again.
- Can sealers be used on colored concrete? Yes, most sealers work well with colored concrete without affecting the tone. Test on a small area first.
- Is sealing necessary for indoor concrete? It provides dustproofing, easy cleaning and stain resistance benefits though not critical for structural integrity.
- Type of sealer for garage floor Epoxy, urethane or hybrid sealers provide the best durability, chemical resistance and protection for garage floors.
- What causes concrete coating to fail Improper surface preparation before sealing, application of excessive coats, sealer damage from harsh chemicals or abrasion over time can cause premature failure.
In conclusion, using the right concrete coating applied by following correct techniques is essential to maximize the lifespan and performance of concrete surfaces both indoor and outdoor. Periodic resealing boosts protection over the long run.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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