Concrete Sealing Methods And Types
The aesthetic and endurance of the coating are the most important considerations when selecting the correct concrete sealer for your task.
CONCRETE ACRYLIC SEALERS
Acrylic sealers, which are available in both solvent and water-based formulae, are perfect for jobs that require a quick application and minimal cost. These sealers provide a protective layer on your concrete driveways, patios, and sidewalks, providing good protection against oil and salt penetration while causing water on the slabs to runoff. They are also non-yellowing and UV resistant. They come in a variety of sheen levels and may be utilized to complement the beauty of colored, stamped, or exposed-aggregate concrete.
Acrylic sealers work by forming a thin protective coating on the concrete surface.
Primary Applications – Can be utilized on both the outside and inside of a building. Excellent for tasks requiring simple application and low cost. They add to the appeal of colored, stamped, or exposed aggregate concrete. Because acrylics frequently dry to the touch within an hour, this is useful for speedier applications.
Finish – Available in a variety of sheen levels. Color is often enhanced more by solvent-based acrylics than by water-based solutions.
Performance – Offers good resistance to water and chloride infiltration, but wears out faster than polyurethanes and epoxies. For outdoor applications, solvent-based acrylics often outperform water-based solutions.
PERMEABLE SEALERS (INCLUDES SILANES, SILOXANES, SILICATES, AND SILICONES)
Penetrating sealers, such as silanes, siloxanes, silicates, and silicones, penetrate the concrete to produce a chemical barrier that protects it from moisture and deicing chemicals. They typically provide undetectable protection without altering the surface look, and the majority of goods are breathable, enabling moisture vapor to escape. They are most typically used outside since they offer good protection against adverse weather conditions.
They penetrate and react chemically within the concrete capillaries to protect against moisture penetration and deicing chemicals.
Exterior concrete surfaces prone to corrosion and freeze-thaw damage where a natural, matte finish is needed
Finish – Provides undetectable protection without affecting the look of the surface or leaving a gloss.
Performance – Excellent resistance to outside exposure conditions. Most items are also breathable, meaning they enable moisture vapor to escape.
A SIMPLE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
The technique for installing sealers is nearly the same across the board. This tutorial will lead you through the installation’s essential components. Read the directions on your sealant to learn about any precautions (such as necessary temperature or moisture levels of the concrete.)
Sealers can be applied in a number of various methods. Again, depending on the sealer, one may be preferred over another. The majority of penetrating sealers may be applied using a garden/weed sprayer. These have a big canister, a pump handle for increasing pressure, and a wand with a spray attachment at the end. A roller or brush can be used to apply thicker sealers. It is critical to follow the application instructions. When using penetrating sealers, you want to produce a moist appearance across your concrete slab while avoiding a filmy gloss. The purpose of acrylic and polyurethane sealers is to provide consistent and equal coating across the whole surface.
Allow to Dry and Enjoy – Once again, different sealers have different drying periods. Many are dry to the touch in a few hours, but most advocate waiting 12-24 hours before walking or driving on them. Pay close attention to the re-application instructions for the sealer you’ve chosen. We recommend that you create a note in your calendar to remind yourself when to reapply. Keeping your concrete sealed is one of the finest things you can do to extend its life and enjoy it for years to come.
We offer free Foundation Inspection Manhattan Beach and repair estimates across our service area. Each written quotation includes an on-site assessment of your situation as well as professional responses to any of your foundation-related questions.
