5 Frequently Asked Questions about Concrete Sealers

Concrete is one of the most utilised materials in building and construction projects. One defining property of concrete that makes it popular among these kinds of projects is it is dependable. The resistance of concrete against weather and outdoor elements allows it to be useful in structures often exposed to heat, moisture, and others.

Another reason why concrete is dependable is it can withstand heavy loads. This quality makes concrete the first choice when constructing driveways, pathways, and others that are often exposed to heavy foot and vehicle traffic. Other key qualities of concrete are fire resistant, energy efficient, appealing, versatile, low maintenance, and eco-friendly.

These properties of concrete, however, can be further enhanced if it is coated with a concrete sealer. A concrete sealer is an additive agent that protects concrete from corrosion, staining, and surface damage. Here are some frequently asked questions about concrete sealers.

1. How do concrete sealers work?

Concrete sealers are often applied to concrete surfaces so they can protect them from damage caused by various elements. Their protective feature is possible as concrete sealers block the pores in the concrete, which can prevent salts, water, and others from infiltrating their internal layers. Concrete sealers may likewise generate an impermeable layer on the concrete, minimising the chances of these things from passing through.

2. Where to use concrete sealers?

Many construction projects, as mentioned before, maximise concrete. Not all, however, require to be sealed right away. If you want to save some money, you may want to apply concrete sealers first on areas with heavy traffic like walkways, driveways, and flooring. You may also apply concrete sealers on places where chemicals, water, and other elements may spill from time to time. For best results, you must hire professionals who can apply concrete sealers optimally as they already know the procedures for applying them.

3. How to apply concrete sealers?

If you want, however, to apply concrete sealer on your own, you must ensure first that your concrete surfaces are cleaned first. You may clean your concrete surfaces by sweeping any loose debris, dirt, and dust, applying a concrete cleaner to the surface and scrubbing it with a brush, rinsing the surface with clean water, and letting the surface dry. Afterwards, you must apply the concrete sealer based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, which often involve applying the sealer evenly and allowing it to dry for about 24 to 48 hours.

4. When to apply concrete sealer?

Concrete sealers can only work well if they are applied at the right time. Failure to apply them at the right time will only lead to issues like surface bubbles, peeling and flaking, fading, blushing, and so on. Ideally, concrete sealers should be applied when the outdoor temperature is between 10°C and 32°C. Average surface temperature likewise allows concrete sealers to cure without any issues. Generally, these conditions are present in the afternoon. Hence, concrete sealers must be applied during these times.

5. How to pick the right concrete sealer?

Concrete sealers can be solvent or water-based. Solvent concrete sealers are often maximised for outdoor concrete projects like driveways, patios, and walkways. They feature a higher gloss finish, which improves the appearance of the said projects. They also have longer service life before they require resealing. Water-based concrete sealers, alternatively, are great for indoor concrete surfaces. They are easier to apply compared to solvent ones.

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