What You Need to Know About Concrete Sealers

Concrete is one of the most popular artificial ingredients in the world. Almost everything structural is made from it, including houses, bridges and pavements. When pouring concrete, it’s important to use a concrete sealer in order to protect the surface from damage such as corrosion and staining. Concrete sealers can either block the pores in the concrete to reduce the absorption of water or form an impermeable layer which prevents such materials from passing. Read on to find out what you need to know about protecting concrete with concrete sealers.

 
Types of Concrete Sealers
When it comes to concrete sealers, there are a variety of products available to choose from. There are acrylic concrete sealers that come in two forms: solvent and water-based. These are quick and straightforward to apply and are also the most budget friendly. These products are ultraviolet resistant and don’t let the concrete get a yellowish shade in the long-term. The next type of concrete sealer is polyurethane, which you can buy in the same two forms: solvent and water-based. These have a thick coat and offer excellent protection against abrasives and different chemicals. Lastly, penetrating sealers have an advanced formula that allows them to quickly react to the capillaries of your driveway or veranda. This helps permanently guard concrete against chemicals and moisture penetration.

Types of Concrete Damage
Over the years, concrete can suffer from many types of damage without the use of a sealer. The main type occurs due to inadequate installation and use of poor equipment, so it’s vital to consider the conditions when setting your concrete mixture. Remember that the overall temperature and durability of concrete will either positively or negatively affect its structure. Freeze thaw damage can occur in colder climates where freezing weather brings with it ice, cold showers and snow. After the water seeps into the concrete slab, it freezes in the joints and damages the concrete. Soil erosion can also damage concrete, making it vital to adequately prepare the material’s placement. If this isn’t completed properly, the washout from the soil as well as the ground underneath can cause damage and disintegration.

 
Why You Should Maintain Concrete Sealers
There are many reasons why you need to maintain your concrete sealers. Firstly, it prevents mold growth and penetration due to the porous nature of the material. Concrete sealers permanently block the tiny pores and cracks in the cement, keeping all the moisture from getting inside. They also enhance the durability when the exterior portion of the concrete is continuously exposed to rain and heat. This is because the chemicals are weatherproof, which means no amount of water or moisture will penetrate the material. Furthermore, concrete sealers enhance the longevity of concrete areas. By adding a fresh coat of sealer, you can make any concrete surface waterproof. Lastly, concrete sealers make concrete stain proof and oil spill proof. The sealers additionally help keep the surface protected from the powerful ultraviolet rays of the sun.