What is the Purpose of Sealing Concrete?

In order to protect concrete from physical damage and corrosion, the concrete needs to be sealed. Concrete sealers come in many different types and brands, and it is important to research the numerous options in order to choose the right sealer for you. Thus, learning more about concrete sealers, the purpose of sealing concrete, and how concrete sealers are applied will help you to make a more informed decision.

What are Concrete Sealers?

Concrete sealers essentially perform the function of creating a protective surface over concrete in order to repel water and increase the concrete’s durability. There are numerous types of concrete sealers, such as epoxy, acrylic, polyurethane, silicone-based sealers, and more. Typically speaking, concrete sealers are divided into two types: penetrating sealers and topical sealers. 

Penetrating sealers include silanes, siloxanes, silicates, and siliconates. These sealers tend to last a long time and provide the most resistance to corrosion and water because they penetrate within the concrete. As for topical sealers, the types are epoxy, acrylic, and polyurethane. These sealers form a protective surface on top of the concrete, but do not actually penetrate within the concrete. These sealers are also durable, but do not last as long as penetrating sealers. However, if you wish to use a sealer that will change the look of the concrete, then topical sealers are the way to go.

What is the Purpose of Sealing Concrete?

Concrete is a permeable material, which means that it can absorb water and salt that could cause damage to the structure of the concrete. Thus, it is important to use a concrete sealer in order to protect the concrete from damage and increase its overall longevity. Thus, choosing a penetrating or topical concrete sealer will ensure that your concrete is well protected from its physical environment as well as general wear and tear.

How are Concrete Sealers Applied?

Concrete sealers are applied to concrete through a relatively simple process. First, one must prepare the concrete by removing any debris, dirt, stains, or other materials not a part of the concrete. This is done so that the sealers do not mix in with the concrete, which could cause problems with the sealer. After the concrete has been thoroughly cleaned, you need to make sure that any old concrete sealer has been completely stripped away. Once the concrete has been completely prepped and cleaned, you should then etch the surface of the concrete. This is done in order to roughen the surface of the concrete, which will allow the sealer to achieve a better grip on the concrete. After the concrete has been etched and allowed to fully dry, you may then apply a thin coat of the concrete sealer. Allow that to dry completely before adding the second coat of concrete sealer. Once both coats have completely dried, your concrete will be finished.

All in all, choosing the right concrete sealer for your project will ultimately depend on your personal needs. In order to ensure that you make the right choice, do some research or consult with our team of epoxy specialists.