Today concrete is widely used for different applications. It is poured for everything from driveways and sidewalks to patios and porches . To protect and preserve concrete surfaces around the home, sealing should be done. Concrete sealers protect the surface from many stains and spills. It won’t stop hundred percent penetration , but will stop deep penetration from dirt, water rust, grime , oil spill and so on making the cleanup much easier. Quality concrete sealers for Contreat can lock out moisture in cold climates. As water can penetrate the concrete it can freeze and cause extensive damage. Sealing concrete stops moisture and water from penetrating the surface. A good concrete sealer protects the surface from winter salts than causes pitting and erosion.
Why Concrete Sealers?
Some of the concrete sealers actually enhance the look if that is what you are looking for. Concrete coatings are available in matte finish that will not change the look of the Concrete, also sealers will give WET finish to the surface bringing out the natural tones.Coloured concrete is becoming popular but can fade over time from excessive traffic and weather. Sealing the concrete protects the original colour and prevents the concrete surface from becoming faded and dull.
Sealing the concrete surfaces with the quality concrete sealer is one of the best ways to protect the investment and maintain your home’s value. It is a great way to preserve and enhance the concrete for many more years to come.
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When concrete is first applied then you have to keep moisture in, on maturation you have to keep moisture out- specially Concrete which is subject to freezing and thawing.
How To Make The Concrete Sealers More Resistant To Freeze?
To make concrete more resistant to freeze/thaw cycles is by air entrainment that is a purposeful addition of small air bubbles into the concrete during batching. After the hardening of concrete, these air bubbles remain and allow the expansion of freezing water that is in hard concrete.
If the surface of hardened concrete is wet for a long duration then some water will be absorbed and saturate the concrete. The salt itself does not harm the concrete ‘s surface, melting of Ice and Snow keeps the water surface saturated. When this freezes, the air entrainment system is overloaded, the air pocket walls rupture and damage the concrete .
The air bubbles may be many , you can limit the amount of water getting into concrete by sealing it with a product to keep out water and deciding salts.
Two Main Types Of Concrete Sealers-
1.Concrete Film Formers- The Wet Look- Film formers are made of acrylic or rubber based compounds. They form a thin coating on the surface of concrete leaving a wet look just like varnish on wood. They are less expensive and protect against some stains better than penetrating sealers.
2. Penetrating Sealer-the Dry Look- Mostly they are made from derivatives of silicone or siloxanes made to penetrate concrete pores . They react with alkaline materials and moisture to form Silicone , making concrete water repellent. They cost more and also last longer. Penetrating sealers are popular as they don’t change the concrete’s appearance when applied properly.
