Concrete Sealers- Buying Tips for Concrete Sealers

The concrete sealers are a special mixture that is applied to the concrete surface in order to protect from surface damage, corrosion and staining problems. These undesirable effects would result in the  formation of pores that would result in:

• Increase in porosity of the concrete surface

• Water penetration-causing freezing and thawing

• Crack Formation

• Decrease in durability of the concrete surface

• Subsurface failure due to water penetration, causing settlement

Why Use Sealer??

The concrete sealer will help in sealing the common root problem that is the pores. It covers the pores hence avoiding water penetration and related issues. This sealant helps in reduction of absorption of salt or any harmful chemical to which the structure is exposed to.

Major Concrete authorities have conducted research and concluded that the most common reason behind the concrete damage is the surface intrusion. The concrete damage through surface scaling due to rapid freezing and thawing process is found to be the most pervasive form. Other reasons for the same are:

• Chemical Intrusion
• Corrosion of the steel reinforcements
• Improper design -formation of  voids

How to Choose The Right Sealer??

1. What conditions will the sealer be exposed to?
2. Is the sealer breathable?
3. What is the drying time?
4. What is the coverage rate?
5. What type of finish and surface appearance do you want to achieve?
6. What is the life expectancy of the sealer, and does the manufacturer provide a warranty?
7. How easy is the sealer to apply?

Buying Tips for Concrete Sealers

Before deciding to buy any concrete sealer follow the steps:

• Read the technical details provided in the product description/ or in the product websites
• The required keywords are non-yellowing, dust proofing, water proofing, resistance to oil-grease and ash and finally breathability
• The product should have detail description of the application procedures, further maintenance, and re-application
• Ask the supplier for extra recommendations based on the purpose you are buying the product
• Buy concrete sealer with good performance and review than buying a cheap one.

Types of Concrete Sealers

The high-quality concrete sealer will help to block almost 99% of the surface moisture to which it is exposed to. The concrete sealers can be categorized into two main types. They are:

Topical Sealers

Topical Sealers will facilitate visual enhancement as well as topical protection from stains and chemicals. In order to gain proper adhesion, they require a dry, clean surface during application. Topical sealers may alter the coefficient of friction which can make substrates slick when wet – a condition that can be remedied by adding anti-skid materials.The durability period is generally 1-5 years, although high-end epoxy/urethane systems can last significantly longer.

Penetrating Sealers

The application of the penetrating sealers are done over dry or damp surfaces and should be properly matched with substrate porosity in order to effectively penetrate the surface and react. The chemical reaction bonds active ingredients within the substrate blocking surface moisture. Penetrating sealers generally do not significantly modify substrate appearance or traction. The durability of penetrating sealers is generally 5 years or more.