What is Concrete Sealing?

Concrete is a very durable material, but it is far from damage-proof on its own.  Since it is a porous material, moisture and chemicals can seep into concrete and compromise its integrity.  This most often appears as cracks, crumbled areas, or stains on a slab.  According to research, the most common cause of damaged concrete is moisture absorption, especially when that moisture freezes and thaws while inside the concrete.

So what can you do to prevent this from happening to your freshly poured (or existing) driveway, patio, or entire building?  Fortunately, there is a simple solution - concrete sealer.  Concrete sealers are made from a variety of chemicals including epoxy, acrylic resin, and silicate.  Sealers also come in two types - topical and penetrating. 

Topical sealers are generally made from epoxy or acrylic resin.  Unlike penetrating sealers, topical sealers give the concrete a shiny, sleek appearance and provide protection from stains and spills.  Because they form a protective layer over the concrete (instead of soaking into it), topical sealers can make the surface of the concrete slippery when wet.  For this reason, non-slip additives are highly recommended when applying a topical sealer to any outdoor surface.

Penetrating sealers, generally made from silicates or similar compounds, soak into the pores of the concrete and bond with concrete molecules to block out moisture.  They therefore do not significantly alter the appearance of a slab of concrete, and they provide little protection against surface spills and stains.  Because they bond with the concrete internally, however, they generally have a longer effective lifespan than acrylic topical sealers.  Many penetrating sealers can also be applied to damp concrete, making the application process much easier in certain climates.

Most penetrating sealers and acrylic resin topical sealers can be applied with simple tools.  Most can be brushed on with a paint roller, and some can even be sprayed onto the concrete with a simple pump sprayer.  High end epoxy sealers require specialized tools and are generally more labor intensive to install properly.  Epoxy sealers are worth the extra expense and effort for many reasons, however: they last longer than acrylic sealers, they protect against all types of spills and stains (acrylic can be damaged by petroleum, and silicate sealers are susceptible to etching from acids), and they provide a highly customizable and elegant finish.

Whatever the purpose of your concrete and regardless of how long it has been there, a concrete sealer is a great way to protect, enhance, and extend its life.  Concrete is a widely used building material because of its strength, but on its own it has its limits.  Water, salt, and other chemicals can break down both the concrete and the rebar inside it, causing long term damage and potentially weakening the structure the concrete is supporting.  With a properly applied concrete sealer, however, your concrete can be kept strong and beautiful for many, many years.

Need a quote?  Still have questions?  Epoxy Flooring Halifax is here to help with all your epoxy coating and sealing needs!