Everything About Concrete Sealing You Need To Know When it comes to shedding light on concrete sealing, it is a process of applying a protective coating to concrete surfaces with the aim of increasing their durability, longevity, and appearance. The sealing process is indispensable for overseeing the structural integrity of concrete surfaces and safeguarding them against weathering, abrasion, and chemical damage. Through this article, we shall divulge everything you need to know about concrete sealing, entailing the benefits, types of sealers, and maintenance tips. And if you wish to know more about it, you may simply connect with our reliable concrete sealing Sydney company for thorough assistance. Benefits of Concrete Sealing The concept of concrete sealing has become the talk of the town ever since it first made its appearance. All thanks to the number of benefits the modality offers. Some of them include: ● Enhanced Durability The fundamental reason for sealing concrete surfaces with a protective coating is that it helps increase their strength and durability. This is because the sealer here becomes a deterrent and prevents any external element in the shape of water, chemicals, or UV rays from coming into direct contact with the concrete surface. When ignored, it can lead to possible damages to the surface. ● Increased Longevity Another compelling benefit of a properly sealed concrete surface is that it can last for decades without the need for frequent overhauls. Once again, it is the sealer that prevents the concrete from cracking, chipping, or deteriorating due to incessant exposure to harsh weather conditions or heavy foot traffic. ● Improved aesthetics Perhaps you are aware of it or not, but sealing concrete surfaces can also emerge as a way to enhance their appearance by adding a glossy or matte finish, depending on the type of sealer used. As a result, this significantly enhances the aesthetics of the concrete surface, making it more pleasing. This benefit becomes extremely vital where surfaces are highly visible, such as driveways, patios, and walkways. ● Prevents strains One of the downsides of concrete surfaces is that they are highly vulnerable to staining, especially from oil, grease, and other chemicals. A sealer thus becomes a savior, and the protective coating can prevent these substances from permeating its surface and leading to permanent stains. What are the types of Concrete Sealers? If you intend to know about the types of concrete sealers, we have got you covered. To your knowledge, there are principally two main types of concrete sealers: penetrating and topical sealers. We will talk about them individually. ● Penetrating Sealers These are designed with the intent of perforating the pores of the concrete to chemically react with the minerals, eventually resulting in a hard, protective barrier. This type of sealer becomes a preferred choice for use on outdoor surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and patios. This stands to reason, as it furnishes excellent protection against water damage and freeze-thaw cycles. It is worth mentioning here that penetrating sealers are further classified into two types: ● Silicate-Based Sealers When it comes to silicate-based sealers, they are typically made with a blend of water and sodium or lithium silicate. This mixture, when applied to the surface of concrete, reacts with the calcium hydroxide to form a hard, crystalline structure. It is this structure that is employed to fill the pores of the concrete to make it more resistant to water, chemicals, and abrasion. Silicate-based sealers are recommended for places that see higher than usual foot traffic or are persistently exposed to harsh weather conditions. ● Silane/Siloxane-Based Sealers Prepared with the amalgamation of water and silanes or siloxanes, the mixture, when applied to the surface of concrete, delves deep into the surface to form a hydrophobic barrier to repel water and other liquids. Once again, this kind of sealer becomes a preferred choice for use on concrete surfaces, such as driveways and walkways. This is because the surface provides excellent protection against water damage, staining, and other possible deterrents. ● Topical Sealers Topical sealers create a protective layer on the surface of the concrete to obstruct the path of water, chemicals, and other substances from penetrating the surface. This type of sealer is a dime a dozen and is utilized on indoor concrete surfaces such as garage floors. This is primarily done as it furnishes excellent protection against abrasion and staining. In continuation, topical sealers are further divided into two categories: ● Acrylic sealers Acrylic sealers are made with the aid of a mixture of water and acrylic polymers. When applied to concrete, they help to create a protective barrier to prevent the entry of elements such as water, chemicals, and abrasion. Acrylic sealers are up for grabs in an eclectic range of sheen levels, from matte to glossy, and can also be tinted a variety of colors. This type of sealer is recommended for use on indoor concrete surfaces like garage floors and basement floors. ● Epoxy Sealers This kind of sealer is attained with a blend of resin and hardener. When mingled together, the output is a chemical bond that creates a tough, durable surface. Additionally, epoxy healers are up for grabs in clear or pigmented formulations and can be applied with the help of a high gloss or matte finish. For commercial floors and industrial floors, epoxy sealers are indeed your best bet. Tips to ensure that you get the best results when sealing your concrete ● Prepare the surface Before straightaway applying the sealer, it is imperative that you have checked the surface. Any presence of debris, dirt, oil, or grease should be removed thoroughly. ● Choose the right sealer When you have chosen the right sealer, you are one step closer to achieving the desired results. Some of the factors to consider include the type of concrete surface, the level of traffic it receives, and what kind of protection it requires. ● Apply the sealer correctly Only once you have diligently gone through the application guidelines should you embark on applying the sealer. The ultimate aim should be achieving a smooth finish. ● Allow the surface to dry After you have applied the sealer, it makes sense to let it dry for an ample amount of time. ● Hire a professional You might be under the illusion that using a sealer is an easy task. However, it is not the case. You can only achieve optimal results by enlisting the services of a professional with sufficient experience in this field. Get connected with KENEX for all your concrete sealing needs If you are relentlessly scouting for a provider that offers the best sealing services in Australia, your search gets over when you connect with the label KENEX. Having years of experience in concrete sealing, the brand offers the best-in-class co-polymer sealer for concrete surfaces. And when you invest in the modality of sealing, you not only help maintain and protect your concrete surface but also enjoy a host of other benefits, such as: ● It helps to protect porous surfaces from damage and staining ● Protects line-marking paint ● Cleaning the surface becomes a piece of cake ● A semi-sheen finish seals the deal on improved aesthetics So the above reasons are a clear indicator that you will reap the myriad profits of sealing. And for all such chores, the team at Concrete Sealing Brisbane Company is always available to assist you around the corner.