Homeimprove-blog.info

Why use concrete sealers?

Concrete although being dense it is still porous allowing it to absorb water, stains, chemicals or anything that it comes in contact with. Concrete sealers prevent this from happening by allowing the concrete to breath. Many abnormalities in your concrete can be prevented such as: discoloration, cracks, joint leaks, failure and ultimately seepage.

Why are some sealers more expensive than the others? Is it just brand name?

Answer: Not necessarily.
You need to look at the amount of solids in your sealer. This is what you pay for and what makes some sealers more expensive and it’s what does the actual work of the sealant. Typically the higher the solid content the longer it will last.

How does water get into my concrete?

Answer: When concrete comes in contact with water it will soak it up like a sponge and hold the water.

1. One way water can effect your concrete is through natural rain, snow, or ice build up pooling on the surface penetrating the concrete. This type of moisture is called positive (above) because it enters from the surface.

2. The other way water can affect your concrete is seeping up through the ground. Water will actually come up and soak into the concrete; this is called negative moisture (below) because it comes up from the ground.

Will Concrete sealers prolong the life my slab?

Answer: Yes. One of three things will happen.

1. Water whether positive or negative seeps into your concrete reacting with the rebar. This will create rust internally and weaken your concrete slab over time.

2. An alternative reaction is with the actual chemicals in the concrete. A chemical called alkaline reacts with the water and stops the chemical bonding between the chemicals in the concrete.

3. Health risk reactions can occur in different forms such as mold, mildew or algae forming on your concrete. It has been proven that this type of microorganism can cause health issues; as well the algae can make your concrete slab very slippery creating yet another problem if you do not seal your concrete.

What are common concrete sealers?

Sealers fall into two broad categories
1. Films that cover the surface.
2. Penetrates that absorb into the concrete.

Answer: There are three types of sealers.

1. Deep penetrating sealers Protect against: Water seepage • Freeze and thawing • Radon gases • Vapor • Hardens surface (dust reduction)

2. Permanent Waterproofing sealers Protect against: Water absorption

3. Brick and Stone sealers Protect against: Mortar joint breakdown

What types of surfaces can sealers be used on and what sets them apart?

1. Horizontal applications – Protects against oil stains, dust proofing, moisture and road salts.

2. Vertical applications – Improves paint adhesion, strengthens mortar joints.

3. High traffic surfaces – Reduced wear and tear.
Sealing concrete is vital for prolonging the life of your investment. Especially in extreme climates because the constant weather and temperature changes will reap havoc on your slab.

I have a concrete sealer already on my concrete, can I remove it?

Answer: Yes They do have concrete sealer remover.

It basically works like a paint stripper by removing the sealer and leaving the concretes integrity.

Protect your investment with Concrete sealers

Michael Liebelt - Structural Materials Inc.
http://www.smionline.com

Tags: aggregate, cement, concrete sealer, driveway, floor, masonry, sealant, waterproofing

Related Posts

• Concrete Sealer - What Does It Do?
• Best Concrete Sealers
• Preparation and Application of Concrete Clear Sealer
• Concrete Resurfacing
• Concrete Sealers

Tags: aggregate, cement, concrete sealer, driveway, floor, masonry, sealant, waterproofing