Why Seal Concrete?
On the surface, concrete looks like an indestructible material. For this reason, many people choose to ignore the protection of concrete. But despite it’s tough exterior, concrete actually degenerate over time. The degeneration can be caused by oil spills, rust from water, dirt and grime, etc.
The solution to this problem, is to seal the concrete surface with sealers. While the sealer cannot offer full protection against malicious contaminants, it helps to lengthen the life span of the concrete surface. Here are some benefits of protecting concrete with sealers.
Preserve outer appearance.
The physical appearance of the concrete can be stained by oil or other substances. When a coating of sealer is applied to the surface, it actually helps to prevent the harmful substance from penetrating too deeply into the concrete. When concrete comes into contact with such substances, cleaning should be carried out as soon as possible. This will help prevent the substances from eroding the coating of sealer, and ultimately damage the concrete.
Enhance outer appearance.
In addition to preserving the concrete, a coating certain sealers can also help to enhance the overall appearance of the concrete. When applied onto concrete, the sealer gives the surface a “wet” or “shiny” look. It looks almost as if somebody had polished the surface.
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In the same way, sealers can also be used to restore old concrete surfaces. Concrete surfaces that look dull due to weathering can now be restored to look like new.
Protection from spalling.
When concrete is exposed to changing temperatures, it may expand or contract accordingly. This causes damage to the internal structure of the concrete. In other words, chunks of concrete may be separated because of temperature changes. A coat of sealer will help prevent this from happening. This is because sealer has an elastic quality to it. When exposed to higher temperature, it can actually stretch a little, thus absorbing the potential damage that may be inflicted on the concrete.
Protection from water damage.
Perhaps the most common liquid that concrete is exposed to is water. Concrete is exposed to water when it rains, or when someone gives it a washing. That means concrete can be exposed to water almost every day. Although water seems like a harmless liquid, constant exposure to water can actually cause the concrete to weaken. Water can seep in between cracks, and loosen sand within the concrete. The process is almost like cancer. It destroys the concrete slowly, until someone discovers that huge damage has already been done.
Therefore, concrete should be protected with a coating of sealer. The sealer helps prevent water from penetrating concrete blocks and weakening its structure.
Protection from winter salts.
Winter salts resting on concrete surface will cause damage to the surface. The surface will start to erode when left untreated. A coat of sealer can help prevent this from happening.
Gen Wright
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Can the concrete sealer that is used to seal basements be used on the inside of Porcelain toilets?
How do you seal concrete block and floors?
I am turning an old garage into a home. How do I seal the concrete blocks and cement flooring properly interiorally and exteriorally. Currently, dampness is a problem.
Make sure exterior water runs away from foundation,install a sump pump,use a de-humidifier,then use a concrete sealer available at any Home Depot or the like.
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if dampness is a problem you must first deal with that. grade outside ground away from fondation. you can dig trench around garage and bury drainage pipe ( black pvc with holes or slots) bury about 6" then cover with clean gravel ,make sure you drain away from fondation. then you can seal floor with either concrete floor paint or concrete sealer. then you can cover with any number of floor coverings.
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