Posts Tagged ‘Concrete Sealing Tips’
What is the Best Concrete Sealer?
2017 is here and time to review and apply a new concrete sealer. This article is one of our top articles related to concrete sealers and there has been over 2100 Comments and Questions. If you need advice on What is the Best concrete Sealer for you, please ask below in the comment area.
Concrete comes in many different types and substrates that can be found both for both interior and exterior applications. There are Concrete Driveways, Vertical Brick Walls, Brick Paver Patios, Basement Floors, etc. Concrete is very porous and can be prone to degradation from Water, Ultra Violet Radiation, wear, and tear, etc. By sealing or waterproofing your concrete surface you will add life and protection to your surface.
So what is the Best Concrete Sealer?
The answer to that is dependent on why you are sealing, what surface you are trying to seal, and what your final expectations are.
Concrete Surfaces and Which Sealer to Use
Different Types of Concrete Surfaces and Best Sealer to Use.
Decorative Concrete – This is any concrete surface that is not simply a means of construction but that is also altered to enhance its beauty. While still serving as an integral part of the building process such as floors, walls, driveways, or patios the concrete is also transformed into a decorative piece. The altering of concrete to enhance its beauty is accomplished through a number of procedures such as stamping, acid staining, polishing, coloring, overlaying, and more.
Sealer Type to use: Use a sealer that enhances the color tones with a wet look. Typically these are Acrylic sealers in either water or solvent based. If solvent, use a “styrene” acrylic to allow moisture to escape. These come in a Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Satin, and No Gloss.
Best Application Tools for Paver Sealers and Concrete Sealers
Paver and concrete sealers are used to prolong the life of patios, driveways, pavers, masonry, and many other brick and concrete surfaces. They repel water and moisture and help to maintain the beauty of these types of surfaces. Most paver and concrete sealers can be applied by anyone using the proper application tools. Always follow the application methods recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, it is best to only apply sealers to a clean, dirt free surface. Therefore washing the surface properly is highly recommended prior to applying any type of sealer. Not doing so may jeopardize the sealer’s effectiveness and longevity.
The best application tools for paver sealers and concrete sealers may be purchased from the same online authorized dealer where you purchase your sealer. Application tools can vary but most widely used are brushes, stain pads, rollers, and a quality pump up sprayer. The type of sealer may determine how it is best applied. Wet look or shiny sealers can be thicker in nature and may not apply well using a pump sprayer. A large brush or roller may work best.
How to Seal Driveways From Salt and Erosion
A driveway is obviously an important surface when it comes to the exterior of your home. Most of us take them for granted until it comes time to make costly repairs. In areas of the country that see cold winters, salt and erosion can be a huge problem for a driveway. Salt can eat away at the surface of concrete causing chipping and erosion issues. Moisture can also penetrate the driveway and create freezing and thawing damage in as little as one harsh winter season.
To protect your driveway from salt and erosion it is best to seal it. Sealing a driveway will stop most of the damaging effects of winter weather. The sealer will repel moisture and salt so the driveway surface is not harmed. When it comes to sealing a driveway there are a few steps necessary for a successful result. When the weather is appropriate for applying a sealer prior to winter, the surface should first be cleaned. Use a quality concrete cleaner along with a pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. The concrete cleaner will help break down these contaminants including tannin stains from sticks, leaves, and acorns so the surface is completely clean prior to sealing.
How to Seal Concrete Surfaces
Concrete is a very versatile material that can be used in many applications. It is most commonly used for driveways, sidewalks, porches, and patios. It can also be used for retaining walls, landscape edging, and other areas of construction. Concrete can last a very long time if it is maintained and protected from the elements. Unprotected concrete, especially in northern areas, can be subjected to freeze and thaw damage during the colder months. This most commonly causes cracking, chipping, and heaving of the concrete
Ideally, you want to maintain the nice level clean surface that the concrete was when it was new. To stop any damaging effects it is important to maintain the concrete in several ways. First the concrete needs to be cleaned periodically. This will remove such contaminants such as dirt, grime, mold and mildew, which can cause discoloration and attract and hold damaging moisture. In between cleaning maintenance, about every couple of years, the concrete should be sealed. This will help to waterproof the concrete so moisture cannot penetrate the surface. Sealing concrete is a great way to prevent freeze and thaw damage.
Sealing Different Types of Concrete Surfaces
Different Types of Concrete Surfaces that need to be sealed.
Decorative Concrete – This is any concrete surface that is not simply a means of construction but that is also altered to enhance its beauty. While still serving as an integral part of the building process such as floors, walls, driveways, or patios the concrete is also transformed into a decorative piece. The altering of concrete to enhance its beauty is accomplished through a number of procedures such as stamping, acid staining, polishing, coloring, overlaying, and more.
How to Water Proof Concrete
How to Water Proof Exterior Concrete, Brick and Masonry
When water is able to penetrate concrete, it can cause all sorts of damage. Water and moisture absorption causes concrete to swell, which can lead to pitting, cracking, and heaving. In colder climates, freeze and thaw damage is a major concern. As water gets into the concrete and freezes it expands causing major damage if neglected.
To prevent damage of concrete, the surface should be water proofed. Water proofing concrete creates a water repellent barrier to lock out moisture. This stops all water related damage from occurring. In addition, waterproofing concrete will also prevent spills and stains from penetrating and potentially leaving permanent staining.
How To Fix Concrete Sealer Bubbles
Concrete Sealer Bubbles
Solvent based Acrylic Concrete Sealers are designed to enhance, darken, and give a sheen to decorative concrete surfaces. Unfortunately when applied incorrectly or over applied you may have issues with “bubbles” forming in the sealer. This typically happens to Stamped Concrete or smooth decorative concrete surfaces.
When a solvent-based acrylic sealer is applied, some of the sealer penetrates into the porous concrete. If the application is too thick, or if too many coatings are applied, the solvent is not able to evaporate before the sealer dries. When that happens, the solvent gets trapped and eventually creates enough pressure that it forces its way out, creating the bubbles.
Why Seal Concrete Driveways
Many homeowners today are looking for ways to increase the longevity of their property and exterior surfaces. With home costs down, and the costs of materials and home repairs up, it only makes sense to maintain what you own. Proper maintenance will not only increase curb appeal but can add value to your home as well.
Why Seal Chimneys
One of the most potentially problematic areas of a home can be the chimney. Chimneys are more prone to water damage because they extend above the roof line making them more vulnerable. Water damage is a 1 billion dollar per year problem and many water related issues like efflorescence, freeze/thaw damage, deterioration, and structural failure start with the chimney.