Sealing your concrete is one of the most important things you can do for it. Sealing helps to protect your concrete from staining, water damage, and other types of damage. It also makes your concrete look nicer and last longer. This blog post will discuss the importance of sealing your concrete and will give you some tips on how to find a reputable concrete sealing expert to get the job done professionally.
The charm behind sealing concrete:
For the last few years, many homeowners around the United States have started sealing concrete, especially in their driveways. In fact, reports suggest that in 2021, the global concrete sealer market reached $11.01 billion USD. And when you understand the benefits, you can see why sealing concrete is a no-brainer for many homeowners. But what exactly does it mean to seal concrete?
According to the definition given by Merriam-Webster, to seal is “to close or fill (an opening) with something that prevents passage through it.” When it comes to concrete, sealing creates an invisible barrier on the surface that helps to repel water, stains, and other elements. Not only does this help to keep your concrete looking great for years to come, but it also makes it easier to clean.
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Why should you seal your concrete?
Sealing your concrete has many benefits that can save you time and money in the long run. First and foremost, as we mentioned before, sealing helps to protect your concrete from water damage. Water can cause all sorts of problems for concrete, including cracking, pitting, and spalling. By sealing your concrete, you can help prevent these problems.
In addition to protecting your concrete from water damage, sealing also helps to protect it from staining. Stains can be difficult to remove and cause your concrete to look unsightly. By sealing your concrete, you can help to prevent stains from setting in and making your concrete look dirty.
Finally, sealing your concrete can help to extend its lifespan. Concrete that is not sealed will degrade faster than sealed concrete. This is because the sealer creates a barrier that protects the concrete from the elements. Sealed concrete will last longer and look better than unsealed concrete.
The process of sealing concrete:
Sealing concrete is an easy task. However, there are plenty of places that you might mess up. Despite the number of detailed walkthroughs over the internet, homeowners with little to no interest in DIY works can find it challenging to seal their concrete. That is why it’s always important to consult a professional before undertaking home repair jobs. That being said, here are seven steps to help you seal your concrete:
Remove all oil, grease, stains, dirt, and dust from the concrete: The first step in sealing concrete is to remove all oil, grease, stains, dirt, and dust from the surface. You can do this by power washing the concrete or using a degreaser.
Rinse the concrete: Once you have removed all the dirt and grime from the surface, you will need to rinse the concrete. You can do this with a garden hose or pressure washer.
Allow the concrete to dry: After you have rinsed it, you will need to allow it to dry completely. This may take several hours, depending on the weather conditions.
Strip any existing sealer from the surface: If you have applied sealers in the past, now would be a good time to get rid of them. Applying a new sealer over an existing one will not be effective. You can strip the sealer by sandblasting, power washing with a stripper, or grinding it off with a sander.
Open up the concrete with an etching solution: An etching solution is a corrosive liquid that will open up the pores of the concrete. This will help the new sealer to penetrate the surface and bond with the concrete.
Apply the sealer: Once you have prepared the surface, you are now ready to apply the sealer. You can do this with a brush, roller, or pump sprayer. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the sealer. Remember, this is just the first coat of sealer, and you should not use the entire sealer in one go.
Wait for the first layer to dry: After applying the first layer of sealer, you will need to wait for it to dry. Depending on the weather conditions, this may take several hours or even a day.
Apply the second layer: One of the best things to do when applying a second layer is to change the direction in which you apply the first layer. This will help to even out the sealer and prevent any streaks from forming.
Allow the sealer to cure: After applying the second layer of sealer, you will need to allow it to cure. This may take several days or even weeks, depending on the weather conditions. Once the sealer has dried, you can now enjoy your newly sealed concrete!
Don’t drive while the sealer has not dried: One of the most common mistakes people make is driving or walking on their newly sealed concrete while the sealer is still wet. This can cause the sealer to peel off and become damaged. If you must drive on your newly sealed concrete, wait at least 24 hours for the sealer to dry completely.
If you’re not sure how to seal concrete, or if you want to make sure the job is done right, it’s always best to call in a foundation repair professional. A professional can expertly assess your concrete and determine the best way to protect it from weathering and stains. They’ll also have the right tools and equipment to do the job quickly and efficiently. Plus, they’ll be able to provide you with a warranty on their work, so you can rest assured that your concrete is protected.
Sealing your concrete is an important part of maintaining your home or business. By taking the time to seal your concrete, you’re ensuring that it will last for years to come. If you have any questions about how to seal concrete, talk to a professional.