Concrete Sealant: The Ultimate Guide for a Durable Finish

Introduction to Concrete Sealant

What is Concrete Sealant?

Besides water, concrete is the most commonly found material on the planet. With all that concrete (and all that water), we had to find a way to protect it from the damage caused by exposure to moisture. That is where concrete sealants came into play. Years ago, people used waxes or oils to coat their concrete surfaces or structures, but today, we have an entire industry dedicated to sealing concrete and preserving its looks and function.

Benefits of Using Concrete Sealant

Using concrete sealant keeps new concrete looking new for longer and can rejuvenate aging concrete. The primary purpose of using concrete sealer is to increase the lifespan of concrete by up to 10 years or more. This is especially true in areas with a wider range of temperatures and weather. Moisture freezing and thawing inside a concrete slab or structure is one of the biggest threats to its longevity.

Different Types of Concrete Sealants

There are two main ways concrete sealants prevent moisture saturation. Topical sealers create a barrier between the concrete's surface and the outside world, while penetrating sealers actually seep into the concrete's pores and cause a moisture-blocking reaction. Beneath these two main categories, there are several different brands and types of sealants.

Preparation Before Applying Concrete Sealant

Cleaning the Concrete Surface

Before you seal your concrete, it is important that you know what exactly you are sealing into it. Make sure that the surface of the concrete is free and clear of debris, big and small. Using a blower and a broom is a great way to ensure you are not sealing in unsightly or damaging materials.

Repairing Cracks and Damage

Before sealing or resealing concrete, you should inspect and repair damaged sections of the surface. Using caulk or a concrete patcher is a quick and easy way to get the surface in top shape before sealing. Be sure that whatever you use is not reactive to the type of sealant you plan on using. Allow the repairs to dry or cure for the appropriate amount of time before applying the sealer.

Materials and Tools Needed for Application

Depending on the specifics of the job, such as the size and location of the project, you may need a few different tools. Generally, you will need your sealer of choice and a roller or sprayer to apply the materials. You may also need tools to remove baseboards or other obstructions of the concrete surface.

Choosing the Right Concrete Sealant

For Indoor Use

For indoor uses, one of the main determining factors of what kind of sealant to choose is based on foot traffic. For places like hospitals, convention centers, and malls, epoxy or polyurethane sealants are better options because they form a thicker barrier and last longer than acrylic sealants.

For Outdoor Use

Outdoor concrete, no matter the level of traffic, is primarily at risk from the elements. The sun’s rays can discolor the concrete, and moisture from snow and rain can lead to cracking and scaling. Using a penetrating sealant is a great option if you live in an area with frequent freezing and thawing. A quality acrylic sealer can also prevent moisture absorption.

Based on Exposure Conditions

The specific elements and severity of the climate will influence not only the type of sealant you use but also how often you need to reapply it. GoNano’s concrete sealant will protect your concrete no matter what natural factors you are contending with.

Environmental and Health Considerations

When choosing a concrete sealer for a dog kennel or indoor area, consider the health and safety factors associated with the sealer. Make sure to apply your sealant in a well-ventilated area. Also, have a plan for where chemical runoff can go. You do not want chemicals getting into local streams or gardens.‍

Application of Concrete Sealant

Step-by-Step Guide

The first step in applying your concrete sealer is to remove all objects and dirt from the surface. Next, remove molding or baseboards around the edges of the surface. After clearing the surface and edges, it is time to start applying. You can use a roller or sprayer, but it is important to start with the edges and work your way in. Also, starting in the farthest corner and working your way to the exit will prevent you from trapping yourself.

Tips for Even Application

An even application is key to a uniformly protected surface. If you are using a roller, try to ensure that the roller is properly saturated with sealer from start to finish. If you are using a sprayer, use even strokes and pay attention to where you overlap strokes.

Drying and Curing Time

The time it takes for the concrete sealer to dry or cure depends on environmental factors, but it usually is done in 12-24 hours. You can speed this process up by reducing moisture and using fans.

Maintenance of Sealed Concrete

Regular Cleaning and Care

Seasonal inspection of your concrete surface is important to stay on top of. The longer you leave a problem with your seal untreated, the more damage is probable. Cleaning your concrete surface keeps it looking nice and gives you a chance to see the entire surface better.

Reapplication Schedule

Depending on the type of sealer you use, the traffic of the surface, the weather, and other factors, you may have to reapply your sealer at different times. Taking a little time to reapply every couple of years is a great form of preventative maintenance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Bubbling and Peeling

This can happen when the sealer is applied too thickly and is exposed to the sun or high heat. You can pop bubbles and peeling areas, clean the surface below, let it dry, and finally reapply when the weather is cooler.

Stains and Discoloration

This can happen from an unclean surface or a disproportionate amount of sealer. To fix it, you may need to chemically or physically remove that section of sealer, clean the surface, and try again in that particular area.

Moisture Issues

If moisture is trapped under the surface of the sealer, it defeats a key purpose of sealing. If you notice moisture, you will need to remove the area of sealer by using a thinning agent or by manually scraping or sanding away the seal coat. Afterward, you can make sure the spot is as dry as possible and reapply the sealer.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Choosing and Applying Concrete Sealant

Sealing your concrete is a great way to ensure you get the most out of your concrete, but only if it is done correctly! Be sure to choose the right sealer for the job. GoNano’s concrete sealer is a great choice that can add 10 years to the life of your concrete.