Concrete Sealer Improves Concrete’s Longevity, Appearance
By: Tom "The DIY Guy" WesleyIf your goal is to keep your concrete surfaces as good looking as the day they were poured, investigate the benefits of concrete sealer.
Concrete tends to be used around areas of the home where there is continuous heavy traffic, including garage flooring, porches, driveways, patios, sidewalks and stairways. Although concrete is a workhorse and provides a durable surface, its porous nature makes it easily absorb all sorts of spills ranging from motor oil and de-icing salt to bleach and gasoline. A combination of chemicals mars the surface of the concrete and makes it look old and dirty.
Since concrete also absorbs water, when the air temperatures turn freezing, there is a tendency for concrete surfaces to expand and then crack or crumble due to the expansion of water. What had been a strong smooth surface is now pockmarked or cracked, looking less than well cared-for.
Concrete sealer can come to concrete’s rescue when it comes to staining as well as chipping and cracking issues. There are numerous benefits to applying concrete sealer onto various concrete surfaces prior to any stain damage occurring and before the weather and temperatures turn cold and wintry.
When a clear concrete sealer is applied directly to the surface of concrete, it serves to seal out any moisture that concrete might otherwise absorb. Concrete sealer also provides a barrier against the absorption of damaging chemical spills such as oil, brake fluid, salt water, and such staining liquids as grape juice and wine in outdoor dining areas. The application of concrete sealer also protects concrete from the UV rays of the sun. Even regular day to day foot traffic won’t appear as noticeable on concrete flooring that has been treated with concrete sealer.
For the best results in using concrete sealer to provide protection against staining and cracking in areas using concrete, it is best to apply the sealer at least once every one to four years. Concrete sealer is easy to apply as often as necessary especially in high usage or high traffic areas, although protective gear and gloves are recommended during the spraying process.
Concrete sealer is a smart investment for any area featuring concrete, helping concrete surfaces to look cleaner, newer and more durable for many years to come.
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Tags: clear concrete sealer, concrete flooring, concrete sealer, staining concrete, treated concrete