Concrete is one of the most popular construction materials for building things like driveways, patios and garage floors. It’s extremely strong, thanks to the high compressive strength they possess. Concrete is quite durable as well, with high resistance to fire and other elements. Plus they don’t negatively impact the environment at all.
At the same time, concrete does have a few weaknesses. For instance, it is a porous material, meaning that water can seep in easily. Hence, concrete slabs located in freeze-thaw climates are quite prone to cracking. In addition, all sorts of chemicals can get into these pores and discolour the concrete.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to apply sealant to each and every concrete surface. In this article, we’re going to be looking at the benefits of sealing concrete surfaces.
The Advantages
Before we get to the pros of concrete sealants, it’s best to know a bit about the three main types:
1)Integral – these sealants are actually added during the mixing process. As a result, the concrete is sealed off by the time it is done hardening.
2)Penetrating – these sealers actually penetrate the pores of the concrete and createa very strong protective layer. They don’t impact the outer appearance of the slab at all and typically have long life spans.
3)Decorative – These leave some a particular finish on your concrete slab and so aregreat for appearance enhancement. As a downside, they don’t last as long as penetrating sealersand they will need to be reapplied after a year or so, depending on the amount of exposureto water.
However, regardless of the type of sealant you choose to go with, you’ll be able to enjoy the follow advantages:
Prevention of Mould
Because of its porous nature, concrete is a potential breeding ground for all kinds of mould andmildew. This is especially true for driveways and patios that are located in places where rain is common. Not only doesmould discolour your concrete it also weakens it over time. When youapply a sealer, the pores will be covered and no mould or mildew will be allowed to grow.
If you live in a place that is subject to a lot of rainfall each year, we highly recommend you hire a local professional sealing service and have your concrete surfaces protected. In fact, pick up your phone and call the team for a quote right now.
Increase in Durability
Cracking is quite common during extreme weather conditions, especially in freeze-thaw climates as mentioned before. A seal can prevent the entry of water and other chemicals that could weaken concrete.
Lifespan Extension
Most concrete surfaces will last for up to 30 years. However, under certain environmental conditions, these surfaces will undergo cracking and discolouration, meaning you’ll have to replace them much earlier. Sealing prevents both cracking and discolouration, allowing your concrete surfaces to last the entire 30 years (and perhaps more) in perfect condition.
And that’s three important benefits of applying sealer to your concrete surfaces!
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