Sealers for Concrete: Main Features and Applications

Concrete sealers are used to treat concrete floors and surfaces exposed to strong precipitation or moisture. They have found wide application in construction, they protect the concrete from moisture and mold, and prevent the destruction of the material. If you're looking for the best sealer for your driveway or for some other purpose, you're recommended to check the first. Learn how to use sealers and what features they have before buying the one.

Main Features and Peculiarities of Sealers for Concrete

For concrete floors, one should use surface and penetrating waterproofing sealers. Surface form a glossy layer preventing the ingress of moisture and other substances to the surface. Penetrating sealers act soaking into the pores of the concrete, thus preventing water from being absorbed.

With most sealants, the color of the concrete does not change. The degree of gloss may differ. When choosing which type of sealer to use, it is necessary to take into account where the treated surface is located, how intensely it will be exposed to precipitation and temperature changes, and what results you want to see at the end.

If the impact of atmospheric conditions is not strong, it is better to use a superficial one, with a more intense impact it would be more correct to choose a penetrating sealer.

How to Apply Polyurethane Sealers: All Possible Applications

Concrete sealers are also used to seal joints and joints on walls. They protect the walls of the building from the effects of rain and various liquids. To prevent rainwater from entering the building, the joints between the foundation and the pavement are treated. The properly made sealing of seams provides high structural strength and increases the life of the building.

  • Polyurethane sealers are commonly used to seal concrete joints and seams. They are durable, flexible, weather-resistant, withstand deformation well. They are easy to apply, just a day after application, they acquire all their protective properties.
  • Polyurethane sealers are characterized by high adhesion to the concrete surface. They have rather high demands: they must be indifferent to temperature changes, provide reliable protection against water, and can't be destroyed by ultraviolet rays. Well, if the composition is simple, easy to use and store, durable, it can be used in any weather conditions.
  • Polyurethane sealers for concrete are one-component and two-component. Two-component sealants are prepared by mixing paste and hardener. They are used including for the device of the concrete screed. Work is performed at a temperature not lower than -10 degrees.
  • The lower the temperature, the longer the composition will harden. After application and before the final hardening, the surfaces treated with sealant must be protected from the effects of precipitation. The service life of such a coating is 20 years. If there is a damage of a seam, it can be easily corrected - put another layer of a sealer on the same place.