Key Issues To Know About Concrete Sealing of Residential Pavements
Even though concrete is a workhorse in the construction industry, it is prone to structural damage over its lifetime, such as cracks, scaling (damage because of the freeze-thaw phenomenon), blister formation and soil erosion, among others. In this sense, concrete sealers add a protective layer against damage to concrete. Applying a concrete sealer ensures that moisture does not penetrate the concrete, consequently guaranteeing longevity and durability. Here are some key factors to know about concrete sealing of residential pavements.
Enhanced Durability and Longevity
Concrete sealers ensure that your concrete pavements are protected from the harmful effects of the elements, including cracking, blistering, discolouration and scaling. Notably, a sealer acts as a weatherproof layer that guarantees the durability of your pavement. Even with enhanced traffic, concrete pavements with sealers will remain sturdier compared to those without sealers. Most importantly, a concrete sealer treatment holds the promise of extended life for your pavement. Ideally, concrete structures such as pavements should last for 25-30 years when reinforced with concrete sealers.
Application
Some key considerations and procedures must be followed before, during and after application of sealers. For instance, you must allow a concrete surface to cure for at least 28 days. The period allows concrete to dry sufficiently for a sealer to stick properly without losing adhesion properties. Besides, surface preparation is vital, and thus, make sure you remove stains, dirt, oil, dust and grease for a concrete sealer to adhere to as recommended. Furthermore, the use of appropriate tools when applying a concrete sealer cannot be overstated. In this regard, use a roller or sprayer based on the type of sealer you are using (water-based or oil-based).
Choosing the Right Concrete Sealer
Various types of concrete sealers are available in the market, and choosing the right kind can be a daunting task to a novice. However, you should consider a few factors, such as climate, type of traffic on a pavement, decorative aspect, thickness during the application and so forth. For example, a high-performance sealer is recommended for exterior surfaces such as concrete pavements because it eliminates the need for regular maintenance. Besides, high-performance sealers resist wear and tear; hence, ideal for surfaces with heavy traffic like pavements. You must also consider the type of finishing of concrete pavement. For instance, a polished pavement requires an oil-based sealer that has superior penetration capability. On the other hand, rougher pavements are handled better using water-based sealers.
For more information on concrete sealing services, contact a contractor.