The Right Materials

Choosing the Right Material For a Construction Project

Does your concrete surface need to be sealed?

by Frank Lynch

 

Do you manage a concrete car park? Or perhaps, you have a concrete patio or even a concrete floor that has been in place for a few years. Whatever concrete surface you have, it must be cared for correctly. You might think that concrete is a solid material and that once it has been poured and allowed to set, there is not much more to do. Indeed, concrete is a low maintenance material, but only if it is correctly sealed.

Is Concrete Sealing Important?

It may surprise you to know that concrete is not a solid material. It is strong and enduring, but it is not solid. Concrete is naturally porous, and the tiny holes in the concrete can absorb water and any other liquid that happens to spill on it. Water can damage concrete, while oil and similar liquids can harm the appearance and integrity of the material. The small holes in the concrete also make it easy for dirt to become ingrained in the concrete, detracting from the appearance of the surface. After concrete sealing, the concrete will be fully protected from spills, dirt and general wear and tear on the surface.  In addition, there are several other advantages to concrete sealing that are rarely considered. Sealing concrete reduces the amount of time spent on cleaning. Instead of spending hours scrubbing the concrete to remove dirt, you only need to wipe the surface of the concrete to clean it since nothing can penetrate to the concrete below the seal. The final benefit of concrete sealing is that it looks better than plain concrete. Perhaps, you have never considered the appearance of concrete, but it's possible to have concrete that is brighter and more lustrous just by adding a film seal to the concrete, enhancing the appearance of the area.

How Do I Seal My Concrete?

If you have become convinced of the benefits of concrete sealing, you should contact your local sealing company to find out what is involved in having your concrete surface sealed. Sealing often involves carefully spraying the entire surface. Sealing should be completed when the concrete is first poured and then repeated as necessary throughout the lifetime of the surface. Concrete surfaces which receive more use, or are exposed to external elements may need more regular spraying than interior surfaces. If you aren't sure whether you need to arrange for concrete sealing, speak to the sealing company, they can guide you to the right spraying frequency for your surface. 

For more information about concrete sealing, contact a contractor in your area.

 


Share  

About Me

Choosing the Right Material For a Construction Project

If you are planning to start a new construction project, you may be wondering about the best type of materials to use. About 6 months ago, I decided to carry out an extensive renovation of my home. This would involve demolishing one wall, extending the kitchen and the construction of a new patio area. I really wasn't sure which materials would be best. I consulted with a contractor and he explained the pros and cons of each material. In the end, I opted for wood and steel. I am really pleased with the end results. I hope this blog helps you to plan your construction project.