Why Seal Indoor & Outdoor Concrete Surfaces?

Concrete floors have become more than just a base material. Nowadays, home and business owners are choosing it as a paving material over other more expensive materials, both for indoor and outdoor use. Why not? Concrete is durable, appealing, and highly versatile. Although it does not require as much maintenance as other materials, it still needs to be well taken care of if you want it to stay attractive and long-lasting.

Dust and dirt can be removed easily but what about grease and oil? It can be used outdoors but what can protect it from freeze-thaw damage? Say hello to concrete sealers. These are clear coatings that act as a protective film from anything that could endanger the concrete slab. Is it really necessary? Here are some good reasons why concrete sealing is a must-do:

• Concrete is highly porous. Oil and grease can easily penetrate it and cause enough havoc deep within the slab to cause it to crack. Sealing the pores of concrete will keep oil and grease at the surface. This makes it easier to wipe off, too.
• Freeze-thaw damage is one of the most common, especially for outdoor concrete surfaces. The repeated freezing and thawing of water can put a lot of pressure on the concrete and cause it to weaken.
• When water has been left standing on concrete for a long time, mold and mildew appear. These spread fast and could weaken the concrete it is on. To prevent this, the sealer repels the water and keeps the slab from absorbing it.
• Certain liquids can stain a concrete surface. Red wine, coffee, tea, and other similar liquids could create stain circles if not removed immediately. The color pigments have a tendency to penetrate concrete and stay there. To keep concrete from getting stained, a layer of sealer must be applied to it.
• Concrete refinishing usually requires a layer of sealer. Stained concrete, for example, needs the protection to keep the color from fading prematurely. Exposure to the sun and rain can cause stains, dyes, and pigments to slowly look saturated. The sealer seals the color in and retains the colors longer.
• It adds a bit of shine. There are many different types of sealers. There are flat types and there are high gloss types. Most decorative concrete surfaces look better with a bit of shine and a sealer can provide that. If a spot looks quite matte and dull, it could be a sign that the sealer has worn off and would need to be reapplied.

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