Sealing and waterproofing your concrete floors is important for many reasons. It protects and preserves your concrete floors from wear and tear like abrasions and stains that people, animals, and the elements bring. It also brings out the natural beauty by enhancing color, texture, and adding sheen. Because concrete has made its way indoors over the last few years, not all sealers are created equally. There are sealers geared specifically toward indoor concrete and sealers made just for outdoor use.
Choosing an Indoor Concrete Sealer
There are several things to consider when selecting an indoor or interior concrete sealer. You need to take into consideration which attributes are important for your specific situation and floors. There are different kinds of concrete sealers that can do different things. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice for your concrete floors. Some things to consider are wearability, surface texture, patterns of traffic, and maintenance, among others. Typical applications include acrylic and polyurethane sealers and epoxy coatings.
Indoor Applications
Acrylics—Acrylic sealers are much thinner than polyurethane sealers and epoxy coatings, which means they wear down much more quickly and require touch ups and reapplications more frequently. They also require regular maintenance to protect against wear and tear and black scuff marks.
Polyurethane Sealers—Polyurethane sealers are the most popular choice by far. Not only are they harder and stronger than an acrylic sealer, but they are also an environmentally friendly choice, too. Polyurethane sealers are low maintenance and provide superior protection to your floors.
Epoxy Coatings—Epoxy coatings provide the most protection again scuffs, abrasions, and scratches due to their thicker consistency. Many places that experience high traffic like hotels, hospitals, office buildings, and garages use epoxy to coat their floors.
Choosing an Outdoor Concrete Sealer
Because an outdoor concrete patio or slab is exposed to pool splashes, rain and snow, and other wet conditions, it is crucial that a breathable exterior concrete sealer is chosen. More often than not, acrylic sealers are selected for outdoor use because of their breathable nature. They let out any moisture that is trapped inside or below the concrete while still repelling moisture and oils on their surface.
Things to Consider with Outdoor Concrete Sealers
Be sure to take into consideration the weather in your area. Do you live in an area that is high in humidity or intense heat? If so, attributes you want your sealer to have include bonding strength, hot tire pickup, and a high-quality level acrylic. If you live in a multiple freeze and thaw cycle zone you will need a sealer that has maximum protection. You need a premium quality acrylic sealer that repels moisture, oil, and hot tire pickup. Select a good quality sealer that contains silane properties which help protect against de-icing agents like salt and snow shovels.
If you have questions about selecting the right indoor or outdoor sealant for your concrete floors, contact Hard Rock Concrete Coatings today. With years of experience, we are experts in all things concrete and any of your custom concrete needs. Call to request your free consultation today.
