The Ultimate Guide to Concrete Sealants: Enhance durability in your home's exterior

Concrete surfaces in homes and gardens are important for two reasons: structural integrity and exterior aesthetics. However, exposure to variable weather conditions and external factors can lead to deterioration overtime. That’s where Concrete Sealants come into play.

In this Ultimate Guide to Concrete Sealants, we’re going to explore the benefits of using this product, explain how to choose the right option for a variety of needs, teach the best application techniques and the invaluable maintenance tips that will keep your outdoor spaces brand new. 

Do you know what concrete sealants are used for?

In case you don’t know, concrete sealants are designed to protect and enhance the appearance of concrete surfaces in homes and gardens. They work by penetrating the pores of the concrete surface, providing a protective barrier against damaging elements. 

There are two types of concrete sealants: penetrating sealants and film-forming sealants. 

While penetrating sealants soak into the concrete surface, providing long-lasting protection without altering the appearance of the concrete, film-forming sealants create a protective layer on the surface, which enhances not only the durability of the concrete surface, but also the aesthetics. 

What are the benefits of concrete sealants?

There are numerous benefits of concrete sealants. First and foremost, they prolong the lifespan of any concrete surface by preventing damaging elements from cracking, spalling, and other forms of deterioration.

Another benefit is that sealants enhance the aesthetic of concrete, bringing out the natural texture and color, while proving either a glossy or a matte finish – it depends on the product used.

To conclude, concrete sealants make the surface much easier to clean and maintain, which reduces the cost with repair and placements over time, being an important house maintenance job.

How to choose the right sealant for your needs?

To choose the right concrete sealant for your needs, you need to consider some factors:

1. Surface type.
2. Environmental conditions.
3. Desired finish.
4. VOC content.
5. Application method.

For porous surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks, you should prefer a penetrating sealant, because this concrete sealant will penetrate the surface and provide long-lasting protection, even in the unpredictable British weather. 

For decorative concrete surfaces, such as stamped or stained patios, we suggest a film-forming sealant, as it enhances the color the sheen of the surface. 

Best Application Techniques 

Proper application is essential for the effectiveness of concrete sealants. Before applying the sealant, it’s recommended to clean the surface thoroughly and dry it completely. Another recommendation is to repair any damaged areas beforehand.

Once the surface is prepared, you should apply the concrete sealant using either a brush, a roller, or sprayer, depending on the instructions of the fabricant.

When applying the product, be careful to avoid puddling or overlapping and apply it evenly to ensure uniform coverage of the whole area. 

After application, wait the sealant to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, before allowing people walking through the area or vehicles to circulate. 

Doing the maintenance of sealed surfaces

Regular maintenance is important to maintain sealed concrete surfaces in ideal conditions. We recommend sweeping or rinsing the surfaces regularly to remove dirt, stains, debris, and other damaging materials.

We do not recommend using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners with this purpose, because they can damage the sealant. A mild detergent or concrete cleaner can be used to clean stained or discolored surfaces.

Reapply the concrete sealant periodically when you notice signs of wear or damage, this way you can maintain the protection of the surface.

In conclusion, concrete sealants are a valuable and useful tool for homeowners who aim to protect and enhance the aesthetics of their outdoor spaces, such as the driveway, garage floor, patio, or pool deck.

By choosing the right sealant for the intended use, following proper application techniques, and regular maintenance of sealed surfaces, you can enjoy durable and beautiful concrete surfaces longer. 

Remember, a little maintenance done regularly can save you money and time in the long run.