If you choose to apply a sealer to your commercial property’s concrete (see Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4), there are some techniques you’ll want to keep in mind. Following this advice will help the sealer to go on smoothly and provide long-lasting protection.
First, make sure the entire concrete surface is thoroughly cleaned and then allowed to completely dry. This will help the sealer to adhere properly. Make sure the temperature is higher than 50° Fahrenheit and only apply sealer when the weather is dry.
If you’re sealing new concrete, wait until it is done curing or use a cure and seal product. Different types of sealers require different application methods. Use a roller to apply water-based sealer and a spray nozzle to apply solvent-based sealer. Apply at least two coats of sealer for premier protection.
When you apply the sealer, do so carefully, using thin layers of product. Go especially slowly if you’re working with textured concrete to avoid pooling. Do your homework before starting, and always use the recommended safety gear and equipment for whatever product you use. Follow the included product instructions to make sure you get desired results.
What is the Timeframe for Sealing Concrete?
You can seal concrete quite quickly if you have the right product, equipment, and skill. It can be completed in a day’s time. Second coat application can increase the time necessary to complete the job, but it shouldn’t take long to apply a second coat. The fastest drying seal is acrylic film-forming sealer, followed by penetrating sealer. Acrylic is dry within an hour of application. Penetrating sealer takes up to 12 hours before it’s dry enough to walk on. For urethane and epoxy sealers you should wait until 48 hours after the application is completed to walk on the newly sealed concrete surface.
How Often Does Concrete Require Resealing?
The amount of time between concrete resealings will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of sealer used, the amount of wear and tear the surface receives, and the weather conditions. If you notice the sealer is starting to look dirty, scratched, and worn out, or the water is no longer beading on the surface of the concrete, it’s time to reseal. Penetrating sealers may last for many years before they ever need to be replaced. Epoxy or urethane sealers may last between five and 10 years, while acrylic sealers may only last between one and three years.
Potential Concrete Sealer Problems
If you aren’t experienced at applying concrete sealer, you may end up making some mistakes. These mistakes can lead to problems with your sealer down the road.
For example, if you apply layers of concrete sealer that are too thick, the sealer can bubble. Over application can lead to peeling. If the bottom layers of sealer dry before you have a chance to apply the top layers, the streaks and lines can appear in the sealer. If moisture gets trapped in the layers of sealer, it can appear cloudy or discolored. Depending on the severity of the problems you encounter, you either need to add a fresh coat of sealer or completely strip and reseal the concrete.
If you’re feeling a bit intimidated at the thought of sealing your concrete surface yourself, you may want to hire a professional. For owners of large commercial properties, seeking out a concrete company with expertise in resealing can give you peace of mind. At Comb’s Concrete, we specialize in sealing large commercial or industrial concrete surfaces; our service areas include the greater Charlotte, North Carolina region and the Charleston, South Carolina region. Contact us if you have questions about this or any of our other quality concrete services.
Combs Concrete
If you are based around the Charlotte, North Carolina region and need commercial/industrial concrete services, feel free to contact us at CombsConcrete.com or call us at 704.875.9022 to find out more about the benefits of enlisting our dedicated service for all your concrete needs.
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