With time, the surface of your concrete may start to peel away and develop cracks. In addition, even a small amount of oil spilt in the garage can cause permanent discolouration. That's why it's smart to seal the concrete; doing so will extend its life and prevent stains.
The popularity of polished and embellished concrete floors continues to rise. Because of their good looks, durability, and low maintenance requirements, they are frequently selected. Yet, expert construction and sealing aid the flooring's low maintenance.
There are several methods for waterproofing concrete. While it is possible to do the finishing touches on the concrete floor at home, it is recommended that you hire a professional to eliminate any room for error.
If you have a concrete floor and are interested in maintaining it, read on. Sealing your concrete is one of the simplest ways to maintain its fresh look and lengthen its useful life. We'll get into the benefits of sealing and how you or a pro may perform it below.
FAQs About Concrete Floor
What happens if I don't seal my concrete? Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. In addition, oil, salt, fertiliser, and other household chemicals can discolour and damage unsealed concrete.
Concrete sealers are applied to concrete to protect it from surface damage, corrosion, and staining. They either block the pores in the concrete to reduce the absorption of water and salts or form an impermeable layer that prevents such materials from passing.
Halt moisture and chemical damage while highlighting the beauty of decorative concrete surfaces with a protective coat of concrete sealer. Concrete sealers provide a vital layer of protection from the possibility of unsightly staining and scuffing on concrete surfaces like countertops and patio pavers.
Concrete sealed with an epoxy coating should not be walked on (except a recoat), driven on, or wet for at least 36-48 hours.
Reactive penetrating sealers are the longest-lasting concrete sealers, wearing away only if the substrate surface itself wears away. These can last up to 25 years in some cases, but we recommend resealing concrete driveways every 5-10 years.
Methods for Sealing Concrete.
Clear The Area
Moving everything out of the garage, driveway, or wherever you'll be sealing concrete before you begin is important. As the sealing begins, you won't want to waste time moving about, so you'll need to find a temporary home for furniture and equipment again for up to a week. Maximise. Maximise.
Sweep the Floor and Clean It
Large pieces of dirt and debris should be swept up before any attention is paid to stains. Afterwards, you can use a broom or a leaf blower to tidy up the area.
Use mineral spirits and a brush to remove the grease spots. Grease, filth, and cleaning residue must be wiped from the concrete before applying the sealer for proper adhesion. After that, it's time to give the floor one final mopping and then wait for it to dry.
Use A Concrete Cleaner
Spray or pour a concrete cleaner, such as phosphoric masonry cleaner, onto the concrete and scrape it with a broom to clean it. Before continuing, thoroughly spray everything down and allow it to dry in the air.
Fix All the Cracks in the Concrete
Do you need to repair cracks in the floor? Now is the time to begin completing them. Caulk or something similar should be used to fill the gaps, then smoothed down with a trowel. But it'd be smart to hold off until everything was dry. If you want to know how long the caulk needs to cure, you should check the box.
Choose a Sealant
The exciting next step is choosing a sealant. The three most common types of sealants used on the surface are acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane. Hard and protective, they are spread, sprayed, or rolled over the floor to cover bare concrete. Next, we're going to investigate further.
Acrylic
Acrylic sealers are inexpensive and versatile since they come in water- and solvent-based formulas. Water-based acrylic may change the floor's colour but is easy to apply. Although it stinks more, the shine produced by solvent-based acrylic is much deeper and clearer. Unfortunately, acrylic often requires two applications to be effective and does not prevent grease and oil stains on concrete or other sealers.
Epoxy
Epoxy sealants are long-lasting and resistant to grease stains. The only catch is that epoxy has a short working time, so you'll have to mix two parts and hustle to apply it. However, with a coloured epoxy sealer, you may change the look of your concrete.
Epoxy is the material of choice as a sealer since it is impervious to water, does not wear away when scratched, and can withstand heavy foot traffic. In addition, it requires less maintenance over time.
Polyurethane
Indoors or out, polyurethane sealers protect concrete with a layer that lasts for years. The coating is durable, waterproof to ultraviolet light, and almost twice as thick as acrylic. On the other hand, polyurethane cures slowly and is fragile during this time.
Polyurethane is available in matte, semi-gloss, and glossy sheens and can be applied over many different sealers.
We also stock penetrants for sealing concrete. These sealers react chemically with the cementitious material, hardening and stiffening it from the inside out.
But, they will neither discolour nor gloss the concrete because they are invisible. In addition to topical sealers, penetrating sealers can protect the concrete's surface from moisture and wear.
Paint can be applied with a pad, roller, or brush.
Apply the sealer along the area's edge carefully and in even strokes with a paintbrush. Next, the sealer is applied by pouring it into a painting tray and then squeegeeing it around the newly painted edges with a paint pad or roller brush. Then, apply the sealer to the floor in thin, even applications, ensuring no spots are missed. Finally, cover the entire floor in protective material.
Be Patient While the Sealer Dries
Always wait for the sealant to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. It may take a day for the concrete to be stable enough to walk on and up to four days for it to be stable enough to drive on.
Apply another coat if needed.
As previously mentioned, some sealers' endurance—like acrylics—may require a second application. Also, using two coats will ensure full coverage. But you must wait for the first layer to dry completely before applying the second.
Why Hire a Professional Concrete Sealer Contractor?
DIY home maintenance is rising in popularity as people realise the financial benefits. However, if you do not have the knowledge or experience necessary to seal your concrete correctly, you should consider hiring a professional.
When faced with numerous similar products, how does one make a purchase decision? And how do you evaluate your competence? Your ignorance is likely justified. But, professionals will have all the resources and know-how necessary to get the job done.
After all, this is something that a professional concrete sealer performs all the time. They are experts in all facets of floor care, from mending cracks to choosing the best sealants to ensure your floor lasts as long as possible.
Garage Floor Advantages and Disadvantages
Painting Concrete
Coatings designed to expand and contract with the concrete they are applied to are known as concrete or masonry paint.
Pros
Putting a coat on concrete wash can do wonders for your garage floor's aesthetics. It provides more defence against scratches and liquids. You can choose to remain conservative with either a light colour like pale green, or you can risk with a bold colour like blue or white.
Cons
Cement plaster is difficult to keep from chipping, peeling, and scratching. In addition, the paint wears away quickly when exposed to chemicals and road salt. Budgeting for periodic touch-ups and repainting is therefore essential.
Incorporating an adhesive makes the paint much more long-lasting.
Concrete with a Stain
Concrete stains are chemical solutions that change the concrete's colour when applied to the material.
Pros
Stains last longer and are less likely to peel, chip, or fade than paint. As a result, the concrete's inherent qualities are highlighted rather than hidden. In addition, a multitude of natural colours is available.
Cons
Stains add a decorative touch but do nothing to protect the floor. But, it can be used with other coatings, like urethane, to strengthen resistance to stains and wear further. If your concrete floors aren't immaculate, remember that stains will only draw more attention. This is why regular maintenance of a stained floor is more labour-intensive than a painted one.
Urethane Coatings
Urethane is a sealant that can add a non-toxic, elastic covering on concrete, stone, or wood for weatherproofing. When talking about floor sealants, the term is synonymous with polyurethane.
Pros
Urethane floor coatings are popular because of their shiny, smooth appearance. Fabrics with this degree of flexibility are particularly well-suited to colder climes and regions with wide temperature variations. It can also withstand shock and is resistant to chemical spills.
Cons
When compared to other flooring materials, urethane is easily scratched. Yet, it does not adhere to concrete as other products do. As a result, it is recommended that an existing varnish coating be utilised.
Applying an Epoxy Coating
Flooring made of hard plastics such as epoxy is very common.
Pros
Epoxy coatings cannot only endure the weight of vehicles and foot traffic, but they can also tolerate fluctuations in temperature and humidity. It is also scratch- and stain-resistant, making it a practical choice.
Cons
Epoxy is a coating choice that is usually more expensive than either sealer, dye, or paint. In addition, applying could eat up as much as a week, so extra time and effort are required. Last but not least, it's dangerous because it gets slippery when wet.
Rolling Garage Floors
Garage flooring is sold in vinyl or rubber rolls of any size that can be desired.
Pros
The least difficult choice is adhesive-free garage flooring rolls. We are using a utility blade to trim the roll down to size if necessary. Rolls for the garage floor last a long time and may be cleaned quickly. Your garage floor won't need to be replaced if you decide to take this route.
Cons
Rubber & vinyl flooring present a significant hazard in the home due to their slipperiness and vulnerability to damage from water, fire, and sharp knives. In addition, a product's limited warranty only lasts five years.
Locking Plastic Floor Tiles
The garage floor rolls that interlock with a subway tile backsplash are also created to order.
Pros
Rigid snap stones are long-lasting, low-maintenance, and easy to install. One of the various surface treatments is perforated tiles, which can drain spills and melt snow.
Cons
Tiles made of plastic are more expensive but require less upkeep than epoxy, paints, or stains.
Interlocking vinyl floor tiles
Rubberised vinyl (VCT) tiles are more comfortable underfoot than rigid plastic equivalents. This is because they are stuck to the floor using an adhesive.
Pros
Vinyl tiles are widely used due to their inexpensive cost and long lifespan. Still, they work wonderfully in garages that have been updated. In addition, many of the available hues are aesthetically attractive.
Cons
This adhesive is used to install these floor tiles that may fail in extremely cold temperatures. Therefore they are better suited for usage in heated buildings or regions with warmer winters. Furthermore, fluids can creep in from underneath the tiles because the joints aren't watertight. But since they're permanently installed, cleanups may be cumbersome.
Epoxy Floor Advantages:
Appearance
Bright and shiny epoxy floors are a terrific alternative to the standard concrete slab in a garage. Seeing them makes you want to put them to use immediately. Another advantage is that it has a consistent and simple-to-maintain surface. This flooring is easy to clean because it has little stickiness.
Affordability
Compared to other flooring options, epoxy floors have a lower cost per square foot. Because it can be installed directly over pavement and other surfaces, it also has lower installation costs than other flooring options. Epoxy flooring's low price is one of the biggest and most obvious advantages.
Resistance
Epoxy floors can withstand anything from grease and gasoline to bleach and fluid levels and cleansers. Because of this, they are frequently used in repair shops and garages. Epdm coating is impervious to heat, water, and most chemicals, making it ideal for use with washable parts. In addition, this makes them impervious to corrosive elements and chemical spills.
Because they are resistant to bacteria and germs, these floors are very easy to clean. Because of this, epoxy has found a lot of applications in hospitals.
Durability
Epoxy floors are widely recognised as the most durable flooring option available. Only well-sealed and maintained concrete comes close. In any case, a solid base is essential for epoxy floor coverings. The durability of concrete is substantially improved by applying an epoxy coating. They're also resistant to wear and can be set up on top of cement with no additional adhesives or mortar. Epoxy resins for wood-on-wood renovations are worth considering if you want to give your flooring the care they deserve.
Protective
Spills, grease, and cracks in the concrete subfloor are all things that may be avoided with epoxy flooring. You'll save a tonne of money in the long run by reducing the frequency with which you clean the carpet and grout. The price is reasonable, thinking about the length of time it covers and how long it lasts.
However, the durability of epoxy flooring depends on the installer's skill. Choose a reputable epoxy flooring company in your area as a first step. You can discover epoxy flooring near me if you're worried about it.
Longevity
Epoxy coatings outlast the majority of flooring materials. It won't crack or peel for decades if it's installed properly. The product's lengthy lifespan is another selling factor for business and industrial uses.
Variety
As a floor coating, epoxy performs admirably. It is offered in various hues, all of which exude an air of flawless sophistication. The flooring can be arranged in any number of unique or traditional patterns. Resurfacing concrete, which may be done in several ways, is an inexpensive way to improve the aesthetics of buildings of all kinds.
Safety
Epoxy has numerous uses, one of which is to increase the garage's visibility and lighting.
Problems with Epoxy Floors:
Temporary
One of the epoxy's major drawbacks is that it is only a temporary flooring option. It will endure a long time and hold up well, but eventually, it will need to be replaced. Unlike other flooring solutions, epoxy floors deteriorate with time and regular use. Hence, new epoxy should be applied periodically to maintain a pleasant appearance. If something heavy is dumped on the floor repeatedly, this will happen.
Cracking and chipping are always a possibility. The damage that chips do to a floor's polish can be significant over time, even if they seem like a small annoyance. Carts and toolboxes with wheels also get stuck when rolling over the damaged area. If this happens, the floor will need to be fixed.
Slippery
Epoxy flooring is long-lasting and safe to walk on. This is a minor drawback, though. Slippery oil-covered epoxy is the only one that meets the criteria. But, when wet, they become incredibly dangerous because of how slippery they become. Places with a high probability of water damage are unsuitable for their use. That's still another drawback. But you can lessen this threat by texturing your floor.
Preparation
The floors need a lot of work before the epoxy can be applied. It also requires a substantial amount of effort. The concrete floor must be free of grease, oils, or solvents before applying the epoxy coating. Furthermore, cracks and openings should be sealed. Concrete flooring is notoriously difficult to keep spotless. Having to put in so much prep work is a drawback.
The good thing is that innovations in production and installation techniques have made it simple for households to implement fundamental apparatus rapidly.
Application
Applying the epoxy finish and preparing the concrete both take a considerable amount of time. It must also dry out before it can be reused. The epoxy also needs time to dry in between layers.
If you're in a rush, use a pavement sealant that penetrates the surface. Again, you can save time and money by not epoxy coating your garage floor, but you will lose the smooth aspect that epoxy gives floors.
Smell
Wet epoxy has a nasty odour and fumes. Darker-coloured epoxy tends to have more abrasive ingredients than its lighter counterparts. So, after being utilised, they frequently give off an ammonia smell.
Sensitivity
The application of epoxy flooring requires precision. The rushed installation will not give the same level of durability to the floor. The coating is also easily scratched. Paint and overspray cling to it, making cleanup a hassle. Last, the coating should only be applied during dry seasons. This is because moisture can reduce the longevity of these floor types.
Dehumidifying the area for at least 24 hours before applying the first coat of resin is highly suggested. After that, applying the resin finish will remove as much moisture as possible from the air.
Adherence
The concrete slab must be dry, prepared, and cleaned before applying the epoxy to guarantee proper adhesion. In a humid environment, such as a cellar, epoxy will not cure properly. Epoxy paint will also peel if applied to a moist surface like a floor.
Moisture
As a material cures and stops breathing, any moisture trapped under the surface can cause problems by evaporating. Furthermore, bubbles or buckling in the flooring surface may necessitate repairs or resurfacing.
Extra Expenses
Homeowners must spend money on specialised cleaning acids and other methods to ensure the epoxy sticks. Also, obtaining and utilising protective clothing, eyewear, and breathing apparatuses is crucial when working with these compounds. However, this might increase the overall cost, time, and effort needed to complete the task.
Removal
When the epoxy has been placed, changing the colours or designs can be costly and time-consuming. Also, epoxy coating removal is laborious and time-consuming when the floor requires mending.
There are benefits and drawbacks to epoxy flooring. So, it would be best to have a competent contractor look at your floor before making any final decisions. Having the floor's moisture tolerance evaluated by a professional is another way to lessen the possibility of delamination.
Conclusion
Sealing concrete is one of the simplest ways to maintain its fresh look and lengthen its useful life. Clear the area, sweep the floor, use a concrete cleaner, and fix all the cracks. Choose a sealant to repair cracks in the floor, such as acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane, which are durable, waterproof, and resistant to grease stains. Hire a professional concrete sealer contractor to seal your garage floor, as DIY home maintenance is becoming increasingly popular, but if you do not have the knowledge or experience, consider hiring a professional. Stains last longer and are less likely to peel, chip, or fade than paint, but regular maintenance of a stained floor is more labour-intensive than a painted one.
Urethane is a sealant that can add a non-toxic, elastic covering on concrete, stone, or wood for weatherproofing. Epoxy flooring has a variety of advantages, including appearance, affordability, resistance, and durability. Epoxy floors are the most durable flooring option available, and are resistant to wear and can be set up on top of cement with no additional adhesives or mortar. However, they are temporary and need to be replaced periodically due to cracking and chipping. Epoxy flooring is long-lasting and safe to walk on, but can be slippery when wet and can be unsuitable for places with high water damage. Epoxy flooring has benefits and drawbacks, such as adhesion, removal, extra expenses, and moisture tolerance evaluation.
Content Summary
- Choose a SealantThe exciting next step is choosing a sealant.
- Then, apply the sealer to the floor in thin, even applications, ensuring no spots are missed.
- Why Hire a Professional Concrete Sealer Contractor?DIY home maintenance is rising in popularity as people realise the financial benefits.
- However, if you do not have the knowledge or experience necessary to seal your concrete correctly, you should consider hiring a professional.
- After all, this is something that a professional concrete sealer performs all the time.
- ProsPutting a coat on concrete wash can do wonders for your garage floor's aesthetics.
- But, it can be used with other coatings, like urethane, to strengthen resistance to stains and wear further.
- Interlocking vinyl floor tilesRubberised vinyl (VCT) tiles are more comfortable underfoot than rigid plastic equivalents.
- Epoxy Floor Advantages: AppearanceBright and shiny epoxy floors are a terrific alternative to the standard concrete slab in a garage.
- In any case, a solid base is essential for epoxy floor coverings.
- However, the durability of epoxy flooring depends on the installer's skill.
- Choose a reputable epoxy flooring company in your area as a first step.
- TemporaryOne of the epoxy's major drawbacks is that it is only a temporary flooring option.
- Epoxy flooring is long-lasting and safe to walk on.
- But you can lessen this threat by texturing your floor.
- SensitivityThe application of epoxy flooring requires precision.
- Last, the coating should only be applied during dry seasons.
- AdherenceThe concrete slab must be dry, prepared, and cleaned before applying the epoxy to guarantee proper adhesion.
- Also, epoxy coating removal is laborious and time-consuming when the floor requires mending.
- There are benefits and drawbacks to epoxy flooring.
- Having the floor's moisture tolerance evaluated by a professional is another way to lessen the possibility of delamination.
