More often than not, professional contractors would advise to apply concrete sealers on St. Louis concrete surfaces. While some floor owners would just say yes, some are quite curious about the necessity of sealing concrete floors. Here are five of the frequently asked questions relative to concrete sealers:
1. What surfaces should be sealed and why?
Concrete surfaces on outdoor areas like patios, pool decks, and driveways could benefit from a sealer. Same with interior flooring in the kitchen, living room, and more. Concrete, if not sealed, will be prone to premature damage due to its high porosity. Oil, grease, and other liquids could seep in and damage the slabs from within.
2. How much does sealer cost?
The range of concrete sealing cost is from $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot, depending on the type of concrete sealer used. Acrylic and penetrating sealers are the most commonly used sealers because these are a lot more affordable than epoxy and polyurethane-based sealers. It is important to have a professional install it for you. Although it can be done by yourself, an expert would be able to provide maximum coverage, an even application, and less mess.
3. When to seal concrete?
Both new and resurfaced concrete floors should be sealed. While resurfaced floors can be sealed immediately after it dries, newly poured concrete need to cure for about 28 days before it can be sealed. You may consult a professional concrete contractor regarding the right time to seal concrete and what type of sealer should be used.
4. How long will the sealer last?
The more expensive the type of sealer used, the longer it would last. However, life expectancy also depends on how heavy a concrete floor is used. If you notice the floor losing its shine and looking a bit dull, then it’s probably high time to have it resealed. Just make sure that you use the same type of sealer used previously.
5. How will a sealed concrete floor look?
Concrete sealers come in a range of finishes. For a more luxurious and polished look, a high gloss sealer would be best. The colors of stained concrete floors will be more vibrant and more pronounced after a sealer application. Some sealers are tinted in a variety of hues. Penetrating sealers are often matte or flat because it penetrates into the slab instead of creating a thin film on the surface.
