Concrete Sealing in Port Huron MI

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Concrete Sealing Services In Port Huron MI

What Is Concrete Sealing?

As the name implies, its the sealing of the concrete surface (more specifically pores within the concrete) to protect against the environment. Concrete sealing is increasing in popularity and not just in the Port Huron Area. Due to better formulations of concrete sealers, customers are getting more bang for their buck when purchasing sealers. Concrete sealers have been around since being invented by L.M Scofield in the 20's and 30's. Their Lithocrome® product is sold to this day. Despite having been invented over 100 years ago, their has not been another feasible way of sealing concrete that can compare to modern acrylic and latex sealers.

How Do I Seal Concrete?

Surface Type

The first step to sealing concrete is determining what concrete surface you will be working with. For example, just about all sealers will work on broom finished concrete, but only a select few will work on exposed aggregate. Once you know your surface type you can then start deciding on what concrete sealer finish you want. Concrete sealer options range from completely clear to matte. The most common sealer type will usually be described from the manufacturer as "low gloss wet look". Typically, more decorative surface types will opt for a "wet look" such as stamped concrete or exposed aggregate. Their are also high gloss wet look sealers available. Lastly, it is a good time to see if you have dyed concrete. Some manufactures such as Foundation Armour, make color packs for their sealers that can be used to compliment the concrete color. Lastly, if your concrete is colored you will have limited options to strip the sealer in the event it doesn't adhere correctly, flakes or you decide to switch from acrylic to latex or vice versa. Colored concrete is known to have issues with strippers which can lead to white spots in the concrete.

Concrete Sealer Types

We already talked about the available concrete sealers sheens, but what about acrylic vs latex? The difference in appearance isn't much, but beyond that there are some big differences between acrylic and latex based sealers. Lets dig into this.

Acrylic (Oil) Based Concrete Sealer

Oil based sealers is by far the most common concrete sealer. Oil based sealer soaks further down into the pores of the concrete which allows for better adhesion.

Pros

Great adhesion to the surface.
Typically lasts longer than latex based concrete sealers.
Most common type of sealer.
Typically darkens concrete slightly more than latex sealers.

Cons

Strong chemical odor when applying.
Worse for the environment when compared to latex sealers.
Most acrylic based sealer stripper is expensive and bad for the environment.
Requires acetone resistance equipment for cleaning.

Latex (Water) Based Concrete Sealer

Water based sealers are a great alternative to acrylic based sealers. While their biggest drawback is that they don't last quite as long as acrylic sealers, latex offers advantages in several areas.

Pros

No strong odor.
Easier to apply than acrylic based sealers.
Not as bad for the environment.
Doesnt require Xylene or Acetone to be stripped.

Cons

Doesn't last quite as long as acrylic sealer.
More sensitive to moisture when applying sealer.
Harder to find latex based specialty sealers.

What are things to consider when searching for a concrete sealing contractor?

Does my concrete need to be surface cleaned?
Is my concrete in a condition that allows it to be sealed?
Does my concrete require acid etching?
Has the concrete been stained before?
What is the concrete used for (walkway, pool, driveway, garage floor etc).

For all your concrete sealing needs in the Port Huron area, call the best concrete sealing contractor around, PowerPros L.L.C

Providing the Port Huron area with power washing and soft washing services.