If you have concrete around your home on the driveway or patio, sealing it will help to enhance the surface and make it last longer. There are several benefits to concrete sealing which are described below.
Reduces Mould Growth
Concrete is covered with tiny pores that can absorb moisture. If paving is in the shade, it may struggle to dry out, and the resulting dampness can cause mould to spread across the surface. Sealing the concrete helps by blocking the pores from absorbing moisture. Thus, the paving around your home will be cleaner and not so slippery in the mossy areas.
Protects Decorative Concrete
Topical sealants that form a film over the concrete enhance the colours and patterns of stamped, stencilled, and coloured concrete. You could choose water or solvent-based acrylic topical sealants that leave a sheen on the surface. You can pick between levels of shine. Solvent-based acrylic sealants create a more glossy look than water-based ones. A benefit of acrylic sealants is that they let moisture trapped inside the concrete evaporate. If it can't escape, the dampness can form a white haze under the sealant. You can also use polyurethane or epoxy topical sealants. However, these sealants don't allow moisture to evaporate.
Prevents Stains
A driveway covered with oil and grease stains can detract from the kerb view of your home. By sealing the driveway, the entire facade will look fresher. After all, caring for existing concrete is better than ripping it up and laying new paving. A penetrating sealant chemically reacts with the concrete to prevent the pores from taking in moisture and stains. These sealants don't affect the look of the concrete.
Safe and Non-slippery
When applying a sealant, you need to consider the safety of the pavement and how slippery it is. You can choose a sealant to protect your concrete while not making it greasy. A penetrating sealant doesn't leave a shine, which can reduce traction. Thus, penetrating sealants are perfect for smooth grey concrete.
Topical sealants that form a shiny cover can, however, make some paving more slippery. Though, the traction of concrete depends on the texture as well as the sheen level. Highly textured stamped concrete, for instance, with more traction, can be glossy while remaining safe. In any case, contractors can add anti-slip additives to a topical sealant to create a secure, gritty surface.
Thus, sealing the concrete around your home will provide numerous benefits. It will reduce mould and prevent stains, protecting both decorative and smooth grey paving. Additionally, you can shield the concrete from wear while keeping the surface safe.
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