Clear concrete sealers in Florida act as water repellents when applied on concrete, preventing or decreasing the entry of water and soluble pollutants such as chlorides into the porous concrete. Sealers are often used in above-grade installations where concrete is exposed to moisture regularly.
Parking decks and other outdoor concrete surfaces are good examples of sealed concrete areas. Block and masonry walls are also good options for sealing concrete surfaces.
How Clear Concrete Sealers Work
Clear concrete sealers in Florida work by interacting with the inorganic concrete’s components to plug pores, making it impossible for water to permeate. Although sealers will not prevent pressure-driven water from entering the concrete, any water that is absorbed into the concrete will be able to evaporate due to sealer materials’ water vapor permeability.
Sealers can last up to several years depending on the surface, specific repelling characteristics, and service environment. Interesting to note is that linseed oil sealers have the shortest lifespan, while sealers with siloxane or silane have the longest lifespan.
Applying the Concrete Sealer
Before you can apply a clear concrete sealer such as the ones from Business Name., the surfaces must be prepped. Prepping the area for sealer involves inspecting the concrete to ensure that it is sound and then cleaning it to help the sealer adhere to the surface.
Once the surface is ready, the concrete sealer is applied using a low-pressure spray. Some types of concrete sealers require more than a single coat, but you must wait a set amount of time before applying additional coats.
