Concrete flooring is a trendy option for many homes and businesses because of its durability and low maintenance cost. However, concrete is a porous material that can absorb moisture from the ground and air.
This can lead to serious problems such as mold growth, rot, and structural damage. That’s why it’s essential to seal your concrete floors to prevent moisture damage.
There are many different types of concrete moisture sealer Seattle and today’s market, and it can be challenging to know which is suitable for your needs. This guide will help you choose the best moisture sealer for your home or business.
What Is Concrete Moisture?
Concrete moisture is water that the concrete has absorbed. It can come from rain, snow, or even the ground itself. When concrete moisture sealers are not used, this water can cause serious problems such as mold growth, rot, and structural damage.
How Does Concrete Moisture Get Into The Concrete Slab?
Concrete is a porous material, which means that it can absorb water from the ground and air. The most common way moisture gets into the concrete slab is rainwater or snowmelt. The water can seep into the concrete and cause problems.
Another way moisture can get into the concrete is through the concrete itself. Concrete has sand, gravel, and cement. These materials are all porous, which means that they can absorb water. When the concrete is mixed, it creates a chemical reaction that causes it to harden. However, this chemical reaction doesn’t make the concrete waterproof.
What Moisture Does to Concrete Floors?
When concrete floors are not properly sealed, moisture can cause various problems. The most common problem is mold growth. Mold can cause health problems and damage the concrete itself.
Another problem that can occur is rot. What happens when the wood framing around the concrete floor gets wet, and the water can cause the wood to swell and eventually rot. This can lead to structural damage and make the concrete floor unsafe.
The last problem that can occur is structural damage. When concrete floors are not properly sealed, the water can seep into the concrete and weaken the structure, and this can cause cracks, settlement, and even collapse.
How to Seal Concrete Floors
There are many different types of concrete sealers on the market, and it cannot be easy to know which one is right for your needs.
Acrylic concrete sealers
Acrylic concrete sealers are the most popular type of concrete sealer. They are made from water-based acrylic resins, are easy to apply and provide a durable, long-lasting seal.
They are available in various finishes, including glossy, matte, and textured. They can also be tinted to match the color of your concrete. Using these concrete coatings and sealers provide reasonable protection against moisture and stains.
Steps in Sealing Concrete Floors
- Decide First on What Kind of Concrete Sealer You Need
- Clean Concrete Floors
- Fill in The Cracked Concrete Floor
- Apply Concrete Sealant
What is the best approach to sealing concrete floors and repelling moisture?
There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when trying to answer this question. The first is the type of concrete sealer that you use. There are two main types of concrete sealers: film-forming and penetrating.
Film-forming concrete floor sealers form a thin film on the concrete surface. They are made from acrylic resins, latex, or epoxy.
Film-forming concrete floor sealers provide reasonable protection against moisture and stains. However, they can yellow over time and may require periodic reapplication.
Penetrating concrete floor sealers penetrate the concrete to form a barrier against moisture. They are made from silanes, siloxanes, or silicates. Penetrating concrete floor sealers provide long-lasting protection against water and stains.
Summing All Up
To sum it up, concrete floors need to be sealed to prevent moisture damage. There are two main types of concrete sealers: film-forming and penetrating. Choose the one that would best suit your needs. Don’t forget to clean the concrete floors first and fill in any concrete cracks before applying the concrete sealer. Finally, follow the steps in sealing concrete floors to protect your investment correctly.
