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If you have an outdoor concrete driveway, patio, or pool deck, you might consider concrete sealing to extend the life of the pavement. One option is to apply a penetrating sealant. Here are a few tips.

Concrete and Rain

A penetrating sealant will protect the concrete from rain. Concrete is porous, so it absorbs moisture and rain, which seeps into the paving. Unfortunately, rain usually brings dirt that also soaks into the surface, making the paving look grubby. It also degrades the paving. A penetrating sealant helps as it flows into the tiny holes and blocks them. Thus, water is barred from entering the pores, and the concrete doesn't absorb it.

Test for Beading Water

Both fresh and thoroughly cleaned old concrete can benefit from a penetrating sealant. Pour a glass of water on the surface of the pavement to see if it's sealed. Water will seep into the cement on unsealed concrete, resulting in a dark spot. On the other hand, poured water on sealed pavement will bead and sit on top rather than soak in. Also, the concrete won't darken in colour.

Appearance

Some topical concrete sealers give the pavement a shine or gloss. On the other hand, penetrating sealants can be almost invisible, but some do provide a matte finish. A penetrating sealer is perfect if you want to protect concrete without altering its look. There are four types of penetrating sealants: silanes, siloxanes, silicates and siliconates. You can create a polished look from a penetrating sealer by utilising one that is silicate-based.

Evaporating Moisture

Penetrating sealants offer the advantage of allowing moisture within the concrete to evaporate, which it can absorb from the soil below. Some sealants that form a coating on top of the pavement, on the other hand, retain moisture within the concrete and prevent it from evaporating. A white film might form on the surface as a result of the moisture. Penetrating sealants, on the other hand, help prevent these problems.

Application

Penetrating sealants can last for years without needing to be reapplied. However, you can reapply a penetrating sealer removing the old sealant, which is a big plus. With some other topical sealants, you need to remove the old sealant before reapplying. Thus, the reapplication of penetrating sealants is quicker and less time-consuming. You can choose between solvent or water-based penetrating sealants. Solvent versions can leave a sheen on the concrete. They also release more VOCs than water-based options.

Contact a concrete sealing company to learn more.