Types of Concrete Sealant for Your Business

Concrete sealers are essential for your business, especially if you want to ensure long-term durability and control. Depending on the nature of your business, you can choose from a variety of concrete sealers that work best for you. 

If you want to revamp your existing concrete floor, there are several options for construction cleanup in Fort Lauderdale. Let’s hop right in and see what types of concrete sealants are in the market.  

What Are Concrete Sealants 

Concrete sealers are comprised of chemical matter specifically designed to protect concrete surfaces from straining, spillage, wear and tear, erosion, and temperature disparity. They cover the surface with a strong layer of protection to enhance durability.  

Types of Concrete Sealants  

The two broad categories of sealants are film-forming and penetrating. Each of these categories has a range of sealant options that come with their own set of benefits and applicability.  

Film-Forming Sealers 

These sealants are known as surface-coaters or topical sealers that adhere to the pores of the concrete and create a protective layer on the entire surface. It works great against moisture and spillage. The three sub-categories within film-forming sealers are as follows: 

Acrylic Sealers:  

Acrylic sealers are the more popular choice amongst other sealers due to their cost-efficient nature. They form a thin protective layer on the surface and work well against moisture. Application and process are easy and quite straightforward. They come in a variety of sheen levels to achieve the desired result. 

For outdoor settings, solvent-based acrylic sealers work better than water-based ones. They are relatively easier to recoat since they don’t require extra prep time. Water-based sealers are environment-friendly as they don’t release harmful vapors and are more durable than the two.  

Polyurethane Sealers: 

These versatile sealers provide incredible hard-wearing protection in interior and exterior applications. This non-yellowing sealant is the desired choice in areas with high foot traffic as it protects against moisture and chemicals. You can choose from several gloss levels too. 

Polyurethane sealers are almost twice as thick as their acrylic counterparts and form a highly durable protective film on the surface. They protect against abrasion and are chemical-resistant. Ideal for areas with high foot traffic, these sealers prevent scuffs and staining. 

Epoxy Sealers: 

Epoxy sealers are used for interior and exterior applications. It has a hard, long-wearing, and chemical-resistant finish. These sealers offer a great variety in terms of pigment and sheen. They are water-repellant and are ideal to be used on concrete countertops. Considerably harder than acrylics, they make an excellent choice in food-prep areas. 

However, epoxies may become yellow over time with UV exposure and are more effective for interior applications. They can also be used on decorative floors, providing a glossy sheen to enrich the colors and designs.  

Penetrating Sealants  

Penetrating sealants, as the name suggests, penetrate the capillaries of the cement surface with their chemical formula. This forms a breathable, protective barrier right below the actual surface without coating on top.   

For frictional surfaces like walkways or driveways, penetrating sealants are preferred. The glossy sheen or slipperiness that comes with film-forming sealants is avoided, thus improving the durability of the concrete surface.  

Silane Sealers: 

These sealers allow deeper penetration into the surface due to their small molecular structure. They are extremely high-performance and are used for heavy-duty purposes such as parking garages, bridge decks, and more.  

They are ideal for protection against moisture, dirt, erosion, and salts. They are generally not recommended for porous surfaces due to their chemical build. However, the solid content of these sealers is much higher than other sealants.  

Siliconate Sealers: 

Siliconate sealers have a medium molecular structure making them ideal for dense and porous surfaces alike. They penetrate the cementitious surface to create a breathable layer that protects against moisture, salts, and dirt.  

Siliconate sealers are also used as a curing agent applied to a freshly placed concrete surface. They work best for surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, shop and warehouse floors, etc.  

Silicate Sealers: 

These sealers have two further subdivisions, namely, lithium and sodium sealers. They penetrate the surface and chemically react to form a permanent structure resembling a crystalline structure. Silicate sealers are used to increase concrete surfaces’ strength, density, and durability.  

Parting Thoughts  

Depending on the nature of your business, foot traffic, indoors or outdoors environment, the type of concrete sealant you use will differ. If you want to restore your existing concrete surfaces, head over to De Leon Restoration and Cleaning Contractors and book them for construction cleanup. Fort Lauderdale residents can benefit from their three decades worth of experience.  

If you’re looking for commercial carpet cleaning in Fort Lauderdale, De Leon is your go-to option.