Concrete is a beautiful, cost-effective building material that can last for decades. But even concrete is vulnerable to the elements: if not properly cared for, it can begin to look dingy and worn down over time. The solution? Water sealant! You've probably heard of water sealant before—it's what keeps your driveway or front porch looking good as new through the years. But did you know that water sealant can also be used on other types of concrete like sidewalks and patios? If you're curious about how it works, why you should use it (and when), keep reading to learn more!
Concrete is strong and durable, but it can be vulnerable to the elements
Water damage is a frequent problem for concrete. As water seeps into the pores of your concrete driveway, it can cause staining, streaking, and other damage to the surface. Over time, this can weaken the bond between your concrete and its asphalt base coat; this could lead to cracking or breaks in the surface of your driveway or sidewalk (and even the parking lot).
UV rays from sunlight are another big threat to concrete surfaces—particularly in hot climates like Arizona where temperatures regularly reach triple digits. UV rays break down binder molecules that hold aggregates together; over time this causes cracks in non-sealed surfaces which may allow moisture through them as well as allow for more rapid disintegration of aggregate particles within sealed areas. Abrasion from foot traffic will also increase wear on unsealed driveways over time because each step creates microfractures within these tiny cracks underfoot! Keeping these factors at bay with regular sealing applications is crucial if you want to avoid costly repairs down the road!
Water sealant prevents surface staining
Water is one of the nastiest enemies of concrete. It can cause staining, spalling, and efflorescence on top of your concrete. If you have a new driveway or parking lot that you want to keep looking clean and stain-free for as long as possible, we recommend sealing it with water sealant.
Water sealants are often used in conjunction with other applications like acid etching and coloring to help prevent stains from happening in the first place. This helps you save money—a lot of money! In fact, some studies have shown that using a high-quality water seal may be more cost-effective than treating surface stains after they occur!
It provides UV protection
The fourth and final reason you should consider a water sealant for your concrete is that it provides UV protection. While the product itself doesn't last forever, its effects do—and that's a big deal.
UV protection is important because it prevents discoloration and fading of the concrete over time. It also prevents surface cracking, surface flaking, and other structural damage that can occur when certain chemicals are mixed with moisture in the air or on your driveway or sidewalk.
It helps protect from abrasion
Abrasion is one of the most common types of wear that you'll find on concrete surfaces. It happens when one surface rubs against another, causing friction and damage. This can happen for many reasons, such as:
- Shoes or other footwear walking on old surfaces (especially in high-traffic areas)
- Car tires driving over old concrete
- Gravel being dragged across a driveway or walkway
Sealing gives concrete surfaces a nice aesthetic look
Sealing your concrete surfaces will make them look great.
- Sealing gives concrete surfaces a nice aesthetic look.
- Concrete is susceptible to stains and discoloration, but sealing can help prevent this from happening. It also helps prevent fading over time, which can cause the surface of your concrete to appear dull or dingy (although it won't completely stop this from happening). You don't want that!
- Sealants are resistant to abrasion, so they provide added protection against scratches and dings in your existing concrete surface—which is definitely something you'd want if you're planning on selling your home someday!
Using water sealant can strengthen your concrete and make it last longer
Water sealant can protect your concrete from water damage and staining, protecting it from UV rays, abrasion, and cosmetic improvement. The best thing about sealants is that they're easy to apply! You just need to know how to use the right product for your project so you don't waste money on something that doesn't work.
Waterproofing your concrete will stop it from becoming stained by dirt or oils in the air, which makes it easier to keep clean in the long run because there are fewer stains left behind after cleaning them up with soap and water. This will also make future repairs easier since any cracks that do appear won't be as visible due to this protective layer over top of them.
Concrete has a tendency toward discoloration due to UV rays getting through even when painted layers have been applied over top; however, using waterproofing products like those sold here on Amazon means that discoloration should no longer be an issue at all! You'll still get some color variation depending on how much sunlight hits different areas but overall these coatings help keep everything looking fresh all year round regardless of where it's located (unlike asphalt which tends to get old fast).
Conclusion
Water-based concrete sealers are the perfect way to protect your concrete from water damage and make it last longer. They're also easy to apply and will give you the freedom to enjoy your home without worrying about the weather conditions. So if you have any questions about how this product could work for your project, feel free to contact us today!
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