Do you need to seal indoor concrete?

No matter if your concrete flooring is in your office, domestic kitchen, living area, or commercial space, it needs to be sealed properly. In this article we will be discussing concrete flooring sealers, what they are, how they work, and why they are so important.

Is sealing concrete necessary?

While concrete doesn't need to be sealed, in some cases it's a huge benefit and highly recommended. Sealing things like a concrete patio or walkway is a good idea. Adding a sealer preserves the look and longevity of the concrete while bringing out its rich color.

How do you seal indoor concrete?

Can you leave concrete unsealed?

Leaving concrete unsealed will leave it with a flat look. The color will remain flatter and dull, in addition to the concrete remaining porous and easier to damage. Sealing the concrete will enhance the colors and give it more of a marble or mottled look, smoother and with richer colors.

Does exposed concrete need to be sealed?

Does exposed aggregate need to be sealed? Yes. These sealers—typically film-forming acrylic resins—can help protect against spalling, dusting, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage, stains, deicing salts, and abrasion. A sealer will also enhance the color of the aggregate, accentuating its depth and richness.

How To Seal Concrete Floors in Pole Barn House Using Eagle Armor Seal

Will sealing concrete make it slippery?

Sealers for decorative concrete provide protection and enhance color. But the same thin, plastic layer that provides this protection and color enhancement also becomes very slippery when wet.

How do you protect exposed concrete?

Topical – Topical sealers are usually acrylic-like resin that needs to be applied dry. These sealers coat the concrete in a high gloss finish, which protects it from weather, staining, and adds an aesthetic sheen. Topical sealers are the most common choice for exposed aggregate.

What happens if concrete is not sealed?

What happens if I don't seal my concrete? Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. Oil, salt, fertilizer, and other household chemicals can discolor and damage unsealed concrete.

Can you leave concrete floors bare?

Without protection, concrete is susceptible to extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, impacts, tyre traffic, de-icing salts and liquid. In an industrial area this could mean that the floor quickly becomes chipped, contaminated, cracked and unclean. If nothing else, bare concrete isn't the best look.

How often do I need to seal concrete?

Sealing your concrete isn't really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.

Should I seal my basement floor?

Whether you plan on finishing your basement space or keeping it in its original state, it is important to apply a waterproof sealant to the concrete floor in order to lock out moisture. An epoxy-coated basement floor is one of the best ways to maintain and preserve your space.

What are the benefits of sealing concrete?

How do you waterproof an interior concrete floor?

Acrylic sealer – This easy-to-apply sealer is best for basements and other concrete floors that will not come into contact with oil or grease. Acrylic sealer sits on top of the concrete instead of seeping in, which makes it ideal for sealing interior floors.

Does sealing concrete stop moisture?

Basements and garages - the typical rooms with concrete floors - also suffer from poor air circulation, giving the moisture nowhere to go once it seeps through the floor. Sealing the concrete can help eliminate the dampness on your floor.

Does sealing concrete prevent cracks?

The truth is that sealing your concrete driveway won't actually get rid of the cracks that are already there. If your driveway has been pounded over the years by vehicles and the environment, the cracks that are already there won't be eliminated just because we put a layer of our tough and durable sealant over the top.

How much does it cost to seal a concrete floor?

Sealed Concrete Flooring Cost

Just sealing (and not painting) a concrete floor is usually $0.85 to $1.60 per square foot but might cost up to $10 per square foot, depending on the area. Sealing a small space with tight corners will likely cost more per square foot than sealing a driveway.

Are concrete floors unhealthy?

According to experts, concrete floor systems can cause everything from bunions and ingrown toenails to shin splints, lumbar strain, and achilles tendonitis. It can also lead to lower back pain, stress fractures, knee pain, and worsening of arthritis symptoms.

Is unsealed concrete toxic?

Concrete dust may cause chronic bronchitis or aggravate pre-existing lung disease such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma. After prolonged exposure, respirable concrete dust can cause severe damage to human lungs. Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen.

Can you have concrete floors in a house?

It's not just for sidewalks; concrete is a stylish choice for indoor floors. Its surface can be finished in various ways—with colors, stains, and aggregates—and given a textured surface or buffed until glassy. Concrete floors are extremely durable and easy to clean, and they resist water when properly sealed.

How do you seal concrete walls?

How long do you have to stay off concrete after sealing?

Typically, it can take anywhere from 10-12 hours to dry before being able to be walked on, but they will continue to harden for up to 48 hours after being applied. Concrete sealed with a urethane coating should not be walked on (with the exception of a recoat), driven on, or wet for at least 36-48 hours.

Is there a sealer for concrete?

There are two main types of concrete sealers: film-forming sealers and penetrating sealers. Film-forming sealers include acrylics, epoxies, and urethanes that form a coating on the surface of the concrete. Film-forming sealers, especially acrylics, are more susceptible to wear and will need to be reapplied frequently.

How do you apply sealer to concrete?