How often do you seal concrete floors?

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.

Do concrete floors need to be sealed?

No matter if your concrete flooring is in your office, domestic kitchen, living area, or commercial space, it needs to be sealed properly.

How long do sealed concrete floors last?

Epoxy and urethane systems last between 5-10 years, closer to 5 if the surface experiences heavy traffic. Reactive penetrating sealers are the longest lasting concrete sealers, wearing away only if the substrate surface itself wears away.

Does sealing concrete keep it clean?

The sealers penetrate or coat the pores of the concrete which makes it harder for dirt and pollutants to fill the holes and make the surface look dirty. Creates a durable surface that is easy to maintain and keep clean.

Can you put too much sealer on concrete?

When the sealer is applied too heavily, the air displaced through the surface can't escape, and it forms a bubble in the sealer surface. Bubbling of a sealer can also occur if application is done in hot weather, or if the concrete is in direct sun.

Concrete Questions - All About Concrete Sealers

How do you maintain a concrete floor?

Dry dust mop or damp mop regularly to keep away dirt and grime, cutting down on abrasion. Damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner and water for an occasional deeper cleaning. Protect with a good film-forming sealer and a coat of wax or floor finish. Reapply as needed depending on wear, generally every few years.

How much does it cost to seal concrete floors?

Concrete sealers cost between $0.10 and $0.75 per square foot. Many sealers are very DIY-friendly, making this an appealing project for homeowners. All you need are the right tools and enough time. If you decide to hire a local driveway contractor, it will cost between $1.25 and $1.75 per square foot.

Should you seal old concrete?

A: Yes! Old concrete can be sealed for the first time or resealed if it has been previously sealed with a concrete sealer. Before sealing old concrete you want to make sure you determine if the concrete has been previously sealed.

Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?

“Certain sealers are better applied by spray because they are not formulated for rolling,” says Dean Owen, president of Arizona Polymer Flooring Inc. in Glendale, Ariz. “This is usually a function of the solvents used in the formulation. Slow-evaporating solvents are better for rolling.

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.

How do you clean a concrete floor before sealing?

Scrub the floor with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. Then collect the remaining water with a shop vacuum. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before applying the new concrete floor sealer.

When can you walk on concrete after sealing?

Acrylic sealers can take anywhere from 4-12 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 an acrylic sealer should not be walked on (with the exception of a recoat), driven on, or wet for at least 36-48 hours.

Can you just seal concrete floors?

To seal concrete floors, use an epoxy sealer if you want something durable that comes in a variety of colors. For indoor concrete floors that won't be exposed to oil or grease, use an acrylic sealer, which is easy to apply. If you want to seal over concrete floors that already have a seal, try a polyurethane sealer.

How many coats of concrete sealer should I use?

Concrete sealers are best applied in two thin coats. The first coat of sealer acts like a primer. Most of it will disappear into the concrete surface, and the concrete will probably look fairly unattractive after the first coat. The second thin coat will provide an even finish, color enhancement and gloss.

Should I seal my concrete 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.

Is concrete sealing worth it?

Outdoor concrete sealers are not only worthwhile but necessary. Experts who recommend having a concrete surface sealed are doing their customers a big favor. Without this extra layer of protection, concrete will absorb moisture and may begin to crack, spall, flake, and discolor, among other things.

How do you seal an indoor concrete floor?

Apply a thin coat of concrete floor sealer and let dry. Apply a second coat in the other direction, let dry. Wax the surface of the floor to prolong the life of the sealer. Reapply the sacrificial wax as it wears off.

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 do you seal concrete cheaply?

Topical Sealants

Just as the word indicates, a topical sealant lays on top of the concrete without penetrating the surface. Several types of topical sealants are available in prices that vary from inexpensive to more costly. Acrylic: This thin layer acts as a protectant for the concrete and is easy to apply.

What does vinegar do to concrete?

When it comes to cleaning stone, concrete, and ceramic tile floors, leave the vinegar under the sink. Just like with stone countertops, the acid in vinegar will strip away the protective sealant from stone tiles, making them look dull and leaving the surface vulnerable to etching and pitting.

Can you polish concrete floors yourself?

The answer to “can I polish concrete floors myself” is yes, but only in a limited set of circumstances. DIY projects should only be attempted on newly poured slabs that are clean and in good condition. A matte finish is also preferable, as fewer sets of diamond polishing tools will be required.

How much maintenance is concrete floors?

You will need to use a dry mop afterward to life dirt, followed by a wet mop, removing any remaining debris, bacteria, or mold. Most concrete floors do well if they're polished every 2-3 years using specialized polishing equipment.

Are concrete floors high maintenance?

Yes, they usually are low-maintenance floors, but low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. Let's clear up this and other myths about concrete floors. The more cleaning contractors know about these floors, the better they can clean and maintain them.

What do you seal a concrete floor with?

Acrylic sealer sits on top of the concrete instead of seeping in, which makes it ideal for sealing interior floors. Epoxy sealer – More durable than acrylic, this type of sealant protects against grease and oil, and is perfect for a basement, garage or outdoor shed.