Commercial concrete sealing is one of our specialties here at Seal Smart. Indoors or outdoors, our permanent sealing product penetrates into the pores of the concrete and seals them against moisture intrusions that can cause cracks and fissures to form over time.
Discover our answers to frequently asked questions about commercial concrete sealing.
How do you professionally seal concrete?
First, we clean the surface of the concrete to remove any dirt, oil, and grime with a cleaning solution.
Then we apply a professional-grade penetrating concrete sealant that fills in the natural pores found in concrete.
Does sealing concrete stop moisture?
Absolutely, because it fills in the pores to prevent moisture from getting into the subsurface of the concrete.
Why does my company need professional concrete sealing?
Your property should provide customers and employees with a fantastic first impression. Concrete will age over time, and you want to protect your investment while making sure everyone who visits your site has the best experience possible.
Professional concrete sealing can:
Prevent moisture intrusions into the concrete that can lead to cracks and crevices.
Create a permanent barrier between moisture and your concrete patio, sidewalk, driveway, or surface.
Make your concrete more durable over time.
Allow your concrete to withstand extreme temperatures, particularly in winter, over several decades of use.
Why does my commercial concrete need penetrating sealant?
Concrete has natural pores in it, even though the substance looks solid. Over time, small amounts of moisture can seep into the subsurface.
Two types of pores form in concrete due to its inherent properties. Gel pores form in between layers of concrete as it cures, and the water evaporates when concrete hardens. If you look at concrete under a microscope, gel pores look like tiny holes on the surface of a gray sponge. Gel pores are normally isolated from each other and form tiny pockets in the concrete’s structure. They are usually 2 to 3 nanometers in diameter. For comparison, the width of a human hair averages 58 micrometers. There are 1,000 nanometers in just 1 micrometer. There are 25,400,000 nanometers in 1 inch.
So, gel pores are about 1/10 millionths of an inch wide or not very big. One water molecule measures 0.27 nanometers, but it would take a lot of effort for that one molecule to reach a gel pore, which would likely evaporate before it got there.
Capillary pores are the main culprit when it comes to water damage in concrete. These pores measure up to 1 micrometer in diameter or 1/50th the width of a human hair and 1/25 thousandths of an inch.
The difference between gel pores and capillary pores goes beyond just the size. Capillary pores connect to each other underneath the surface of the concrete, forming very small hairline fissures. According to MIT, 96 percent of pores in cement paste are connected to each other.
These connections lead to larger cracks and crevices in your concrete, especially if capillary pores form near the surface.
These cracks and crevices form when the water that seeps into your concrete’s very small pores freezes. As the water freezes, it expands. This expansion can loosen concrete in small amounts each winter. The following winter, more water freezes and expands. Eventually, the concrete may release any pressure caused by the ice as a hairline crack before turning into a larger crack.
Keep in mind this process takes several years to occur.
What commercial concrete surfaces need sealing?
Any flat concrete surface someone can walk or drive on, like a sidewalk, driveway, patio, or floor.
For example, you have an outdoor patio next to your break room to let your employees enjoy the weather on their breaks. Commercial concrete sealing can prevent moisture degradation on your frequently used concrete surfaces for decades of use.
Concrete pavers are a great way to make a hardscaped path through your outdoor property’s grassy areas or landscaping. Prevent cracks in these structures over time with permanent commercial concrete sealing.
Outdoor sidewalks are vital to people coming in and out of your facility. Permanent commercial concrete sealing keeps cracks to a minimum. When you prevent cracks and degradation, you keep mold, mildew, moss, and plants from taking root along your walkways. You no longer need to apply herbicides and weed killer on your sidewalks, keeping your commercial concrete maintenance-free for up to 25 years.
Can I apply topcoat sealants after professional concrete sealing?
Yes, although we recommend letting the professional concrete sealant cure for at least 24 hours before applying a topcoat.
Who can permanently seal my commercial concrete?
Seal Smart’s permanent commercial concrete sealing comes with a 25-year warranty. It can protect your deck from moisture intrusions, which can lead to cracks and chips.
Want a free quote? Request an estimate from our team or call 1-877-288-3497, and we’ll be in touch.
