Sealing exterior concrete, brick, and pavers now will protect them from salt damage, freeze-thaw damage, cracking, spalling, and pitting this Winter.
(PRWEB) September 29, 2015
With winter just around the corner now is the time to think about sealing exterior concrete, brick, and paver surfaces. When snow and ice melts it is absorbed into the substrate where it freezes within the pores causing exterior concrete, brick, and pavers to crack, spall, and develop surface pits. Sealing masonry surfaces with the right concrete sealer before Winter can prevent deterioration caused by water absorption, freeze-thaw damage, and the damaging effects of snow, ice, and salt.
When it comes to sealing exterior concrete, brick, and paver surfaces there are a few types of sealers that can be used. The first type of sealer is a penetrating water repellent sealer, like the DOT-Approved Armor SX5000, or the cost-effect SC25. Penetrating sealers chemically react below the surface and won't leave behind a visible surface film or coating. Silane-Siloxane and Siliconate water repellents are the most common type of penetrating sealer because of their water repellent characteristics. The invisible hydrophobic barrier left behind by this type of penetrating sealer will cause water and other liquids to bead off the surface. When water absorption is reduced, so are the damaging effects which include cracking, spalling, and surface pitting. Concrete, brick, and pavers sealed by water repellent sealers like the Armor SX5000 and SC25 are protected from winter snow and ice damage for up to 10 years.
The second type of sealer is an acrylic based sealer. Acrylic sealers leave behind a visible surface film, usually in the form of a wet look, low gloss, or high gloss finish. The visible film left behind by acrylic sealers puts a layer between the concrete and the snow and ice. While acrylic sealers will protect concrete, brick, and pavers the same way a water repellent would, acrylic sealers tend to require touch-up coats every 3-5 years.
"The best concrete sealer for your application really depends on what you want your concrete to look like once sealed, and how often you want to maintain it," says Foundation Armor manager Tanya Schifone. "If you want a sealer that won't change the look or color of the concrete, brick, or masonry you want a penetrating sealer like the Armor SX5000 or the Armor SC25. They chemically react below the surface and will provide up to 10 years of life when properly applied. If you want a wet look, low gloss, or high gloss finish then you want a solvent based acrylic sealer like the Armor AR350, Armor AR500, or Armor AX25. Solvent based acrylic sealers are easy to apply and very easy to maintain. While they require a touchup every 3-5 years, you simply roll or spray more down in the areas that show wear. Both penetrating sealers and acrylic sealers will provide protection against Winter ice and salt damage."
Now is the time to seal. The temperatures are still warm and the climate is dry. Learn more about sealing concrete at FoundationArmor.com.
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