It’s necessary to secure your investment, whether you’re having a stunning new pool deck, stamped concrete patio, or walkway created or already have one. The best sealer will make sure that your stamped concrete looks excellent for years, or it can be used to revive an old, cement surface. Sealing concrete is similar to waxing a car or applying sunscreen to your skin. A sealer will enhance the look of the concrete floor, protect it from harmful chemicals and stains, and prevent fading caused by UV rays.
Sealing After Stamped Concrete Cures
It is advised that new concrete be sealed after it has hardened, and that old concrete be sealed every few years. Slip-resistant sealers, which are mainly useful for pool decks, are also available, but since the concrete is already textured, they may not be essential. A sealer will help in the prevention of a white powdery residue that can develop on the surface, also referred to as efflorescence.
If desired, sealed stamped concrete Orlando will have a rich shade and glossy finish. Sealers can have a variety of gloss levels. It could be from no-gloss to high-gloss quality. You can also use a tinted sealer to bring out the color of the concrete even more.
The Benefits of Sealing Your Stamped Concrete
Sealing stamped concrete will protect your floor from stains. Pet urine, chlorine, leaves, fertilizer, surface, salt, dirt, chemicals, and other substances will come into contact with your walkway, stamped patio, or pool deck Orlando causing stains on the surface. All of them will be prevented from entering the surface of the concrete and creating an unpleasant stain with the right sealer.
Next, when you protect your stamped concrete, you lessen the risk of freeze-thaw damage if you reside in cold weather. This occurs when water enters the concrete surface and then expands as it freezes, resulting in cracks or flaking. Water will not be able to penetrate your concrete if you use a sealer. If your sealer is working properly, water should bead up on the concrete’s surface. It’s time to reseal your stamped concrete if that is not the case. High-traffic areas will very certainly need to be resealed on a regular basis.
In conclusion, applying a sealer to your new or old stamped concrete will enhance and protect it. Concrete’s service life can be considerably prolonged by properly sealing and/or resealing it. Make certain that the contractor you employ seals your pool deck, patio flooring, and walkway with the right product at the right time. Outdoors, experts advise applying a penetrating or film-forming sealer and choosing for more natural, matte finish. Bear in mind that sealers used on external concrete must allow for the passage of both air and moisture. A sealer should be applied when the freshly applied stamped concrete has cured. Although most stamped concrete contractors have had success waiting from seven to 14 days, the official curing time is 28 days.
Learn more about how sealing can improve the functionality and durability of your stamped concrete from your contractor. Keep in mind that upgrades like this can increase the value of your property or building.
