How to seal concrete floors is an essential process for protecting and enhancing your concrete surfaces. Concrete sealers are at the forefront of protecting your concrete floor. They act as a shield against the elements, such as weather exposure, water, grease, oil stains, abrasion, and deicing salts. Further, they enhance the natural beauty of the concrete, making it easier to clean and maintain.
The key to a successful sealer application is doing it correctly. Each stage of the process matters, and the final outcome depends on it. Taking the time and effort to apply the sealer properly will not only extend the life of your concrete floor but also keep it looking great.
So, don’t skip this essential step in your decorative concrete floor installation process.
Why Sealing Your Concrete Floors Matters?
Protecting your concrete flooring is essential for both aesthetics and longevity. When you seal concrete floor surfaces properly, you gain numerous advantages that make this simple maintenance step well worth the investment.
1. Mould Prevention
No one wants mouldy floors in their home or workspace! Without proper sealing, moisture can easily penetrate concrete, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
- A well-sealed floor creates a protective barrier against moisture infiltration
- Sealed surfaces prevent harmful microorganisms from establishing colonies
- This protection ensures your floors remain healthy and safe for occupants
2. Enhanced Durability
Properly sealed concrete floors demonstrate remarkable resilience against daily wear and tear:
Environmental factors like UV exposure and freeze-thaw cycles cause less damage to sealed surfaces. The concrete sealer creates a protective shield that resists abrasion, impacts, and heavy foot traffic, making your floors significantly more durable regardless of how frequently they’re used.
3. Prolonged Lifespan
When applied correctly, quality sealers can extend your concrete floor’s life by 25-30 years! This makes sealing concrete floors one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your flooring investment.
4. Protection from Damage
An effective sealer delivers comprehensive protection against:
- Oil and chemical spills that would otherwise permanently stain untreated concrete
- The sun’s harmful UV rays that can fade and deteriorate surfaces
- Extreme weather conditions including rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations
This multi-faceted protection ensures your concrete maintains its structural integrity and appearance for years to come.
5. Preservation of Color
Many modern concrete installations feature decorative coloring or staining. Without protection, these vibrant hues can quickly fade when exposed to sunlight and environmental elements.
Sealing your colored concrete floors locks in pigments and prevents premature fading, ensuring your design choices remain fresh and impressive throughout the floor’s lifetime.
Step-by-Step Guide to Seal Concrete Floor
1. Prepare Your Concrete Floor for Sealing
Getting your concrete floor ready for sealing is just the first part, and it can be just as important as the actual sealing itself. If you aim to seal your floors effectively, thorough preparation is paramount. Further, here’s how to prepare your concrete floor for sealing:
- Empty the room of all items you intend to seal.
- Use a putty knife to remove the skirting boards from the walls.
- Sweep up any debris or dirt present on the floor.
- Also, promote good ventilation by opening all the windows in the room.
- Apply a degreasing product to the floors to remove any grease and oil stains.
- For areas with excessive oil buildup, use a wire brush to scrub the concrete surface and help extract the excess oil.
- Further, mop the concrete floor with a wet mop to confirm it’s thoroughly rinsed.
- Allow ample time for the floors to completely dry.
- If there are cracks in the concrete, fill them with quick-drying concrete filler.
2. Getting Rid of Old Sealant
If your concrete floor has had a previous layer of sealer applied, it’s necessary to clear it to prepare the concrete underneath for resealing. To do this, use a stripping chemical. Nevertheless, make sure to exercise caution and wear protective clothing when handling these chemicals.
If you’re uncertain about whether your concrete floor has an existing sealant, you can conduct a simple water test. Pour a small amount of water onto the floor.
- If the water forms beads, it means your floor is sealed.
- If it quickly soaks into the concrete, you likely don’t have any sealant on the surface.
3. Apply Concrete Sealer with Care for Maximum Protection
To achieve the best results and maximum protection, follow these steps when applying a concrete sealer:
- Only apply the sealer to a fully dried and cured concrete floor. You can test its readiness by trying it in a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Make sure the room is well-ventilated.
- Now, use a brush or rollers to apply your chosen concrete floor sealer, following the provided instructions.
- Let the first coat dry before applying a second layer.
- Apply thin coats in different directions to prevent the sealer from accumulating in one area.
- While allowing the sealer to dry fully, avoid any foot traffic or exposure to moisture.
Sealing concrete floors properly requires patience and attention to detail. Keep in mind that taking extra care during the application process yields better results and simplifies the process of applying a second layer if needed.
4. Maintain Your Sealed Concrete Floor for Longevity
A brief note on keeping your sealed concrete floor in good shape over time. Although there isn’t much ongoing maintenance, you need to promptly clean up any spills and stains. Further, it helps prevent them from affecting the floor’s appearance and its ability to withstand future spills.
For ongoing advice about maintaining your sealed concrete floors, the experts at Pro Mix Concrete are always available to help you protect your investment and ensure your floors remain beautiful for years to come.
Additional Information On Sealing Your Concrete Floor
Rolling vs. Spraying Concrete Floor Sealer
When it comes to applying concrete floor sealer, professionals often prefer spraying for more consistent coverage. Sprayers are faster and more efficient, making them a go-to choice for large floors.
Many contractors combine spraying with back rolling to work the sealer into the floor and improve adhesion. However, the roller you use doesn’t shed lint into the sealer during application. Also, always consult the sealer manufacturer for any recommended application tools.
Sealer Compatibility with Decorative Treatments
Consider the type of surface your sealer will be applied to, whether it’s stained concrete, a floor overlay, or a polished and dyed floor. Verify with the sealer manufacturer if their product is compatible with your decorative treatment. Some sealers may react with certain overlays or colouring agents. This can lead to unwanted side effects like blistering, bubbling, or bleeding.
Protection Against Scuffs and Stains
For decorative interior floors, a high-build sealer with good resistance to scuffs and staining, like polyurethane or epoxy, generally offers the best safeguard and is more manageable to maintain, especially in high-traffic areas.
Further, softer acrylic sealers may require regular maintenance with multiple coats of a sacrificial floor finish or wax to prevent wear and black heel marks.
Toxicity of Concrete Sealer Fumes
When working indoors, it’s safer to opt for water-based sealers over solvent-based ones. Yes, especially if ventilation is limited. Solvent-based concrete sealers are highly flammable and emit toxic fumes that can be harmful to breathe in. Additionally, they may contain volatile VOCs. Always check the VOC content for safety.
Choosing the Right Sheen
For the desired sheen on your floor, select a sealer with a medium- to high-gloss finish if you desire the polished marble look. Most acrylic sealers come in various sheen levels, and you can also find film-forming sealers with matte or low-gloss finishes for applications where a high shine is not expected.
How Often to Seal Your Concrete Floors?
As you’ve noticed, sealing your concrete floor is not a lengthy task, and it brings numerous advantages. We suggest sealing your concrete floors every 2-5 years to maintain their good condition.
Ending Note
A high-quality concrete sealer, applied with care, is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving a superb concrete floor. The other essential component is obtaining a top-notch concrete mix for your flooring, and that’s where Pro-Mix Concrete steps in.
We offer premium concrete mixes for floors, whether it’s for your home or your business, delivering a cost-effective and adaptable service throughout the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clean the concrete surface, repair any cracks, and ensure it’s completely dry. Apply sealer with a roller or sprayer in thin, even coats. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second, and avoid foot traffic for 24-48 hours during curing.
For low-traffic indoor areas, water-based acrylic sealers work well. For high-traffic areas, polyurethane or epoxy sealers offer better durability. Water-based options have lower VOCs and less odor, making them safer for indoor use.
Most concrete sealers last 2-5 years depending on traffic, exposure, and sealer type. Polyurethane and epoxy sealers typically last longer (up to 5 years), while acrylics need reapplication every 1-3 years.
Generally, it’s best to remove the old sealer first for proper adhesion. Some compatible sealers can be applied over existing ones in good condition. Always check manufacturer instructions and test a small area first.
