Everything you need to know about finding a concrete protection supplier

Concrete areas in the home are a big investment, making it perfect sense to provide protection. Apart from looking shabby, damaged concrete can lead to all sorts of structural damage within and around the home. From applications to traffic, gardens to cleaning, there are many ways you can provide the very best in concrete protection – ensuring it remains durable and looking good.

Concrete Protection Methods

So how do you protect concrete? Applications such as sealers, crystalline and membranes are the three most common types of concrete protection. Sealers can either be blended in with the concrete when poured (penetrant) or they can form a film on top of the concrete. The film-forming concrete requires periodic maintenance and reapplication. The film sealants are used in decorative concrete work and typically include acrylic, epoxy or polyurethane. Acrylic is the least expensive and is UV resistant, doesn’t yellow and is the thinnest. The polyurethanes are abrasion resistant and are thick, whilst the epoxy does yellow and is best for internal applications.

Crystalline is another substance used in concrete protection applications. Forming crystals when blended with concrete and water, small gaps in the concrete are filled to create a waterproofed material. Membranes also help to protect concrete and come in sheet or liquid forms.

Concrete Considerations

Traffic: Wait for at least seven to fourteen days before vehicles are driven on newly poured concrete.
Parking: Because concrete edges are susceptible to cracking, do no park or drive your vehicle on the edge of the driveway.
Gardens: Tree roots are one of the leading causes of concrete cracking. Do not plant tall trees or those with known extensive root systems near concrete.
Polish: For polished concrete, the use of wax or polish will help to protect the sealer from damage or breaking down.
Stain removal: This should be done as soon as possible and with the right application. Some types include pressure washing, liquid chemicals, abrasive blasting and grinding and acids. All are these can impact the colour of the concrete.
Protective pads: To ensure concrete surfaces don’t scratch, use protective padding on the bottom of furniture.
Cleaning: Concrete should be pressure cleaned every year. Periodic resealing is also required to provide maximum protection.