The Major Benefits of Sealing Concrete in Commercial Construction
Concrete is inherently strong, but it is not impervious to damage from external factors such as moisture, chemicals, and weathering. To protect and enhance the longevity of concrete buildings, sealing surfaces becomes a crucial step in the construction process. Concrete surface preparation with high-quality sealant offers many benefits that go beyond mere protection. It improves appearance, increases durability, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures a safer environment for occupants.
Maintain Structural Integrity
Concrete preparation by sealing the surfaces keeps it strong and intact for longer lengths of time. This is the major benefit that is split into specifics in the separate sections below. Structural integrity matters for supporting projects like concrete slab prep or concrete roof decks. It also matters for less risky constructions like walkways or decorative elements.
Protection from Water Damage
Concrete, although extremely durable, is porous by nature and can absorb water over time. This absorption can lead to a range of issues such as cracks, mold growth, and erosion. By applying a high-quality concrete sealer, you create a protective layer that prevents water from penetrating the surface. This eliminates or slows down the most common and insidious source of damage that any structural concrete element faces.
Protection from UV Rays
Shielding concrete from the harmful effects of UV radiation is crucial. Many people are unaware that prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause significant damage to unprotected concrete. UV rays can penetrate the surface of concrete, causing color fading, discoloration, and even surface degradation over time. A quality sealant acts as a shield, preventing harmful ultraviolet rays from penetrating the surface and causing harm. This helps slow down structural deterioration caused by photochemical reactions within the concrete’s unique formula.
Protection from Chemicals
Proper sealing techniques stop the harmful effects of chemicals on poured concrete foundations and other building elements. This is especially important in industrial structures that work with chemicals, oil, or other petroleum products. Sealing the concrete safeguards against immediate accidents and provides resistance against gradual corrosion. This preventive measure ensures the longevity and durability of industrial infrastructure, minimizing maintenance costs and potential safety hazards.
Long-lasting Aesthetic Benefits
Whether you have a concrete floor in a commercial space or a patio in the backyard, sealing the concrete can provide an instant facelift. The process involves applying a protective layer on top of the concrete, creating a barrier that prevents stains, spills, and discoloration from penetrating the surface. This ensures that your concrete maintains its own innate color for years to come. This is especially important for decorative surfaces with pigments or patterns worked into the project.
One of the key advantages of commercial sealed concrete is its ability to enhance the overall appearance. A well-sealed concrete surface looks polished and clean, making it visually appealing for both residential and commercial settings. The sealant gives the surface a glossy finish, offering an added level of style to any space.
Save Money in the Long Run
No matter what type of concrete surface or structural element exists in a construction project, sealing it will make it last longer. Because professional-quality sealant application coats the surface so no water, chemicals, or UV rays can reach it, the material does not break down as quickly. You avoid a lot of cracks, chips, and overall deterioration of the concrete slab, floor, and walls.
With sealant, you can save money in two ways. First, you do not have to do as much maintenance and repair on the concrete surface. The best and most affordable option is to have high-quality sealant reapplied on a regular schedule. You will not have to pay for extensive crack repair every year. Secondly, the entire structure will last much longer. This means you will not have to pay to replace the structure or do repairs sooner than expected.
What Happens If You Do Not Seal Concrete?
If you opt not to seal your concrete, the benefits of properly sealing concrete disappear. This seems an obvious answer, but it outlines the issues faced when improper construction techniques are used. Failure to seal concrete can have detrimental consequences that can affect both the appearance and functionality of the structure. This is particularly concerning for commercial buildings exposed to harsh weather conditions or heavy foot traffic. The property owner ends up with much higher expenses for maintenance, repairs, and replacement earlier than expected.
Don’t let improper sealing of your concrete reduce the lifespan of your project. Contact a pro like T.G. Basile to give you proper advice on sealing your concrete.
