Your Floor’s Not Finished Until It’s Sealed

Concrete is one of the most popular choices for flooring, since it is one of the most cost-effective options available, is quick to install, and it holds up well against abuse. Yet even concrete needs to be protected. The constant freezing and thawing of the ground surrounding a floor will cause your concrete surface to crack over time, even with the best underlayment, and any cracks will allow water to penetrate the slab, which will further compromise the concrete by rusting out the rebar which strengthens the concrete. In addition, untreated concrete can absorb grease, oils and dyes. You can protect your concrete surface easily over the weekend with a simple DIY project. The best way to keep your concrete looking as good as it did the day it was poured is to apply a concrete floor sealer.

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How to Seal Your Floor

You need to begin with the cleanest possible surface. Sweep away any dirt and debris. Use a pressure washer if you can, to remove crumbling and loose concrete. Fill in any cracks larger than 1/8 inch using a trowel and feathering the edges to make certain the patch blends with the rest of the flooring. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before applying the sealer. Use a water-resistant, clear liquid acrylic copolymer coating that will dry to a semi-gloss finish. Pour the product directly onto the prepared surface and pull across the concrete with a squeegee. Spread the sealer evenly across the surface and feather the edges. Tap the squeegee occasionally to remove excess material. Once the sealer begins to set up, brush the surface lightly with a broom to add in some texture to keep your floor from being slick. Once the sealer dries, you can rest assured your floor is now protected from grease, salts, acids, water, and stains and will hold up to years of wear.

What Else to Consider

You want to buy a name brand product from a reputable dealer. Ask the staff for their recommendations to make sure you’re getting the right product for the job you’re considering. Double check the application process with the salesperson. Make sure the product comes with a warranty. If you start with a quality, name-brand product, and prepare the surface properly, before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful floor by using a concrete floor sealer.