Planning a Concrete Sealing in Perth? Ask These Questions First

Concrete sealing is done to protect the concrete from a variety of surface damage. If you are in Perth and have recently had construction or renovation done, you might need to go for a concrete sealing as suggested by the builders. However, you need to ask the following questions to the builders to determine if it is at all necessary.

• What will be the cost of sealing?

There are various types of sealers. So, you need to ask about the type of sealing that is necessary for the concrete as the price of the sealers varies according to the type that needs to be used. Some of the most used sealers used in concrete sealing in Perth are acrylic-resin sealers, epoxies, and urethanes.

• Which surfaces require sealing?

Since your builders have suggested you to go for concrete sealing, you need to ask about the surfaces that require sealing. Basically, sealants need to be applied to surfaces that undergo a lot of temperature changes. Apart from that, they can also help in reducing the dust on the concrete, repelling stains, achieving abrasion and chemical resistance, etc. to retain the appearance.

• What happens after applying the sealer?

This is another important question that you need to ask the builders to ensure that the concrete does not look bad. Generally, most of the chemical-based sealers are invisible as the concrete soaks them up. However, acrylic sealers and epoxies that are solvent-based enhance colour and give a high-gloss wet look to the concrete.

Sometimes in a concrete floor painting in Perth resin sealers are used that are water-based to provide slight colour enhancement. These sealers along with the urethanes are available in wide varieties to give glossy or matte finishing to the concrete.

• Are professionals required for applying concrete sealing?

You need to ask the builders if professional help is required for concrete sealing. The reason behind this is, you can apply sealers too if you have a faint idea of how it's done.

If you are applying the sealing in a small area, you just need to use simple tools such as a sprayer or paint roller. However, if concrete sealing needs to be done in a large area or if high-performance sealers need to be used such as urethanes and epoxies, it is best to seek professional help.

• When will the sealer be applied?

This is another important question that you should ask the builders for an effective concrete sealing. In high-performance coatings such as urethanes and epoxies, the sealer must be applied after 28 days when the concrete has settled.

On the other hand, acrylic-resin and reactive penetrating sealers should be applied after the construction or renovation when the concrete can withstand the installer's weight.

• What are the things that will be repelled by the sealer?

This totally depends on the sealer that you wish to use. If you want to repel water and salts, acrylic-resin or reactive penetrating sealer will work best and use a siliconate sealer if you also want to repel oil stains.

Use a high-performance epoxy or urethane system for surfaces that undergo petroleum distillates or acidic chemicals.

So, these were some of the questions to ask your builders to determine the features and characteristics of concrete sealing in Perth.