Kelowna Concrete Sealing

Kelowna Concrete sealers are coatings applied to concrete to protect it from corrosion. They either block the pores in the concrete to reduce the absorption of water and salts or form an impermeable layer that prevents such materials from passing.

Extensive research from concrete authorities in North America – American Concrete Institute, Portland Cement Association, National Ready Mix Concrete Association – confirm that almost all damage to concrete is attributable to moisture intrusion: alkali-silica reaction (ASR), chemical intrusion, freeze/thaw, and corrosion of reinforcements.

For decades attempts to protect concrete from moisture intrusion have included sealers ranging from wax to linseed oil. Today, all high-quality sealers can block surface moisture which can transmit damaging chemicals and induce freeze/thaw damage. There are two main sealer categories: topical sealers (film-forming) and penetrating sealers (reactive).

Topical sealers generally provide visual enhancement as well as topical protection. They require dry, clean surface during application to gain adhesion. The life span is generally 1–5 years.

Penetrating sealers can be applied to dry or damp surfaces and should be properly matched with substrate porosity in order to penetrate the surface, clot, and form a barrier. Penetrating sealers generally do not significantly modify substrate appearance. They are chemically reactive and bond with minerals in cement reducing the amount of free silica available for ASR and reduce moisture required to induce ASR. As well as blocking surface moisture they block subterranean moisture and can reduce efflorescence. Lastly, penetrating sealers can harden and increase the density of concrete, increasing its strength as measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The Lifespan of these sealers can be nearly permanent.
Today, five major compounds are commonly used in concrete sealers:

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