Is Concrete Sealing A Necessary Step During Residential Construction?
When selecting building supplies for your residential construction project, it is likely that concrete features as one of your predominant materials. And this is unsurprising. The inherent robustness of concrete makes it a great option for a variety of applications ranging from driveway construction to exterior flooring installation. Additionally, its low cost makes it an economical solution for your project. Nonetheless, despite its durability, concrete is not indestructible.
Aussie's sometimes severe climatic conditions coupled with heavy traffic will cause cracks, chips, staining and other forms of damage. To get ahead of the need for concrete replacement, it is advisable to schedule concrete sealing with your construction contractor. While there are several different concrete sealers with varying benefits available, most work towards the same objectives. Here are a few of the reasons why you should consider concrete sealing a necessary step during residential construction.
Safeguard the concrete's surface from UV damage
Although Australia is renowned for its temperate climatic conditions, the weather conditions can be severe on occasions. The summer seasons, for instance, comes with the scorching heat that can cause acute damage to the concrete. Constant exposure to the UV rays will lead to the progressive break down of the polymers that make up this material's structure. The more the bonds disintegrate, the weaker the concrete becomes. As a result, you begin to notice signs of cracking at the surface, which can be accompanied by spalling at the seams.
Moreover, UV radiation leads to the degeneration of pigments on the concrete. For example, if you chose to stain it before use, you erase the decorative elements of the material. Before you know it, the concrete will be severely degraded and your only option would be resorting to replacement. The right concrete sealer will provide the concrete with a protective layer against ultraviolet radiation, which dramatically helps with safeguarding the surface from undue damage.
Protect the concrete from moisture damage
One drawback of concrete that you have to contend with once you opt to employ it for your residential construction project is the porous nature of its surface. Although this may not be a major concern at the onset, over time you will begin to notice that the surface starts to acquire more cracks after each rainy season. Furthermore, the longer the surface is left raw, the more it abrades from the precipitation and this will lead to crumbling.
While concrete resurfacing can help with restoring its original pristine appearance, this process does diminish the thickness of the concrete. A better alternative would be investing in concrete sealing from the start. Impermeable sealers add a water-resistant layer to the concrete's surface and this will function to protect it from all forms of moisture damage, including mould infestation.
Reach out to a professional for concrete sealing.
