The Best Sealants for Protecting Concrete Floors

Constant exposure to harsh elements, like extreme heat, rain, stains and bacteria, can affect the quality of concrete floors. Frequent temperature changes and daily wear can cause them to form cracks, harbor bugs, start discoloring and become uneven. Using concrete floor sealants helps prevent these issues and improves the floor’s durability, stain resistance and longevity.

Read about the best sealants for protecting concrete floors and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Why Use a Concrete Floor Sealant?

A concrete floor sealant reinforces your floor’s overall strength and quality by protecting against potentially harmful elements. Sealants prevent moisture, chemicals and stains from penetrating your floor, helping prolong its life and enhancing its durability.

Types of Sealants for Concrete

Sealants have different mechanisms depending on the type you’re using. In general, sealants work by creating a protective barrier that stops water, stains and contaminants from seeping through the floor and damaging concrete. Common sealant types include:

Penetrating sealants: These products offer long-lasting protection by absorbing deep into the concrete and creating a barrier against water, moisture and stains. Penetrating sealants also protect against dust and physical wear without changing the concrete’s appearance.
Acrylic sealants: Acrylic sealants are available in water-based and solvent-based variants. They are popular for their cost-effectiveness, ease of use and UV resistance. They enhance the appearance of concrete and work as an interior and exterior concrete sealer.
Epoxy sealants: These sealants are ideal for industrial and commercial sealing because of their exceptional durability and resistance to water, chemicals and heat. They offer long-lasting protection and also double as adhesives for various materials.
Polyurethane sealants: Resist abrasion and impact and withstand exposure to UV and chemicals. They are ideal for use on floors in high-traffic areas and heightened exposure to chemicals. Polyurethane sealants offer gloss retention and more flexibility than other sealant types.
Polyaspartic sealants: Offer resistance to UV rays, abrasion, and chemicals. Due to their rapid curing properties, they are ideal for applications requiring quick solutions. They adhere well to properly bonded concrete, but they’re not recommended for floors with hydrostatic pressure.

Choosing the Right Sealant for Your Needs

Climate and the surrounding environment can impact the sealant’s effectiveness. Finding the best concrete sealer depends on a variety of factors, including:

Location: Water-based sealants are preferred in indoor applications for their low volatile organic compounds and reduced odor. Outdoor applications, meanwhile, often require solvent-based or specialized sealers.
Exposure to traffic and chemicals: High-traffic areas, like garages, driveways and commercial spaces, require a sealant that can withstand heavy wear and tear. Polyurethane sealants work well for this application because of their superior resistance to abrasion and chemicals.
Desired finish: Solvent-based sealants, like acrylic and urethane, are excellent picks if you’re looking to achieve a glossy or wet look. They help enhance colors and provide a reflective surface that brightens the space. Matte acrylic sealants also work for a non-reflective and natural-looking appearance.
Budget: Acrylic sealants are the top choice if you want something that’s both effective and affordable. They’re also easy to apply and work great for low-traffic areas. If you have more budget flexibility, epoxy sealants provide exceptional durability, chemical resistance and long-lasting protection.

Reliable Concrete Sealing Services

Concrete sealing protects concrete surfaces against damage, prolongs their lifespan, and maintains their appearance. To ensure its effectiveness, concrete sealing must be done by skilled professionals. R. J. Potteiger Construction Services, Inc. offers professional concrete services for residential and commercial properties. Contact us to request a quote.