How long do sealers last? Well, this is an interesting question and one that doesn’t have a specific answer. Most concrete sealers have an estimated life, but there are several factors that go into determining the actual life of a concrete sealer. This article will go over the types of concrete sealers and how long they last for, as well as the factors that impact actual sealer life.
Concrete Densifier: Concrete densifiers last forever. That’s right, they last forever. It doesn’t matter which brand you use, it doesn’t matter if you are using a sodium or a lithium silicate, it doesn’t matter if the sealer comes with a warranty or it doesn’t. All concrete densifiers last forever. Think of it this way. The sealer itself doesn’t last forever, in fact, the sealer really only lasts for a few days to a few months. In reality, the sealer isn’t a sealer, it is an activator. It sparks a chemical reaction in the concrete between the excess, unreacted free lime and calcium. This chemical reaction forms calcium silicate hydrate (i.e. hard little crystals) in the pores. Now, CSH is formed during the initial curing process so all concrete densifiers are doing is going into the concrete and reacting with any unreacted material left in the pores. Once the chemical reaction is complete, which can take anywhere from 7-90 days, the sealer is no more, and all that is left is the CSH. So don’t be fooled by warranties or false claims, and certainly don’t pay more expecting to get more. When choosing a concrete densifier, go with a brand you can trust and want to build a long term relationship with.
Concrete Water Repellent: Water repellent sealers can last for anywhere from 1-3 years, for up to 7-10 years depending on the type of water repellent sealer you use. Siliconate water repellent sealers tend to last up to 3-5 years, while higher quality Silane-Siloxane sealers can last for up to 7-10. Water repellent sealers can last longer because the primary factor that causes them to break down is abrasion. Because they work entirely below the surface, surface abrasion isn’t a factor. It comes down to how hard the sealer is working within the pores. If the substrate is constantly exposed to heavy rains or snow, you may need to reseal sooner than an area that is always dry and never gets any snow.
How do you know when it is time to reseal a water repellent sealer? It isn’t very easy to tell when you need to reseal with a water repellent sealer, so most people will reseal every 3-5 years. Water repellent sealers don’t always bead water, and when they do, the bead goes away within the first year. The surface bead happens when resin hardens in the surface pores. If you are lucky enough to see the bead when you first apply the sealer, it is pretty cool to see. Once the bead goes away however, the sealer is continuing to do the same thing deep in the pores. You will notice that sealed surfaces dry much faster than unsealed surfaces. You will also notice that sealed surfaces are easier to clean, and easier to keep clean. Mold, mildew, and algae growth will also be reduced because the substrate isn’t saturated with standing water for long periods of time. When the sealer starts to break down, these features and benefits will start to disappear. You will notice that the substrate appears visibly wet for longer periods of time. You may start to get mold or mildew growth back, etc. When you start to see these signs, you know it is time to reseal.
Water or Solvent Based Acrylic Sealer: Acrylic sealers are tough, because it isn’t always just the acrylic sealer that determines the life. There are many factors to consider including how much product was applied and to what, and how much abuse the surface takes from exposure the elements, foot traffic, and vehicle traffic. You also have to take into consideration the PH of the substrate, subsurface water and moisture, exposure to UV rays, etc. Some acrylic sealers can last for up to a year, while others can last for up to 3 years. In some cases, an acrylic sealer can last even longer!
How do you know when it is time to reseal an acrylic sealer? When you start to notice inconsistencies in the finish, it is time to apply a fresh coat.
How do you know when it is time to remove an old acrylic sealer? Water-based acrylic sealers need to be removed when you notice bubbles or white hazing. Unfortunately, you can’t repair a water-based acrylic sealer. Solvent-based acrylic sealers however are very easy to repair, and for that reason, may never have to be removed. Solvent-based acrylic can easily be repaired with Xylene. If you notice any bubbles, white spots, or build-up, simply roll over the area with Xylene and the coating will be instantly repaired.
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