5 Signs Your Concrete Floor Needs Sealing

On its own, concrete is a hard, durable material. However, it's also porous and left unsealed, concrete is vulnerable to the elements. Concrete floor sealing provides a protective layer over your concrete, strengthening your floors and extending their lifespan.

But just like concrete itself, your concrete floor sealer will not last forever. If it's been more than five years since you last applied a sealer, or you are showing any of the following signs of damage, it's time to book an appointment to have your concrete floor sealing reapplied.

Moisture is Getting In

You can easily see the signs that moisture is penetrating beneath the surface of your concrete floors. If left unchecked, it could lead to extensive (and expensive) damage. Cracks, spalling, discolouration, white residue, mold, and peeling paint are all signs of moisture intrusion. If it's a surface issue, concrete floor sealing can help fix the problem. However, these signs could also be an indication that moisture is penetrating from below the surface, which is a much larger issue.

Floors Are Cracking

While concrete is porous, it's not flexible. Unless there is a structural issue, in which case you need concrete repair, most concrete cracks form naturally due to shifting and settling. However, these cracks expose your concrete to potential damage from moisture, dirt, and other particles.

A coat of flexible concrete floor sealing can help prevent small cracks from turning into expensive repairs.

Surface is Uneven

A certain amount of movement is expected with a concrete floor. We can't feel it, but the ground beneath us is constantly shifting; however, correctly installed concrete floors are built with this movement in mind. A concrete floor coating provides an additional layer of protection that helps keep your floor surface flat.

If your floor has some minor unevenness, a new concrete floor coating may be enough to smooth it out, but significant dips could be a sign of more severe damage that should be addressed right away.

Chipping or Flaking

Also known as spalling, chipping and flaking are most commonly caused by an issue with the concrete mixture, moisture, or extreme weather. If the damage is significant, extensive repairs may be required, including resurfacing or replacing the entire slab.

Also Read: Why Should I Get Floor Coating in Vancouver?

For minor spalling not caused by an installation or concrete mix problem, a concrete floor sealer may be enough to give your concrete floors the extra protection from sunlight, moisture, and traffic they need.

Discolouration

Concrete can be finished in various colours and textures, allowing you to achieve the finished look you want with minimal hassle. But water damage can lead to peeling paint and discolouration, which affects both your concrete floor’s aesthetics and resilience.

If the deterioration is limited to the surface, you may be able to solve the problem with a fresh coat of paint and reapplication of concrete sealer. However, discolouration and peeling are often signs of more significant moisture intrusion, which needs to be investigated before any fixes are put into place.

Keeping Your Concrete Floors Looking New

It's easy to pour, set, and forget when it comes to concrete floors, simply because the material is so robust. However, just like any other flooring, concrete floors need to be maintained to preserve their appearance and protect them against the elements.

Concrete floor sealing is the best way to extend your floor’s life and prevent avoidable and costly damage.

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