Construction & Contractors Blog
If you are renovating your garage and it is almost complete, there is one thing you should not forget: sealing the concrete floor. Most homeowners ignore concrete sealing simply because they believe the concrete work will withstand the elements. However, nothing could be further from the truth because concrete sealing prolongs the longevity of concrete floors. That said, you will only enjoy the benefits of concrete sealant if you follow the tips highlighted in this article.
Apply Thin Layers
Most homeowners think that the best way to ensure a full-proof sealant is to apply thick layers. The truth is that film-forming topical sealers such as acrylic sealants are only effective when applied in multiple thin coats. If you insist on applying thick coats of sealants, you will end up with bubbles, blisters, hazing and, worst of all, a milky appearance. Additionally, you have to deal with stress fractures that look like cracks, which also develop if you apply thick layers. The best way to ensure you are applying thin layers of concrete sealants is to dip the roller in the sealant sparingly. It ensures the roller only picks a small amount of sealant, thereby producing a thin layer of sealant film.
Keep the Roller Wet
A common complaint among homeowners when applying concrete sealant is roller marks or lap lines, especially when using acrylic sealants. It usually happens when the applicant stretches the roller too far until it is dry. If you do this, the dry roller will stretch the wet sealant and live behind unsightly marks. Therefore, ensure that the roller is always wet whenever you run it over the previous sealant layer. It ensures that both layers of sealant cure and blend evenly. However, you should never run a roller over a coat of sealant that has started to cure or else you will end up with blotchy marks that might be as wide as the roller.
Ensure Appropriate Air Temperature
When applying concrete sealant, especially as a DIY project, very few homeowners think about the atmospheric temperature in their garage. Most believe that concrete sealants work well under any conditions. However, it is a wrong assumption because concrete sealants work best when applied in temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason is that warmer conditions make the sealant to cure quickly, which leads to the formation of bubbles. Most importantly, ensure that you read the manufacturer's instructions because different sealants have varying application instructions.
For more information, contact a company like Robert Guy & Sons Pty Ltd.
Share17 October 2019
Hello, my name is Colin and this is my construction blog. When people think of the construction industry, they often just imagine guys in hard hats building brick walls. While this is a popular image of the industry, it doesn't reflect the true diversity of different contractors and tradesmen who are involved in a construction project. Lasy year, my wife and I decided to construct our dream home. I had to arrange visits of plumbers, roofers, electricians, surveyors and home builders in order to get the job done. I learnt a lot during that experience, so I decided to start this blog.