CONCRETE PENETRATING SEALERS
PROS AND CONS

PROS - Concrete penetrating sealers soak into the concrete surface to a depth of 1/8 inch to increase water repellency and stain resistance on porous concrete while remaining breathable so water vapor in the slab can still pass through the slab surface.

Penetrating concrete sealers provide protection without changing the appearance of the concrete. Most topical sealers will darken the surface of concrete, penetrating sealers will not.

During application penetrating sealers for concrete enter the voids and capillary pores at the surface of the concrete. These sealers are usually formulated with silane or siloxane polymers that react with alkaline materials in the concrete to form hydrophobic compounds within the surface pore structure.

The primary function of penetrating sealants is to repel water, salts and chlorides while remaining breathable so water vapor within the slab can evaporate through the surface.

A penetrating concrete sealer can last as long as 10 years before requiring re-application.

CONS - Because concrete penetrating sealants do not leave a film or membrane on the surface, they do not provide any appearance benefits, like darkening colors or glossy shines, and are not as effective as film forming sealers in preventing chemical attack or stain resistance.

Penetrating sealers do not provide any wear resistance to high traffic areas of concrete surfaces, may become slippery when wet and some break down due to UV rays.

For information on other related concrete sealer topics click on the links below.

CHEMICAL STRIPPERS

CONCRETE MOISTURE PROBLEMS

CONCRETE SEALER AND CONDENSATION PROBLEMS

CONCRETE SURFACE TEMPERATURE CAN CAUSE SEALER PROBLEMS

DEICING SALTS AND CONCRETE SEALER PROBLEMS

WHAT CAUSES SEALER BLISTERS AND BUBBLES?

SEALER SURFACE PREPARATION BEFORE SEALING

IS THERE A TINTED SEALER I CAN USE?

WHAT KIND OF SEALER APPLICATOR SHOULD I USE?

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