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Effects of Concrete Sealers on the Durability of Concrete

To determine the effectiveness of concrete sealers, we need to see how they perform against physical and chemical attacks that exposed concrete faces

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Effects of Concrete Sealers

Concrete structures are expected to be durable and long-lasting when they are been laid. However, deterioration of concrete often occurs because most concrete structures are exposed to environmental and chemical attacks. Such attacks result in the surface scaling, spalling of concrete, and internal frost damage to concrete. 5 Things You Should Know About Laminate Flooring

Exposed concrete structures like bridges, slabs, piers, or barrier walls are more prone to deterioration. These concrete structures often undergo environmental attacks like extreme temperatures and freezing and melting of snow. Similarly, chemical attacks like de-icer salts and anti-icer salts used for maintaining concrete structures in cold regions can damage concrete.  

There are numerous activities carried out to ensure the durability of exposed concrete structures from the design stage to the placement stage and curing of concrete. However, concrete sealers offer a cheap and effective option for protecting exposed concrete after it has been placed, cured, and set. You may then ask, what concrete sealers are.

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Most concrete sealers will not change the appearance of concrete when applied but will further enhance the quality of the surface finish of the concrete.

To determine the effectiveness of concrete sealers, we need to see how they perform against physical and chemical attacks that exposed concrete faces.

Physical Attacks on Concrete

Physical attacks on exposed concrete are a result of harsh environmental factors. One such aggressive environmental factor is the freezing and melting of snow. This factor results in the uneven expansion and contraction of concrete due to constant exposure to moisture. This often results in internal frost damage and destruction of concrete.

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When concrete sealers are applied to concrete, they create a barrier on the concrete surface that prevents the absorption of moisture. Furthermore, some concrete sealers allow the outward movement of moisture thereby allowing the curing process of concrete to be completed.

Chemical Attacks on Concrete

The applications of a suitable concrete sealer will prevent the absorption of moisture. Similarly, de-icer and anti-icer salts have no chemical effect on concrete sealers and can be applied on them.

Concrete sealers also help to create a barrier to prevent stains and corrosive chemicals from distorting the surface of the concrete. Some concrete sealers even enhance the surface finish of exposed concrete by adding a glossy and attractive finish to the surface.

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Without a doubt, concrete sealers add to the overall quality of concrete and help to ensure the durability of concrete in the long term.

Tiffany Harper is a professional freelance writer, who sometimes works as a subject matter expert with the blogs and social media posts for an assignment help online at Essay Help. She is currently authoring a book on the role of AI and VR in writing and plans to release it in Feb next year. Please do not hesitate to contact her on twitter.

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