When you invest money in home improvements, you want them to last for as long as possible. Basement remodeling offers homeowners a unique opportunity to nearly double the square footage of their home and make use of specific materials that we don’t necessarily use in other areas of the home. Concrete flooring for example; decorative concrete flooring is much more feasible in the basement than in other areas of the home. Sealing your decorative concrete helps waterproof the basement as well as protect the concrete.
Decorative concrete is attractive and durable, but it still needs some care and maintenance. Since it increases the beauty of your property, you should do what is necessary to take care of it. The point where the concrete begins to show signs of wear and tear is the wrong time to start routine maintenance. By then you may simply be wasting money because too much damage has already been done.
REASONS TO SEAL YOUR CONCRETE
The better you treat your decorative concrete, the more longevity it will have. Sealing is not an expensive procedure, and it is certainly far cheaper than having to make major repairs or replace the concrete. Using a quality sealant will also maintain the look of the concrete for longer periods. If the decorative concrete forms your driveway, you can expect it to sometimes be stained by oil or other fluids. A good sealant can help to shield it from these stains so that it remains attractive.
People go to the trouble of sealing their concrete to prevent the growth of unsightly mildew. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall. Over time, concrete can being to spall or flake off as it ages. Sealing the surface helps to keep this process in check.
Sealing Exterior Patio Concrete
Over time, exposure to the elements will begin to take a toll on the surface of exterior concrete. This is called oxidation, and you have seen the effects on concrete walkways when cracks or potholes begin to appear. What happens is that the heat from the sun dries out the concrete surface, causing it to age. Tiny cracks will begin to appear, but you probably won’t notice them. These cracks create an opening for moisture intrusion. As water gets below the surface, the concrete begins to break down. Eventually large holes will become visible.
There is no doubt that decorative concrete is built to last, but that does not mean that it should be taken for granted. Do your part by calling us for an estimate to seal it with one of the high quality products that we use at Matrix Basement Systems. These include RTU Silicone and Siloxane Penetrating Water Repellent Treatments.
Sealing exterior and interior concrete is very important to protect the integrity and the appearance as well. Decorative concrete is a wonderful way to customize your basement floor and your patio as well. Add French doors or sliding glass doors that lead from your incredible remodeled basement to your amazing decorative concrete patio.
Subscribe to Matrix Basements's Blog
Comments