If you did not treat your concrete with a concrete sealer after it was installed and cured, it is a really good idea to do so as soon as you can. This website documents the benefits of concrete sealers, which are far from reputable. Concrete sealers enhance the protection, strength, and longevity of your concrete, helping them reach their full potential without problems and costly repairs. However, if you have not yet treated your concrete with a concrete sealer, it is important to properly prepare the concrete slabs before applying a sealer. Without proper preparation, the concrete sealer will not work as well as it could and should.
Concrete sealers come in two varieties: penetrating and surface. The penetrating sealers are made up of solutions that contain small particles of sealant that will penetrate past the surface of concrete to react chemically within the material. However, if the concrete is older and has not been treated with a sealer, the surface pores are likely clogged up with debris and various pieces of dirt that will block the sealer’s particles from penetrating into the concrete. Instead of protection, you will have a complete mess on your hands.
The same goes for surface sealers. These products are made up of solutions with large particles of sealant. Instead of penetrating past the surface, these sealers bond to the surface of the concrete substrate. However, if the concrete is dirty and has not been cleaned, then the concrete sealer will not bond to the surface of the concrete. It will instead bond to that dirt, if it bonds at all, leaving the concrete vulnerable to all kinds of potential problems.
In order to properly seal your concrete, then, you must clean the surface of the substrate before applying a concrete sealer of any variety. The easiest and most effective way to clean the concrete will vary depending on the condition of your concrete and whether it has been treated with chemical stains. However, if you want a general cleaning regimen, you should first sweep the floor to remove any surface detritus. Next, you should scrub the floor vigorously with a chemical cleaner, such as a trisodium phosphate (TSP). A product like that will help remove all dirt from the surface pores of your concrete, nicely preparing it for the application of a concrete sealer.
