How do you protect finished concrete?

Author: Linwood Auer  |  Last update: Saturday, October 14, 2023

Temporary floor protection can protect polished concrete finishes, decorative concrete, and epoxy-coated concrete floors. Ram Board is the most durable temporary surface protector and is tough enough to protect concrete surfaces during protection from spills, mud, and heavy traffic.

How do you protect sealed concrete?

Instead, you should apply a concrete protective sealer through nano-silica treatment. This nano-silica layer prevents water from getting into the concrete's pores and causing cracking through expansion. It also doesn't allow the acid in the water to come in direct contact with the concrete.

How do you protect polished concrete during construction?

ARMOUR PROTECTION BOARD

Commonly used to protect floors such as polished concrete because it is lightweight, waterproof, flexible, impact resistant, easy to cut, and it lays flat. The Grey version is the most heavy duty one available at 4mm thick and made from a high density formula.

How do you maintain finished concrete floors?

Polished concrete floors need a gentle cleaning approach. A mop, bucket, water, and mild cleaner will suffice. Never use bleach, ammonia, or a highly acidic substance as a cleaning solution. Not missing the dailies helps ensure longevity and lasting shine.

How do you protect newly laid concrete?

Concrete that is newly laid is very vulnerable to many things. When it's curing, we recommend the concrete be covered over with a layer of plastic sheeting which will not only keep the surface clean but will prevent the moisture from escaping from the surface too quickly.

How to protect polished concrete

Are you supposed to seal new concrete?

After you complete a concrete job, don't neglect the single most important step to ensure that it lasts a lifetime: sealing. With a high-quality sealant—and this helpful guide—you can waterproof and protect your new concrete surfaces for years to come.

Should I cover freshly laid concrete?

If the concrete is still fresh (around 2-4 hours after pouring), it's important to cover the surface to protect it.

Should you seal a concrete floor?

Increase the durability of your floors by having them properly sealed. A sealed concrete floor will be protected from the elements, preventing cracking, scaling, and other common concrete problems. Sealing your concrete floors prevents damage – no matter how regularly your floors are used.

Should you seal interior concrete floors?

These coatings can also be used on a variety of other floor surfaces, such as tile or hardwood. Whether it's your basement or your garage, a sealant is always needed to protect your concrete. Regardless, a sealant is always going to protect your concrete.

Can mold grow on polished concrete?

Polished concrete does not support mold growth and reduces dust and dust mites, reducing allergen issues overall. Because a polished concrete floor system is more durable, it's also much easier to keep clean.

Should I seal polished concrete?

Additionally, polished concrete can provide a seamless look between inside and out, plus it's also easy to clean and low-maintenance too. A pH-neutral cleaner can be used to give your floors a deep clean or a quick mop twice a week, but concrete should definitely be sealed to give the best performance.

What not to use on polished concrete?

Please do not use abrasive, acidic or harsh cleaning agents on your polished concrete. Cleaning or scrubbing the floor surface with such agents may cause damage. Do not polish the floor with any wax cleaners or buffers and the use of steam-mops is not recommended.

How do you protect a polished concrete floor?

Always cover the floor with a product durable enough to last through the entire construction process. Ram Board is the most common brand-name product, although there are many similar products sold at specialty construction stores.

What is the best sealer for polished concrete floors?

If you are looking for a sealer for your polished concrete floors in a restaurant, you will need to choose a sealer that is resistant to water and slip. The best sealers for this type of environment are siliconate and polyurethane.

What can you put over sealed concrete?

Homeowners have the option of installing carpet over a sealed floor if they tire of the concrete look. If the floor is sealed with a water-based sealer, they can put down epoxy or acid stain or even polish the sealed concrete floor with no issues.

Is polished concrete easy to maintain?

Polished concrete is easy to maintain because of its durability – sweeping and scrubbing daily is the majority of the maintenance work needed. High-traffic areas may need more attention, as the floor is prone to heel scuffs, spills and other soils, while a low-traffic area may look great with just daily sweeping.

How often do you need to polish concrete?

Most professional flooring experts require a three phase polished concrete floor maintenance approach in order to restore a polished concrete floor to its previous glory. Generally, every 2-3 years, a polished concrete floor with regular foot traffic and weathering will require professional maintenance.

What happens if you don't seal concrete floor?

An unsealed concrete floor is going to be more reactive and sensitive to changes in temperature. It will freeze in cold climates and expand in warm ones. This can cause crumbling, chipping, and cracking.

Is concrete sealing worth it?

One of the main benefits of sealing your driveway is that it will help protect the concrete from weather damage. Over time, exposure to the sun and rain can cause the concrete to crack and crumble. By sealing the concrete, you will create a barrier that will help prolong your driveway's life.

What are the pros and cons of sealing concrete?

Advantages
  • It improves the appearance of the concrete driveway. ...
  • It's easy to DIY. ...
  • It improves the concrete's stain-resistance. ...
  • It protects it from sunlight and moisture. ...
  • It extends the life of the concrete. ...
  • Sealed concretes are easy to maintain. ...
  • It makes the concrete slippery. ...
  • You get exposed to harsh chemicals.

What happens if you don't water concrete?

The hardening, or curing, continues as long as moisture remains in the concrete. If too much water is lost from the concrete through evaporation, the hardening process slows down or ceases.

Should you spray water on new concrete?

Properly curing your concrete improves strength, durability, water tightness, and resistance for many years. The first 7 days after installation you should spray the slab with water 5-10 times per day, or as often as possible. Once the concrete is poured the curing process begins immediately.

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