Several options stand out when considering durable coatings for exterior concrete: Epoxy Coatings: Known for their robustness, epoxy coatings are ideal for areas that endure heavy usage. They offer resistance to abrasion and chemicals, making them a popular choice for industrial and commercial spaces.
Polyaspartic coatings are a newer option for outdoor concrete patios and offer excellent durability and UV resistance. They can be applied quickly and your floors will be ready for use in just three hours after applying and will also provide a beautiful, glossy finish.
While it might be tempting to skip one more step, we highly recommend that you seal your concrete project! Whether it's to enhance colors or to repel stains, sealers are a vital step in most concrete jobs.
The most common types of outdoor concrete coverings include stamped concrete, concrete overlays, exposed aggregate concrete, concrete pavers, and decorative concrete coatings. Each offers unique aesthetic and functional benefits for outdoor spaces.
When considering durability, both terracotta tiles and stamped concrete are excellent choices. They withstand weather elements and heavy use. This makes them ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas, particularly if you enjoy entertaining at home.
Solvent based acrylic sealers or acrylic modified polyurethane sealers are usually recommended for exterior concrete surfaces. While solvent based sealers have to be applied every other year acrylic modified polyurethane sealers last longer, say about 3 to 5 years.
Oil leaks, blood, and sticky residues can absorb and result in stubborn stains. However, using a driveway sealant after pressure washing can help prevent these stains from becoming permanent features in your driveway.
Penetrating – Penetrating sealers are an ideal choice for driveways, patios and walkways. Like the name suggests, penetrating sealers seep deeper into the concrete to create a protective barrier against damaging factors like moisture and deicers. Penetrating sealers can be water- or solvent-based.
You can get similar performance by using an epoxy or urethane system, which generally lasts 5 to 10 years depending on traffic exposure. Acrylic-resin sealers offer the shortest performance life - generally 1 to 3 years.
The most common coating types that are used are epoxies and polyurethanes. Epoxies can be used as a primer, intermediate and topcoat depending on application. Epoxies are known for their superior adhesion and chemical resistance.
Polyurea's extremely fast curing time can lead to a weaker bond and a greater chance of imperfections showing once cured.
Epoxy finishes provide the most protection of all outdoor finishes, creating a thick, plastic-like, water-impermeable barrier on the surface of the wood.
Because polyurea is more durable than epoxy, it has a life expectancy of about 15 years. (At Innovative Concrete we offer exclusive 15-year warranties.) Just think, one application in 15 years with polyurea and 3 to 4 applications in the same time period with epoxy.
Concrete can also be protected against the water with acrylic, polyurethane, polyurea-based materials that provide waterproofing in areas that are exposed to direct water and sunlight such as roofs and terraces. All of these practices are applied directly to concrete surfaces.
When looking at the choices in cement based concrete sealants you have four main sealer technologies' to choose from: acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy coating and polyaspartics. Each sealer has specific attributes that make it a great choice for concrete surfaces.
The materials and labor required to seal a concrete driveway properly can be expensive. In addition, concrete driveways that are improperly sealed can trap moisture underneath the surface, which can lead to problems such as mold and mildew.
For most concrete surfaces, a mix of alkaline cleaners works best to break down grease and oil. For particularly tough stains, you might need specialized concrete cleaners designed to tackle specific contaminants.
Polyaspartic coatings are renowned for their ability to resist wear and tear. Unlike other coatings that can chip and peel, polyaspartic offers a robust layer of protection that stands up to frequent use and harsh weather conditions.
Thompson's® WaterSeal® Clear Masonry Protector Waterproofer provides proven waterproofing protection for pavers, brick, concrete, stone, stucco, clay & quarry tile and exterior masonry surfaces.
Sealants with the Longest Lifespan
Some top-performing brands include GE Silicone II and Sikaflex Polyurethane, known for their long-lasting durability and resistance to environmental factors.