The two most common caused of concrete deterioration are water absorption and surface abrasion. Signs of concrete deterioration include:
- Concrete dusting
- Concrete spalling
- Concrete cracking
- Concrete staining
- Freeze-thaw damage
- Salt damage
The best way to prevent deterioration is to seal the concrete, and the best sealer will depend on the condition of the concrete and the type of deterioration you are trying to prevent.
The three most common types of concrete sealers are concrete densifiers, concrete water repellents, and acrylic sealers.
- Concrete Densifiers: Concrete densifiers chemically react in the pores of the concrete to create calcium silicate hydrate within the pores that increase the strength and density of the concrete. Densifiers are designed to reduce deterioration caused by surface abrasion to weak concrete, such as dusting and salt-damage. Best Concrete Densifiers.
- Concrete Water Repellents: Water repellent sealers chemically react in the pores of the concrete to create a hydrophobic barrier within the pores that caused water and other liquids to bead off the surface. Water repellent sealers are designed to reduce deterioration caused by water absorption, such as cracking, spalling, staining, and freeze-thaw damage. Best Water Repellent Sealers.
- Acrylic Sealers: Acrylic sealers leave behind a protect surface film that enhances concrete with a gloss, and protects it against deterioration caused by surface abrasion and water absorption. Best Acrylic Sealers.
| Silicate Concrete Sealers | Silane Siloxane Concrete Sealers | Acrylic Concrete Sealers |
| Won’t change the look of the concrete | Won’t change the look of the concrete | Enahnces with a wet look or gloss |
| Works entirely below the surface | Works entirely below the surface | Leaves a visible surface film |
| Lasts forever | Lasts 7-10 years | Lasts 1-5 years |
| Increase strength of concrete | Repels surface water | Protects surface against staining |
| Reduces dusting and spalling | Reduces staining and deterioration | Stops dusting, staining, deterioration |
| Can be used on interior/exterior concrete | Can be used on interior/exterior concrete | Can be used on interior/exterior concrete |
Each type of concrete sealer is designed to perform differently which is why specific sealers are designed to reduce specific problems. In some cases, two types of sealers will be combined. For example, if you have weak concrete and issues with freeze-thaw damage, you may want to consider applying a concrete densifier first and then a water repellent sealer a week later.
