Does Sealing Concrete Prevent Cracking?

Concrete is the most popular construction material in residential and commercial projects. It's durable, versatile, and low maintenance.

However, it's not without problems—especially on flat surfaces like decks, patios, and driveways. Such surfaces have little to no protection from the elements.

Sealing is a popular method of preserving the appearance of the concrete but will it stop cracking? We'll look at the details in this article.

What Is Concrete Sealing?

Concrete sealing is the use of water- or solvent-based low-viscosity materials to protect concrete surfaces from damage and stains.

Professionals recommend this type of protection after the curing process, which may take up to a month.

What Causes Cracks on a Concrete Surface?

Concrete Shrinkage

Concrete doesn't need much water to reach maximum strength. When the mix contains too much water, heavy shrinkage will follow as the wet concrete dries. The result is different types of breakages on the surface.

Concrete Drying Too Quickly

A rule of thumb when pouring concrete is to avoid working when the weather is too hot. Above 90°F, the top layer will dry too quickly, increasing the possibility of fissures.

Staying within the recommended temperature range is the best way to keep the concrete wet. You’ll want to keep it wet until the chemical process responsible for solidification is complete.

Pouring Concrete Slabs on Non-Compacted Terrain

Before pouring concrete, it's important to prepare the subgrade properly. Pouring it on frozen soil, for example, will cause concrete to crack.

You also need to infuse control joints in the slab construction. The joints prevent fissures in the final result.

Ground Settlement

Cracks can still occur long after concrete curing. Any activities that create spaces in the soil around the foundation will lead to settling. As a result, fissures may appear on top of the concrete structure.

Cracks due to soil settlement may worsen over time with water intrusion into the spaces. Freeze and thaw cycles acting on the water will make the fissures expand.

Can Sealing Prevent Cracks on Concrete Surfaces?

Concrete sealing can stop most types of concrete fractures. This fact is especially true if the crack is a result of poor-quality work in the concrete mix or site preparation.

However, sealing can prevent future damage that may start from the top layer of the concrete. For that reason, driveways and other high-traffic surfaces can benefit from it.

Such hairline cracks often occur due to weather exposure and contamination by grease and salt. The cement may also absorb water if a pool always forms after rainfall.

Using a concrete sealer is also a good way to prevent cracks due to mold and mildew growth.

Types of Concrete Sealers

Acrylic Resins

This concrete seal is an affordable, water-based solution to prevent water damage and hairline cracks. You can blend resins with polyurethane, epoxy, and other bases to enhance their durability.

The two main types of acrylic resins are styrene acrylic and pure acrylic resin.

Epoxy and Polyurethane

Epoxy and polyurethane sealers are premium options often reserved for commercial applications. You can find them in airports, bus stations, store floors, and on any slab that gets a lot of foot traffic.

Penetrating Sealers

These products combine different resins, including siloxane, silicates, silane, and silicones.

They don't just seal the top layer; they fill the pores, acting as a barrier against moisture. They are the longest-lasting sealants.

Get Expert Concrete Inspection Today

Level Best provides quality inspection services to homeowners and businesses in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and the surrounding area. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.