Moisture seeping into concrete floors is a big issue that homeowners face. A quick solution to that is sealing the concrete floor. This is a great idea because it provides many other benefits as well.
Sealing the concrete basement floor saves energy costs, reduces the chances of moisture damage, keeps your basement clean, enhances the floor’s durability, and improves the aesthetic appearance of your home.
This article shows why it is a good idea to seal your concrete floor, the factors to pay attention to before doing it, and how to do it.
Unsealed Basement Floors
Unsealed basement floors are concrete floors with no additional layer of protectant or sealant on them. Without this layer, unsealed basement floors usually lack durability, retain moisture, get stains on them sooner, and can be a health hazard due to the particles released.
While they may reduce costs considerably, unsealed basement floors are not recommended for the safety and longevity of your home.
Why Sealing A Concrete Basement Floor Is A Good Idea
Let us look at reasons why concrete floors should be sealed.
Waterproofing
Concrete is a porous material which means it tends to absorb water. Applying a coat of sealant on top of the concrete removes the concrete’s properties and makes the floor waterproof.
This means the floor will not absorb water, and the home’s foundation will not be weakened. This will also reduce the increased risk of mold growth and other damage which may otherwise be the case.
Energy Efficiency
When moisture infiltration into the floor is absent, the basement will be better insulated. The need for other measures to enhance insulation will be decreased; moreover, the cost of air conditioners will be reduced considerably as the basement can maintain the same temperature for longer.
Durability
While concrete is sturdy and durable, it is still likely to get damaged easily if not appropriately handled. However, the protective layer of a sealant increases the durability of the concrete floor. Sealing reduces the risk of cracks and scaling of the concrete floor, giving it longevity and strength.
Moreover, the additional layer makes the floor less likely to be impacted by strong forces, dragging of furniture, or dropping off items.
Cleanliness
An unsealed concrete floor is hard to clean as dirt and debris stick to it for a long; this may be due to the texture of its surface. However, sealed floors are smooth and easier to clean. The dust stays on top and can easily be swept away.
Moreover, if something is spilled on a sealed concrete floor, it would be easier to clean, but if it fell on an unsealed floor, the liquid would seep in and leave a long-lasting stain that would be difficult to remove.
Appearance
As mentioned earlier, sealed concrete floors are easier to maintain in terms of cleanliness which automatically improves how they look. Additionally, sealants come in many different types. These are categorized based on the finished look that they give to the floor.
The options range from glossy finishes to matte ones or colored ones. Once these are used, the basement gets a cohesive and clean look which makes it look more aesthetically pleasing than it already is.
Factors To Consider Before Sealing A Concrete Floor
Below are some things you must think through before taking the initiative to seal your concrete floor.
- Condition of the floor – Before any action can be taken on the floor, it is crucial to check whether it is in such a state that it may be invested upon. All projects require money and effort; investing in that floor would be useless if your floor is worn.
However, if your floor is brand new and in a perfect state, it is a great idea to seal it. This will improve its strength and make the new floor retain its state for longer.
- The floor’s moisture content – As discussed earlier, unsealed concrete floors retain moisture. It is important to check the floor’s moisture content before action. The moisture may interfere with any material applied on top and cause more damage than good. The concrete floor must have a very low moisture content to be ready to seal.
- Type of sealant – Sealers come in many different types, which include epoxy and polyurethane. You need to identify what purpose you wish to achieve with the sealing of the floor.
This can vary from wanting to increase longevity to improving the floor’s aesthetics. Based on your preference, you may want to pick a sealant that is in line with your choice.
- Time for the project – You may need to be mindful of the time required to execute the project perfectly. For this, you may need to know all the steps required for sealing the floor; these include drying out the floor, applying the coats of the sealant, and then drying the layer of sealant.
The process may take a few days, and you may have to relocate to a different place when this is underway.
- The follow-up requirements – Any project does not end when the final step is completed. They are all ongoing processes due to the follow-up steps that homeowners must continue to take to ensure that the sealant is retained, maintained, and kept from damage.
The floor may need to undergo inspection periodically and need reapplication of the sealant. These steps are crucial in ensuring that the floor’s longevity is preserved.
How To Seal A Concrete Basement Floor?
Below are all the steps involved in sealing a concrete floor.
- Preparation – The first step is to prepare the space to allow for the process to begin. You may have to remove all furniture and items from the floor and thoroughly clean the place.
- Repairs, If Required – After cleaning, inspect the floor and try to spot any damages. These may be dents, cracks, or nicks in the concrete. It is best to repair these before moving ahead if these are observed. You may do this using the patching compound.
- Testing Moisture Content – You may need tools like a moisture meter to check the floor’s moisture content. However, there are other cost-effective ways to test the moisture as well. These methods may not give the most accurate results, though.
- Selecting Sealant – This may be one of the most or least time-consuming processes. You must use your decision-making skills to determine which sealant would work best for your floor, environment, and space. Your personal preference would also play a huge role in this decision.
- Application Of Sealant – The application process is simple and often outlined on the sealant packaging. Ensure you follow the instructions fully and execute the application to your best.
- Curing Of Sealant – Curing and drying is the last step, but it may require time depending on how well-ventilated the basement is. The sealant may be cured quickly if the basement has ample windows and fans. However, if that is not the case, it may take longer and require patience.
Final Thoughts
While the decision of sealing or not sealing your concrete floor is completely up to you, we highly recommend you do it. The pros of doing so heavily outweigh the cons. It makes your home a safer, better-looking, and strengthened place. Who would not want that?