FAQ

1. What is a concrete hardener?

Otherwise known as a "liquid densifier", the material is a proprietary blend of siliconate polymers which penetrate concrete surfaces providing and increase in abrasion resistance and a reduction in the surface absorption of liquids. The product reacts with elements in the concrete surface to impart a low sheen which enhances the appearance of the concrete surface. As the sealer cures and dries out, the treated concrete will gradually increase in tightness with a subsequent increase in gloss.

Features and benefits are:

• Reduced porosity and increased hardness of the concrete surface.
• Resists penetration of oil and many chemicals
• Minimizes tire marks and and enables easier tire mark removal
• Can be applied to fresh, new or existing concrete
• Low sheen enhances the appearance of concrete surface

Clean and Seal is a certified applicator of siliconate hardeners.

2. What is an acrylic sealer?

An acrylic sealer is a copolymer that provides a protective coating for interior and exterior concrete. It creates an incredibly strong bond to concrete, forming an impervious film that is resistant to the alkili from fresh cement, salt and many construction stains. It seals the top surface of a floor making it resistant to the penetration of dirt and staining materials.

Features and benefits are:

• Provides a transparent curing film for new concrete
• Seals all concrete surfaces - old or new - providing glossy appearance and easier clean-up
• Hardens new concrete by ensuring a proper cure for improved abrasion resistance
• Dustproofs concrete with a tough durable film

Clean and Seal is a certified applicator for acrylic concrete sealers.

3. What is an epoxy coating?

Epoxy is a high-performance coating system designed to provide concrete surfaces with excellent wear resistance in combination with protection againstchemicals. Typically, a two-part system epoxy is excellent for interior concrete surfaces and when used with a urethane finish coat provide the most durable, attractive and chemical resistant surface available.

Urethane is an ideal topcoat offered in a variety of colors and has a high-gloss finish for enhanced appearance. The non-slick properties and gritty texture (optional) is ideal for protection against slips and falls where pedestrian trafficis necessary.

Features and benefits are:

• Excellent resistance to abrasion and impact
• Hardens to a high-gloss finish
• Easy to apply with standard equipment
• Available in a variety of colors
• Can be applied as a non-slip floor finish

3. After applying a sealer how long will it be before I can get back on the floor?

Dry time for acrylic and siliconate sealers are anywhere from 2-6 hours - depending on environmental conditions. Epoxy and urethane flooring products

require substantially longer dryng periods. 24 to 48 hours is usually recommended for most epoxy coatings with the urethane topcoat able to support foot traffic in up to 24 hours.

4. It seems straightforward… Why can’t I do this myself?

Of course, it is possible to do these types of projects yourself. However, experience and expertise is a valuable commodity which can ultimately save you time, money and more importantly your sanity! Not only can time and money be wasted on a job for retail cost but it is likely that it will cost just as much to have a professional clean-up or re-apply. Not to mention the cost of equipment rental.

So, if you are debating on whether or not your project is worth your time, money and sweat please contact us or request a bid so you can be informed on the details of your endeavor.

5. I’ve got an old concrete floor that needs work. Where do I start?

Start by requesting a bid and describing to us your specific situation and what your desired result. Every surface is different and may require much more prep work or material than initially thought. Many times, especially on older unsealed floors, surface renovations could involve several layers of epoxy and urethane that are not visible to the eye or oil and other contaminants that are detrimental to the long-term durability and integrity of the floor.

Therefore, it is recommended that you contact us for an on-site evaluation of your floor to determine the next step.

6. Where is stained concrete an option?

Stained concrete is an ideal alternative finish for interior as well as exterior concrete surfaces. It’s cost-effective, durable and available in a variety of shades and combinations. When a clear sealer is applied the finished product can turn a concrete slab into a beautiful marble-like floor in a short amount of time.

Stained concrete is being used most often in contemporary residential environments as well as commercial office buildings and restaurants. Outdoor environments such as driveways, patios and sidewalks are also ideal locations to display an attractive stain. Most importantly, this surface is resistant to spills, does not need vacuuming and can provide a glossy showpiece to enhance the aesthetic value of any home or business.

7. What is floor joint caulking and why is it necessary?

Floor joint caulking is useful in heavy traffic areas where machinery can cause spalling of the joints. Spalling is the chipping of unprotected joint edges usually from wheel traffic. Joint filler is typically elastic or rigid (depending on the environment) material that can be applied manually or with a caulking machine. Dry time is approximately 12 hours (this may varify depending on the material). An added benefit to joint caulking is to prevent moisture or chemicals from penetrating below the slab.

Primary Applications

• Concrete construction & control joints
• Crack filler repair for old floors
• Industrial and commercial floors
• Interior applications

8. What is "dustproofing"?

Dusting occurs on untreated or "unsealed" concrete. It is where the exposed sediment of the concrete surface is exposed and detaches creating dust which is time consuming and expensive to clean up. Unsealed concrete is more porous which facilitates dusting and can cause problems if with mechanical equipment if perpetuated. Therefore, dustproofing is the process where an acrylic sealer (or chemical hardener) is applied to prevent dusting. By tightening the surface and reducing porosity the sediment bonds better to the surface and ultimately protects the integrity of the surface - while also having the benefit of alleviating dust.

9. What is this new driveway service you advertise?

"Drive-weeds" are those pesky weeds that grow in the slab joints on your driveway. Many pest control manufacturers spend millions on R&D and sell numerous weed killers to fight these. Well, Clean and Seal can solve this problem once and for all without any pesticides! Clean and Seal now offers a service that will not only alleviate these weeds from ever returning but includes moisture protection for your driveway to potentially save you thousands on you home investment.

Most houses – even new houses - are constructed with wood planks in the joints of the driveway slabs. They are there to enable movement and prevent cracking in your driveway. However, they are a temporary solution to a greater problem.

Eventually, these planks pop up or rot away allowing ants and "drive-weeds" to appear and pose a greater threat of allowing moisture (rainwater) to seep beneath the slab causing foundation cracks.

Clean and Seal now offers a cost-effective solution to solve these issues and potentially save you thousands in driveway repair. By using an expandable material that allows movement of the slab we are able to remove those wood planks, remove all dirt and debris and seal the slab joints.

Please contact us at 713-686-8500 or submit a bid request to inquire about your driveway or garage and how Clean and Seal can beautify your home!