It Is nothing surprising for concrete structures to degrade over time which could be a factor of time, use, and external weather conditions. However, concrete structures are often sealed with concrete sealers to promote their longevity and efficiency.
Concrete sealers are applied to the concrete surfaces to act as barriers against stains, corrosion, and other surface damages that the surface may be susceptible to.
Concrete sealers are either
- Acrylic-based concrete sealers or
- Water-based concrete sealers
Although when the concrete sealer on your patio, walkways, and floors begin to either turn white, peel or flake off; it is an indication that the concrete sealer is beginning to wear off. In such a case, it is recommended, by professional concreters, that the fading concrete sealers be removed totally.
There are several methods of removing concrete sealers, however, the method applied in the process is dependent on the type of concrete sealer (I.e, not all methods can be applied to every concrete sealer)
This article is aimed at illustrating the best methods used to remove concrete sealers, take note of which method works best for you while you read on.
- Sand-blasting/ Grinding Method
This method isn't recommended for DIY enthusiasts as it requires expertise to be effective enough. Even for some professionals, it is often the last resort as the method would involve a lot of dust particles which may be a mess to clean up.
Howbeit effective (as it removes the old and peeling surfaces) when employing the sandblasting method, caution has to be taken as it may tamper with the original structure.
- Soda Blasting Method
The processes involved in the soda blasting method are quite similar to the aforementioned method although the sand would be switched to sodium bicarbonate (which is baking soda).
It is a much better option than the sandblasting method as it is less coarse and less dusty than the process of sandblasting.
It also requires the use of specialized equipment which may not be available for everyone except a professional guide is sought after.
- Xylene Method
If a solvent-based concrete sealer was originally applied, then it is recommended that you use the Xylene method.
Spray Xylene on the surface needed and brush it into the surface to help soften it to a point where you can now use a pressure washer to wash it off. Repeat the process until you are satisfied that everything is wiped off.
It is a safer and faster method which explains why it is becoming well known among homeowners and professional concreters.
- Power-washing Method.
This method can be a good choice for water-based concrete sealers. The rate at which the concrete sealer is removed is dependent on the pressure of the water and how much the sealer is bound to the surface.
- Dustless Wet blasting Method
The dustless wet blasting method, as the name implies, does not involve dust.
It is more like the sandblasting or the soda blasting method except for the addition of water which explains why the process is dustless.
It is a fast process for professional concreters and can remove up to 100% of the concrete sealer on the concrete surface without causing any damage to it.
After removing the concrete sealer, you can either choose to repaint or reseal the concrete surfaces. For more concrete-sealing related articles, kindly follow us to be updated.