10. External Concrete

10.1 Typically coloured, exposed, acid washed type feature concrete pavements are sealed to lock in the colour, make it easier to clean and maintain. Note: Many shopping centres and the like clean the concrete daily with a rotary brush cleaner. If this occurs then the seal that once had a 2 year life can with a stiff brush last only 3-4 months. Consider the potential cleaning regime with the owner prior to selecting and applying a sealer coat. The Builder maintenance is normally 12 months which could and often does result in a costly repair early post construction.

10.2 Other areas such as bin areas, car parks, driveways, residential garages may have an epoxy based coatings over the concrete.

10.3 These products typically require 28 days curing as a general rule of thumb. Obviously there are many products and they all differ, but they require a well cured slab.

10.4 In the case that there is insufficient time in the programme to achieve the required moisture content, it is necessary to use a specific epoxy type sealer. These are usually far more expensive, but can be applied within a few days of pouring the concrete. Products that are designed for this purpose includes Pen Shield Ultra WB which requires just 3 days curing of concrete prior to application.