New concrete protection

[UpNorthEric]

Just complete work on a new pole barn. I am trying to figure out what to do with the concrete now that it has completely cured. Both interior and exterior. I don't want the flake epoxy finish, and I would like something that can withstand some abuse (i.e. Snowplow blade storage, etc). My primary objective is just to protect the concrete from Michigan road salts carried in and from an occasional fluid spill. I won't do much regular automotive mechanical work, but I will work on my boat in there and I seem to always spill oil.

I also wondered about filling the joints and whether or not it is necessary. The barn will not be heated this winter and I'm worried about water getting into them, freezing and damaging the floor.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, I don't want to spend a ton of time or effort on this. I know I should but I have limited time available and just want to get it protected.

 

[lakeroadster]

Concrete Sealer

I used Eagle Natural Seal on the concrete slab in my barn.

It's available from Home Depot, $78.92 for a 5 gallon pail. Shipped to your door for free.

It doesn't change the look of the concrete, just seals it.

Water beads up nicely.

When I was installing my lift about a quart of fluid (Auto Trans Fluid) leaked out onto the floor, I cleaned it up, you can't tell it ever happened.

Control Joints

I wanted to seal the control joints to keep water, oil, gas or whatever gets on the floor from seeping through the joints into the sub-grade. It also helps to keep insects / ants out of the building. And when sweeping the floor.. all the dirt doesn't end up in the cracks.

I used Sika FlexSelf-Leveling Sealant Gray in my shop...

Joint dimension should allow for ¼ inch minimum and ½ inch maximum thickness for sealant. Proper design is 2:1 width to depth ratio.

Don't let the tubes sit in the sun before use... product will dispense very runny.

 

[UpNorthEric]

That sounds like exactly what I am looking for. Is there much prep work other than cleaning the concrete off? Also, did you use back rods in the joints? And did you seal first or fill joints first? Thanks!

 

[lakeroadster]

That sounds like exactly what I am looking for. Is there much prep work other than cleaning the concrete off? Also, did you use back rods in the joints? And did you seal first or fill joints first? Thanks!

I sealed the concrete when it was new, and it has a semi-rough surface so I didn't do anything but sweep it off. Here's what the instructions state:

SURFACE PREPARATION
Clean dirt, wax, grease, oil and other contaminants from the surface. Be sure to remove any foreign coating unless previous coating is same or similar water - based sealer. Make sure the surface is clean, dry and sound. Clean oily concrete with EAGLE DEGREASER NEUTRALIZER. Use a bristle brush for heavily oiled spots. If surface is slick, etch with EAGLE ETCH & CLEAN. Rinse well with a pressure washer. Allow 24 hours to dry. Apply only when surface and air temperatures are above 50° F and below 90° F. Do not apply to excessively hot surfaces as rapid drying may cause streaking to form

I didn't use backer rods in the joints... I should have as it would have saved me from using so many tubes. If I had it to do over I would simply use sand.

I sealed first, then filled the joints.

 

[UpNorthEric]

Great. Thanks for the help!

 

[yeldogt]

I always use a sealer on new concrete -- get it from a masonry supply house. Comes in 5g containers ..... roll it on. I reapply after power washing -- every 5-6 years

 

[Garage Flooring]

For basic protection use a product like TL39 Densifier and sealer.
For complete protection, including oils, use a densifier followed by Ghostshield 8505 or 8510

https://www.garageflooringllc.com/siloxa-tek-8505-concrete-sealer/

 

[UpNorthEric]

For basic protection use a product like TL39 Densifier and sealer.
For complete protection, including oils, use a densifier followed by Ghostshield 8505 or 8510

https://www.garageflooringllc.com/siloxa-tek-8505-concrete-sealer/

So if I went with the route using 8505, I would first put down TL 39 or use something else that doesn't have a sealer in it, such as the TL 37?

 

[Garage Flooring]

So if I went with the route using 8505, I would first put down TL 39 or use something else that doesn't have a sealer in it, such as the TL 37?

TL37 or Ghostshields equivelent