Calgary Winter: Home Garage: Silane sealer vs epoxy?

[tigerfit]

Will 2 coats of silane (solvent) sealer stand up fine against Calgary winters, specifically the salt and slush that gets dragged in?

I'm getting a quote at $300 for metered for 2 coats. Sealed concrete looks pretty nice too

I already bought 100% solids epoxy but am reconsidering. Total cost of material will be around 600-700 including tool rentals. Not sure if worth it? I understand epoxy also doesnt have abrasion resistance .


What has your experience been?


3 year old garage.

Will be used for 2 daily use cars, a motorcycle and some repair/maintenance, and a home gym with horse stable mat.

 

[Shea]

What you are doing is comparing apples and oranges. A silane sealer is a penetrating sealer. It does not leave a topical film on the surface. Instead, penetrating sealers create a molecular gel like barrier at the subsurface. They do a fairly good job or resisting water penetration, but they are not water proof.

The molecular structure of silane sealers is very small and best used for dense concrete that has been steel troweled or machine troweled very smooth. If used on concrete that is less dense or not troweled as smooth, it tends to penetrate deep and requires multiple applications before it can be as effective as possible. When applied properly to the right concrete surface, they will help to resist damage to concrete from freeze thaw and road salts. Silane sealers alone are not an oil resistant sealer and the concrete can still stain.

100% solids epoxy is a thick topical coating that completely seals the concrete. It has high abrasion ratings and will last years when applied properly. Water can sit on it for weeks until it eventually evaporates. It will not get into the concrete like it can with a penetrating sealer when it sits. Concrete will not suffer freeze thaw damage, road salt damage, and etc. Epoxy is also much more stain resistant and easier to keep clean. However, it can get slippery when wet. You will want to use an anti-slip additive if you use epoxy.