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How to seal concrete floor with pva?

By Bagofconcrete
Page last updated: 04/20/2022 | Next review date: 04/20/2024
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The article aims to answer the question “How to seal concrete floors with PVA?”. It will also discuss the different types of concrete sidings available in the market.

Read on to know more:

How to seal concrete floors with PVA?

  • Wipe the concrete floor. In order to properly clean older floors, you will likely have to scrape paint, grease residues, and even small pieces of cement. You may also need to eliminate broken chunks of concrete and fill up any gaps with a sand/cement mix.
  • Combine a mixture of one part PVA to four parts water in a container and mix. Only combine what you can use for each coat; as a suggestion, a 1:4 mix will cover 24 to 56 m2/liter, according to the density of the concrete.
  • Apply one application of the solution and let it dry — that should take around 8-10 hours. When the milky white liquid is completely dried up, it turns crystal clear.
  • You may apply the solution with a brush or a roller; the outcome will be the same but use one with a long handle to apply it standing.
  • Now apply the final coat. This combination should be thicker to make it harder-wearing. The ratio varies from one brand to another, but as a general guideline, use one part PVA to three parts water.
  • This should cover 18 to 42 m2/liter at the same coverage rates as Step 3, although the upper end is more probable since the surface is less porous after the first coat.

What do I need to seal the concrete floor with PVA?

  • Chalk
  • Trowel
  • Scraper 
  • PVA
  • Sealant
  • Drill
  • Duct tape
  • Hammer
  • Paint
  • Knife
  • Siding board
  • Paint 

What is PVA?

PVA, or polyvinyl acetate, is an odorless compound that’s white when applied but dries colorless. PVA has a strong bonding strength, thus builders utilize it as a bonding agent in various applications, including wood glue.

SBR, or Styrene-Butadiene Rubber, is similar to PVA in that it seals and helps connect with later finishes – paint, tiles, laminate, etc. – but the difference is that SBR is water-resistant after it dries out. PVA is, therefore, superior if you want a product that stays soluble and enables the substrate to breathe.

In the case of a freshly built concrete floor, it might take anywhere up to 3 months for the concrete to dry out, depending on the concrete thickness as well as weather conditions. Consequently, you shouldn’t use anything that’ll seal in the moisture throughout this drying time.

PVA, on the other hand, is not long-lasting and, due to its water-soluble nature, should not be used alone in areas susceptible to considerable foot traffic and rain. 

A coat of paint is often applied on top of the PVA in these cases. If you want to know more about floor painting, our guide to the many kinds of paint contains a section regarding concrete floor paint.

How to seal the gap between siding and concrete?

  • Locate the points of gap between siding and concrete that mice utilize to get inside your house. Crawl around the outside of your house and use a flashlight to identify cracks, holes and gaps in your siding.
  • Look for cracks and holes where the siding meets the foundation of your house. To view the underlying things, use a small mirror.
  • Enter any nook or crevice with a pencil. If you can slip the pencil in, a small mouse can fit its body in.
  • Go into your basement or attic with the lights off during the daylight. Cracks in the siding might be the source of any visible sunlight. Look for spider webs, which may show you in the direction of fractures and holes.
  • Put on your gloves and eye protection, grab a cloth for wiping spills, then inspect the cracks and gaps you discovered along your siding.
  • Seal small cracks and gaps in your siding, under 1/4 inch wide, using an acrylic latex caulk. To seal the fissures, just use this low-cost substance. On top of that, paint adheres effectively.
  • Polyurethane caulk may be used to fill up gaps up to 1/2 inch wide. This is more difficult to work with than acrylic latex, but it does the job just as well. Use mineral spirits and a cloth to wipe up any messes. Paint over it if wanted.
  • Spray expanding foam into any gap, no matter how big or small. Look for “minimum expanding foam” on the can’s label for a cleaner job.
  • Plug up wider holes with pieces of copper cleaning pad from the hardware store. Spray expanding foam into the void to close it up. 
  • The copper inhibits mice from nibbling through the foam afterwards. Using minimum expanding foam will produce less of a mess to clean up afterwards.

How to seal siding to concrete?

  • Ensure that the concrete has been thoroughly cleaned. Water combined with a powerful cleaning chemical should be sprayed into cracks and crevices to prevent the accumulation of mold, mildew, and dirt. 
  • Let the silicone-based caulk dry once you’ve swept off the last of the dirt and dust. Caulk any gaps or holes you find to keep fungus and germs at bay while you work.
  • Concrete walls should be measured. Measure the wall’s length and height using a tape measure. Due to thermal expansion, your siding will need to be cut at least 2 to 2.5 inches shorter than the wall it is attached to.
  • The Siding Strips Must Be Prepared. Prime your strips to smooth down any jagged edges and help the painting process go more smoothly. With a razor blade, cut the strips that will fit snugly inside the quoin.
  • With The Strips, Make a Right Angle. Create a corner that matches your home’s façade by bringing together two opposite sides. 
  • You’ll need a piece of support timber that is an inch longer than the siding strip to ensure that the 90-degree angle is accurate. To guarantee long-term use, use an industrial glue and screws all the way along the length.
  • Assemble the Side Corners on the Quoin and Cover the Concrete Corners. To begin, apply a thick coat of sealant to the concrete corners to keep out moisture. 
  • When you’re done, screw in your house’s quoins with the constructed corners. Make sure it’s securely in place before moving forward.
  • Put Up The Horizontal Siding Stripes. Before connecting the strips, make sure they are completely primed. The strips should next be placed such that they overhang the concrete floor but do not contact the concrete porch pad. 
  • They should not be touching. Overlap the next two strips by approximately two inches, but just enough to cover the fastener.
  • Seal Concrete With Sidings. Place duct tape over the top of the siding strip, from the highest point to the lowest. 
  • Using a caulk gun, fill up the space between the strips and seal it. Do not attempt this step until all of the caulk has dried before proceeding to the next step.
  • The Stripes Must Be Painted. Make the façade more visually appealing by painting the strips. When cleaning, it’s best to apply waterproof paint to prevent the paint from melting and sagging. Finishing touches are all that’s left to do.

What can I use for the seal siding to concrete?

  • It is well known that some of the most popular sidings are weather-resistant and resistant to dust and fungal. There are a number of cost-effective ways to preserve and beautify your house without having to completely replace your siding.
  • Vinyl siding costs between $3 and $8 per square foot, making it a cost-effective alternative. In addition to its cost, it has a long lifespan of up to 50 years with good care and maintenance. In terms of aesthetics, you’re spoilt for choice, thanks to the variety of textures and colors available.
  • It’s a form of vinyl with an insulating feature known as “insulated siding.” It’s built with energy-efficient Expanded Polystyrene foam (EPS), which can better confine air throughout the heat. Insulating siding may reduce your utility expenditures by 20%, and EPS can provide you with that.
  • Make sure your house is appropriately ventilated and insulated if you choose wood siding. 
  • Due to the fact that wood is susceptible to moisture and heat-related problems Wood has a number of advantages, including high insulation and a wide range of design options, but it must be painted to keep its natural beauty.
  • However, metal siding is prone to denting and might have durability difficulties, so it’s not the best choice for those on a budget. 
  • Metal siding is a low-maintenance solution that may also be eco-friendly, making it a viable siding option. Fill up the cracks between the concrete slabs with insulation and caulk to keep your house safe.
  • It’s advisable to go with fiber cement for siding because of its durability and rot-resistant properties. If you reside in a tropical climate, this is a fantastic choice since it can tolerate pest damage. 
  • Fiber siding may cost up to $10 per square foot, so make sure you get your money’s worth by installing it correctly and filling in all the gaps.
  • As a general rule, the more drier the location, the better the stucco will stand up. It is simple to clean with a pressure hose since it is constructed of lime and cement.
  • A house with glass siding may seem more opulent. It lets in more natural light and creates the idea of a larger space in the house. However, it will need to be cleaned on a regular basis due to the fact that it is susceptible to dirt and dust.
  • Brick is a long-lasting and low-maintenance building material, but it is also more expensive. Brick is ideal for colder climates because of its insulating capabilities, and its rustic appearance may enhance the look of your home’s façade.

What is fiber concrete siding?

Using fiber cement siding on a home or business property is a long-lasting, low-maintenance option. It’s made of a semi-rigid material that protects well while still allowing for some movement.

Fiber cement is a long-lasting, high-value option. Brick, fake stucco, and certain wood siding alternatives are often more expensive. Hardboard and composite siding are both less costly, whereas vinyl is more expensive, making it a more popular choice.

To make fiber cement, you just need Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, which are all found in common household items. The composition, on the other hand, is subject to variation based on the manufacturer. 

Traditional siding materials like wood and vinyl are not as durable as fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is non-combustible, even though the performance of each manufacturer differs. 

A direct flame will not cause it to start a fire, and if it does, it won’t add to the flames. Because of this, it is designed to be resistant to moisture and decay.

Conclusion

Concrete, particularly when newly put, leaves a coating of cement dust on the top, and this continues to exist long after the original layer brushes away. So, the major purpose for sealing a concrete floor is to trap in the dust.

Secondly, sealing a concrete floor helps to minimize the concrete’s porosity, allowing for easier painting or application of other coatings. One of the greatest materials for sealing a concrete floor is PVA.

Frequently asked questions (FAQS): How to seal concrete floor with PVA?

How to seal concrete floors with PVA?

Wipe the concrete floor. In order to properly clean older floors, you will likely have to scrape paint, grease residues, and even small pieces of cement. You may also need to eliminate broken chunks of concrete and fill up any gaps with a sand/cement mix.

Combine a mixture of one part PVA to four parts water in a container and mix. Only combine what you can use for each coat; as a suggestion, a 1:4 mix will cover 24 to 56 m2/liter, according to the density of the concrete.

Apply one application of the solution and let it dry — that should take around 8-10 hours. When the milky white liquid is completely dried up, it turns crystal clear.

What is PVA?

PVA, or polyvinyl acetate, is an odorless compound that’s white when applied but dries colorless. PVA has a strong bonding strength, thus builders utilize it as a bonding agent in various applications, including wood glue.

SBR, or Styrene-Butadiene Rubber, is similar to PVA in that it seals and helps connect with later finishes – paint, tiles, laminate, etc. – but the difference is that SBR is water-resistant after it dries out. PVA is, therefore, superior if you want a product that stays soluble and enables the substrate to breathe.

How to seal the gap between siding and concrete?

Locate the points of gap between siding and concrete that mice utilize to get inside your house. Crawl around the outside of your house and use a flashlight to identify cracks, holes and gaps in your siding.

Look for cracks and holes where the siding meets the foundation of your house. To view the underlying things, use a small mirror. Enter any nook or crevice with a pencil. If you can slip the pencil in, a small mouse can fit its body in.

Go into your basement or attic with the lights off during the daylight. Cracks in the siding might be the source of any visible sunlight. Look for spider webs, which may show you in the direction of fractures and holes.

How to seal siding to concrete?

Ensure that the concrete has been thoroughly cleaned. Water combined with a powerful cleaning chemical should be sprayed into cracks and crevices to prevent the accumulation of mold, mildew, and dirt. 

Let the silicone-based caulk dry once you’ve swept off the last of the dirt and dust. Caulk any gaps or holes you find to keep fungus and germs at bay while you work.

Concrete walls should be measured. Measure the wall’s length and height using a tape measure. Due to thermal expansion, your siding will need to be cut at least 2 to 2.5 inches shorter than the wall it is attached to.

Can I use vinyl siding to seal the siding to concrete?

Vinyl siding costs between $3 and $8 per square foot, making it a cost-effective alternative. In addition to its cost, it has a long lifespan of up to 50 years with good care and maintenance. In terms of aesthetics, you’re spoilt for choice, thanks to the variety of textures and colors available.

It’s a form of vinyl with an insulating feature known as “insulated siding.” It’s built with energy-efficient Expanded Polystyrene foam (EPS), which can better confine air throughout the heat. Insulating siding may reduce your utility expenditures by 20%, and EPS can provide you with that.

Make sure your house is appropriately ventilated and insulated if you choose wood siding. 

Bibliography

Angelique Amargo. How To Seal The Gap Between Siding And Concrete. Retrieved from: https://hvacseer.com/how-to-seal-the-gap-between-siding-and-concrete/