When we think of UV radiation from the sun, we typically think of how it affects our health by giving us sunburns and increasing our risk of skin cancer. However, UV rays can have a significant impact on your property, as well. Your home’s exterior is constantly exposed to UV rays, causing materials like concrete and coatings to break down at a molecular level over months and years.
At Brush Brothers Coatings, we want you to have all the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about maintaining your outdoor concrete surfaces. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of UV exposure on concrete and coatings, signs of UV damage to be on the lookout for, which coatings are best for UV resistance, and more.
How UV Rays Affect Concrete and Coatings
Just as prolonged UV exposure can damage the cells in your body, the same thing can happen to concrete. This is especially true in higher elevations where the UV radiation is more intense and on south- and west-facing areas.
Over time, sunlight can cause the concrete surface to break down, leading to dusting and erosion. As the surface breaks down, it becomes more porous, allowing water, chemicals, and contaminants to penetrate the concrete. Plus, the expansion and contraction that occurs due to heat and UV exposure can create small cracks that worsen over time.
Even coated concrete surfaces can be susceptible to damage from UV exposure. The pigments can break down over time, creating an uneven or patchy appearance. High-gloss coatings can become dull and dusty-looking, losing their original finish and smoothness.
As UV rays degrade the polymers in concrete coatings, they become more brittle, leading to cracking or peeling. This can also cause the coatings to lose their bonds with the concrete surfaces, causing peeling, bubbling, and flaking.
Signs of UV Damage to Watch For
Periodically inspect your concrete and coatings for signs of UV damage, including:
- Fading or yellowing surfaces
- Chalky residue when touched
- Cracks or peeling in coatings
- Uneven color or a patchy appearance
- A loss of shine or protective qualities
How to Protect Concrete and Coatings from UV Damage
Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your concrete and coatings from UV damage and extend their lifespan.
Choose the Right Coatings
Coatings can protect concrete from UV exposure — as long as you choose the right coatings from the start. While epoxy coatings are strong and durable, they have poor UV resistance and tend to yellow and degrade in the sunlight. Acrylic sealers provide moderate UV resistance, but they typically require frequent reapplication.
Polyaspartic coatings are the best option for UV resistance. They maintain their color and gloss longer than epoxy. Polyurethane coatings are a close second — they offer good UV resistance, are flexible, and can be used as a topcoat for extra protection.
Apply Protective Topcoats
If your current concrete coating isn’t very UV-resistant, you may be able to add a UV-stable clear coat to act as an additional protective layer. With the right topcoat, you can extend the lifespan of the underlying coatings and save money over time.
Regular Maintenance, Cleaning, and Resealing
Make sure you stay up to date with maintaining and cleaning your concrete coatings. By removing debris and contaminants, you can prevent additional surface breakdown. Additionally, keeping up with recoating and resealing when needed ensures the coating remains strong and durable.
Shade and Physical Barriers
Depending on the location of the concrete and the angle of the sun, you may be able to reduce UV exposure by strategically placing awnings, covers, or landscaping to create shade.
Long-Term Cost Benefits of UV Protection
When you ensure your concrete and coatings are protected from the negative effects of UV exposure, you can avoid premature coating failure, reduce repair and replacement costs, maintain your property’s value and curb appeal, and enjoy better surface performance.
However, these benefits are only available when you work with professionals like the team at Brush Brothers Coatings. We understand the importance of proper surface preparation to achieve better adhesion and how to apply coatings evenly for consistent protection.
Protect Your Concrete from UV Exposure with Brush Brothers Coatings
When you choose Brush Brothers Coatings, we’ll help you select the best UV-resistant coatings for your concrete surfaces and provide excellent application services you can rely on. Contact us today to receive an instant quote and get started on your next project!
