Are you wondering if your concrete needs to be sealed? What are the benefits of sealing your concrete? What are the risks of not sealing your concrete?
Homeowners are always searching for methods to increase the longevity of their homes and outside surfaces. It only makes sense to maintain your property, given that the cost of materials and repairs is rising. Maintaining your home properly can boost the value of your home as well as its curb appeal.
Concrete is one of those surfaces that has the potential to increase or decrease curb appeal and value depending on how well it is maintained. In general, concrete surfaces like driveways, walkways, and sidewalks do not need to be sealed or protected to function well.
A concrete driveway will actually last for years without being sealed, but once the deterioration starts, it can be too late to stop it. Additionally, because concrete has such a porous surface, it is VERY EASY for contaminants such as irrigation corrosion, oil and vehicle fluid stains, and other stains to adhere to the concrete.
Does Concrete Need to Be Sealed?
Although sealing concrete is not required, it is frequently beneficial and strongly advised. It's a good idea to seal your concrete patio and sidewalk. The addition of a sealer enhances the concrete's deep color while preserving its appearance and durability.
The sealer will stop the water from penetrating the concrete by beading on the surface. This prolongs the life of concrete, particularly during the winter. Furthermore, non-slip ingredients in a quality sealer are excellent for use around a pool.
By putting a thin layer between the spill and the concrete, the sealer aids in stain removal. Additionally, a sealer is excellent in avoiding fading and sun damage.
Benefits of Sealing Your Concrete
There are several benefits to sealing a concrete driveway, but one of the main ones is to increase its lifespan and maintain its aesthetic appeal for many years. Here are a few more wonderful advantages of waterproofing concrete driveways:
- Prolongs the life of the concrete
- Enhances curb appeal and appearance
- Increases the value of your house
- It is affordable and simple to complete
- Decreases flaking, cracking, and spalling
- Safeguarding against oil spills and other stains
- Withstands mold and mildew
Negative Effects of Not Sealing Your Concrete
Concrete can age more quickly due to oxidation caused by the sun, which can result in chips or flakes coming off the top surface. In colder regions, moisture that seeps into the concrete may repeatedly freeze and thaw, causing the concrete to move, crack, and even heave or buckle. On unfinished concrete, mold, and mildew can accumulate.
Types of Sealers
There are several different kinds of concrete sealers.
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For colored concrete, topical sealers like acrylics are excellent because they enhance the color while providing protection from the sun, rain, mold, and mildew.
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For concrete surfaces with high traffic and chemical danger, such as those found in industrial warehouses, retail establishments, bus terminals, and airports, epoxies, urethanes, and polyaspartics are recommended.
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Silicates are a type of penetrating sealant that causes a chemical reaction to strengthen the concrete.
Levels of Gloss
- Higher gloss finish- solvent sealers
- Semi-gloss or matte finish- water-based sealers
- Low or no gloss finish- penetrating sealers
How to Apply Concrete Sealer
Wait at least one month before sealing freshly poured concrete; you must allow it to cure. Be sure to check the weather before applying it.
Because it won't stick to wet concrete, sealer must be applied in dry conditions. Additionally, the temperature must be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit while the coating is being applied and drying, which can take up to three days.
Before using any sealer, make sure to read the directions. The next steps are general. There can be unique specifications for what you purchase.
Prep the surface:
- Use a broom or other cleaning supplies to scrub the surface of the concrete thoroughly.
- Sealer shouldn't be applied over dirt and dust.
- The majority of sealants prefer a dry surface to one that is damp.
- Eliminate any grease or oil. You cannot clean whatever you seal over without also removing the sealer, which locks everything in place.
- Patch up any cracks with fresh cement or flexible caulk.
Remove old sealer:
- Not sure if sealer was applied previously? Pour a large cup of water on the concrete. It has already been sealed if the water beads up and remains on the surface. It hasn't been sealed if it soaks quickly into the concrete.
- Strip old sealer
- Clean
- Dry
Apply the sealant:
- With your roller or sprayer, apply the first coat of sealant.
- Wait at least 2 hours until it dries.
- Put on the second layer. Ensure that the coats are thin for a smooth and even finish.
Cates Pressure Washing
Concrete sealing may not be a project you want to attempt on your own. Your project may be completed safely and without causing harm to your concrete or yourself with the assistance of the professionals at Cates Pressure Washing. Take a look here to see the type of product we use in concrete sealing.
The crew at Cates Pressure Washing are the most knowledgeable and skilled pressure washing professionals in the area.
Check us out at Cates Pressure Washing if you are interested in receiving a price quote to have us seal your concrete. We offer professional and quality work at affordable rates, and we offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee to all our customers.