The answer to this question is – yes! A concrete sealer or exposed aggregate sealer is essential for protecting surfaces from the elements, stains from dirt, oil and other contaminants, and much more.
Sealing Cons
The two main drawbacks to having your concrete and paving sealed are 1) Regular Maintenance, and 2) Resealing. 1. Regular Maintenance. The biggest myth regarding having your concrete or paving sealed is “if you get them sealed they will never get dirty again”.
Concrete should be sealed to protect from mold and mildew.
Because concrete is a porous material, it has a tendency to absorb moisture. When this moisture doesn't dry and the surface is left wet for an extended period of time, mildew begins to form and mold begins to grow.
Acrylic Concrete Sealers: Acrylic sealers last 1-3 years before they need to be re-coated. Epoxy Coatings: Epoxy coatings last 5-10 years before they need to be re-coated.
Concrete performs quite adequately if it is never sealed at all, but applying a good quality sealer every few years will extend its life and keep it looking good. This is especially true if you have a stained or etched concrete driveway or patio.
The Drawbacks of Seal Coating
There are some drawbacks to sealcoating, however. One is that it can be messy and difficult to apply evenly. It's also important to note that sealants will not repair significant damage to your driveway; they will only protect it from further damage.
Without a high-quality sealer, the beautiful decorative work you've had done on your driveway is at risk of getting damaged, fading, and looking worn out in a short amount of time.
Another mistake to avoid is applying the sealer too thickly. Concrete sealer is supposed to dry quickly, but it won't if you put too much on, and this compromises its long-term effectiveness. It's better to apply it too thin and apply a second coat later.
For new concrete, allow it to cure for at least 28 days before sealing it with any kind of sealer. You can seal old concrete any time as long as no old sealing products are apparent. To know when to reapply topical concrete sealers, look for signs of wear, flaking, or discoloration.
After discussing the factors you need to look for and the regional location of the project, in broad terms, Spring is in fact the best time of year to seal concrete. With its moderate temperatures and humidity levels, it tends to provide ideal conditions for the application and curing of sealers.
Sealers can be slippery. Sealing concrete can create a slippery surface, especially when wet.
Autumn may not be too late to sealcoat, but you may not be able to find someone to do the job. Generally speaking, the seal coating season runs from April 15th to October 31st, which means that many contractors try to book as many appointments as they can, as quickly as they can.
It All Begins With Pressure Washing the Driveway
However, getting out all of the dirt and grime along with stains is a must before permanently securing them onto the driveway's surface with a sealer. Beyond prepping for sealing treatments, there are numerous reasons for pressure washing driveways on a routine basis.
If you want to clean your concrete, there are a few things to keep in mind. You should use a pressure washer or other high-pressure water source to remove stains such as oil and grease. When using a pressure washer, be careful not to damage the sealer on your driveway by putting too much pressure on it.
Can Sealing Prevent Cracks on Concrete Surfaces? Concrete sealing can stop most types of concrete fractures. This fact is especially true if the crack is a result of poor-quality work in the concrete mix or site preparation. However, sealing can prevent future damage that may start from the top layer of the concrete.
Concrete sealers are best applied in two thin coats. The first coat of sealer acts like a primer. Most of it will disappear into the concrete surface, and the concrete will probably look fairly unattractive after the first coat. The second thin coat will provide an even finish, color enhancement and gloss.
Sealers, particularly solvent-based sealers, will darken concrete. If unevenly applied, it will create light areas where there is less sealer, and darker areas where there's more. If applied by sprayer, it may appear like “stripes”. Uneven roller application may leave darkened roller marks.
With a high-quality sealant—and this helpful guide—you can waterproof and protect your new concrete surfaces for years to come.
The application of a sealant helps extend the life of outdoor concrete by making it more resistant. It reinforces the density and hardness of the material, significantly increasing its tensile strength. This helps prevent cracks, scaling and water damage.
Leaving concrete unsealed will leave it with a flat look. The color will remain flatter and dull, in addition to the concrete remaining porous and easier to damage. Sealing the concrete will enhance the colors and give it more of a marble or mottled look, smoother and with richer colors.
Sealing your concrete isn't really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.
Solids, epoxies, and urethanes 50% or under are often applied DIY, but 100% solids, epoxies, and urethanes require special tools and professional application. If you use the siliconate penetrating sealers and acrylic topical coatings recommended above, you should have no problem applying yourself.
Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific sealer you are using. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours before driving on a newly sealed concrete driveway. However, depending on the specific circumstances, you may need to wait longer to ensure the sealer has properly dried and cured.
Colour sealing is preferred for driveways, carports, pathways and patios. Paint is a thick coating, gets slippery more easily, is prone to flaking and difficult to re-paint once worn.