Concrete sealing
Does concrete need to be sealed?
Poly-Lift · Published · Updated
Yes, especially in a climate that freezes. Concrete is full of tiny holes and cracks where moisture from rain and snowmelt seeps in, weakening it and encouraging mold. Sealing keeps that water out, and in a place like Cache Valley it is worth resealing every year or two.
Whether you have a driveway or a patio, sealing your concrete is one of the simplest ways to make it last. Concrete has small holes and cracks in the surface, and when moisture from rain or melting snow seeps in it can weaken the concrete or even cause mold to form. A good seal locks that water out.
How often should you seal concrete?
In a freeze-thaw climate like Cache Valley, reseal your concrete every year or two. Our winters bring frost heave, road salt and ice, and keeping a fresh seal on the concrete keeps water out of the surface.
Can you seal new concrete?
Yes. Concrete can be sealed immediately after it is poured, or any time after that, so a new driveway does not have to wait. Poly-Lift seals fresh pours and existing concrete alike.
How soon can you drive on sealed concrete?
After about 24 hours. The sealant needs roughly a day to cure before it is ready for vehicle traffic.
When should you seal cracks in concrete?
As soon as you notice them. Sealing a crack early keeps water from working under the slab and making the problem worse, which is why we grout the cracks and seams before we seal the surface.
What do you seal concrete with?
You seal concrete with a sealer sprayed over the clean surface, and the three types you will hear about most are:
- Acrylic resin-based sealers, the least expensive option, good for basic protection and appearance
- Epoxy and polyurethane sealers, which last longer and stand up to more wear
- Penetrating sealers, which soak in for the deepest protection
What happens if you do not seal concrete?
Unsealed concrete takes on water, and in our winters that water freezes and expands inside the slab. Over repeated freeze-thaw cycles the surface spalls, flakes, and cracks, and the color fades.
Pros and cons of sealing a concrete driveway or patio
Sealing has three main pros and one con. The con is that a sealer can sometimes make the surface slippery, though we can talk through finish options so it keeps the traction you need. The pros:
- Keeps water out, so freeze-thaw, frost heave, road salt and ice cannot spall or crack the surface
- Resists oil and chemicals dripped on a driveway
- Keeps the concrete looking new and preserves its color
What to expect during a seal
We start by cleaning the concrete and clearing the seams, then grout the cracks so water cannot creep underneath. After the grout dries we spray the sealant in smooth, even strokes and let it cure for about a day. When it is done, your driveway or patio is protected and looks great.
Ready to protect your concrete?
If you are in the Logan, UT area, Poly-Lift can seal a fresh pour or existing concrete any time. Reach out for a free estimate.