Protecting Your Concrete Surfaces With A Seal Coat

Maintaining the concrete surfaces on your property can be necessary for preserving the overall appearance of your property as well as the structural integrity of these surfaces. Concrete sealing can be an effective way of reducing the wear and damage that these surfaces will experience, which can make it an important type of work to complete.

Does Concrete Sealer Only Protect The Surface Of The Concrete?

Due to the fact that concrete sealant is applied to the surface of your pavement, it is common for people to think that these coatings will only protect the concrete against cosmetic surface damages and issues. In reality, the concrete coating can be an effective tool for minimizing the damage that the interior of the concrete experiences due to moisture seeping through the pores on the surface of it. This is particularly important for concrete that has rebar inside it, as regular moisture exposure can increase the chances of the rebar prematurely corroding.

Should The Concrete Be Pressure Washed Prior To Applying The Sealant?

Depending on the concrete surface that is going to be sealed, there may be benefits to pressure washing first. This will remove dirt, fluids, and other substances from it so that the sealant can be applied directly to the surface of the concrete. Due to the need for the sealant to be applied to dry pavement, you should perform this preparation step the day or two prior to the scheduled date for the concrete surface sealing. This will give the surface enough time to fully dry while still also making sure that the concrete is clean enough for an effective coating of the sealant.

Will The Sealant Need To Be Protected Or Maintained?

Concrete sealant is a durable coating that will be able to last for years, but it can start to degrade if it is not properly maintained. In particular, deicing chemicals on concrete driveways can be a major source of wear for concrete sealants. If it is unavoidable for you to have to use these products, it can be worth the effort to thoroughly rinse the driveway as soon as the temperature starts to warm up. This will minimize the time that these abrasive and harsh chemicals are in contact with the sealant. Additionally, if you notice any cracks or other issues form in the concrete, a new coat of sealant will need to be applied after these damaged areas have been fully repaired and patched.