Help ensure the concrete’s longevity and have your concrete sealed. Concrete should be sealed as soon as it is cured, which is in roughly 28 days unless you are going to add an overlay to your new concrete. Concrete is porous and absorbs any liquid easily. Sealing concrete prevents the two most common forms of damage:
- freeze-thaw damage that is common in the Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio region
- staining due to oil, salt, and other chemicals that can cause discoloration
Concrete sealing should be done to any interior and exterior structure that might be affected including:
- steps
- driveways
- porch and patios
- fireplaces and fire pits
- garage floors
- basement floors
- covered walkways
Sealing concrete does incur an additional cost, but but it protects your larger investment in your property. The cost of sealing (or resealing) largely depends on the sealant used and the finish desired.
Concrete Sealing options range from invisible clear coatings to urethane coatings which come in a range of colors and finishes. The type of concrete sealer also depends on what kind of protection you are seeking such as
- repel water
- deicing salts
- household chemicals
- industrial chemicals
- oils
Why shouldn’t I just seal/reseal my concrete by myself?
There are two reasons. First, the best bang for your buck comes from high performance sealers that are best applied by professional because they require special tools and application techniques. Second, if you are adding a sealer to prevent or fix existing damage you should have someone evaluate the concrete to see if there isn’t a bigger problem.
Contact Us Today
Concrete Repair Specialists is located just north of Pittsburgh and we serve Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. To learn more about how we can repair and improve the look of concrete in your business or home, contact us today.