Sealing concrete is essential for extending the life of surfaces and improving their durability. Concrete sealing helps protect concrete from chemical degradation, waterproofing, and wear and tear due to its natural exposure to the elements. Proper sealing will prevent unattractive staining, cracking, fading, and chipping. It will also protect against mold growth in concrete surfaces, as well as protect them from salts and other pollutants. Whether you need to protect your home’s driveway, poolside patio, walkways, or commercial place of business, it’s important to understand the importance of sealing concrete along with the advantages it provides. 

Understand The Basics Of How Sealing Concrete Can Benefit Your Home Or Business

Concrete Sealing chicago provides a number of benefits that can improve aesthetic appeal and even extend the life of your concrete surfaces. Sealing concrete imparts a glossy finish that is resistant to abrasive elements, creating a clean look that is also far easier to clean and maintain. Sealing concrete helps to prevent erosion and staining of the surface caused by exposure to harsh elements, such as acids, chemicals, gas, oils, and automotive fluids, as well as ultraviolet rays from the sun. Helps to repair minor imperfections in the fabric and joints of a concrete surface. This is because it creates a waterproof barrier that will help to keep moisture from seeping through the surface of your concrete and causing cracks or other common issues. 

Learn When And How Often To Seal Concrete For Maximum Protection

One of the most important aspects of preserving your concrete surfaces is to make sure that you seal it at the right time and with the correct product because not all sealing procedures are the same. You should generally seal your concrete a month or two after it has been installed and apply a sealant every 3-5 years thereafter. Applying a sealant too soon after installation may trap moisture inside the concrete which causes it to be more prone to cracking, while leaving concrete unsealed for too long can lead to staining, oil and gas leakage, and premature aging. 

Identify Durable And Reliable Sealing Options For Concrete

When it comes to choosing a sealing product for your concrete surface, there are a wide variety of options available. You can choose from solvent-based sealers, acrylic sealers, high-thickness acrylic latex sealers, cementitious sealers, and quartz aggregate sealers. Each of these products offers different levels of protection from weathering, UV rays, and other sources of damage. It is important to identify the right sealer for your specific surface based on what the concrete is exposed to and how long it will take to perform the job. 

Know The Cost And Time Investment Involved With Sealing Concrete

The cost of sealing concrete will vary depending on the type of sealer used and the size of the surface to be protected. Professional sealing costs usually range from around $1 to $5 per square foot, depending on the type of sealer used, with more expensive options providing more resilient protection. The cost of labor to complete sealing projects is additional and will also vary depending on the scope of the job. Generally, sealing a surface takes one to two days to complete, with simpler jobs requiring only a few hours of work.

Discover Ways To Prolong Concrete Performance By Sealing

When you seal your concrete surface, you are helping to create a barrier of protection against the damaging factors mentioned above, adding many years to the surface’s lifespan. In fact, concrete that is regularly resealed and maintained can last for decades without wear or tear, and continue to look great. Sealing concrete also helps protect against the corrosion of metal reinforcing bars from high salt and deicer exposure, preventing costly repairs and potential injury.

Understand How To Properly Maintain Sealed Concrete Surfaces

The key to making sure that your sealed concrete surfaces remain strong and while looking great is proper maintenance. Concrete surfaces that have been sealed should be cleaned regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner and broom. Avoid using harsh chemicals or any other cleaners not made specifically for concrete surfaces. For oil or grease stains, use a degreaser to try and get rid of the stain. If you notice any discoloration or fading, make sure to reseal the concrete as soon as possible for optimal protection. 

Decide If Sealing Concrete Is Right For Your Needs And Budget

Sealing your concrete surfaces is an important step in maintaining their appearance and lifespan. Before going ahead with a job, it’s important to carefully evaluate your needs and assess your budget to see if it’s the right option for you. Properly done, your will beautify it while providing superior protection against infiltration and erosion that could cause costly damage over time. 

Conclusion

Sealing concrete is an important step to take in order to protect and maintain surfaces. Sealing your concrete will create a barrier against the elements, potentially adding decades to the lifespan of the surface. It also provides superior protection from staining, fading, and cracking. Knowing all the advantages that come with, it and understanding when and how to properly do so, can help you keep your concrete looking great and long-lasting.