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Do you Really Need a Concrete Sealer?

Do you Really Need Concrete Sealer?

When your concrete contractor has just finished your new concrete driveway, they may ask if you want to add a commercial-grade waterproof sealer. Most of us think they are trying to pull a fast one on us to get some extra money. But in reality, adding a sealer to your recently finished or existing concrete project is always a good idea!

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What is a Concrete Sealer?

A sealer penetrates the concrete where it then chemically reacts with the pores to form a water-repellent barrier that cannot be seen from the surface. Concrete is a porous substance that easily absorbs fluids. When fluids are absorbed the pours expand and can later disintegrate the concrete’s surface over time. So, adding a sealer is a great solution to protecting your concrete driveway, patio, or walkway from fluids damaging the structure.

Unsealed concrete projects can also be affected by salts, fertilizer, oil, and other household chemicals. Another thing to keep in mind is if you live in an environment that snows consistently and the roads are treated with sodium chloride, then it is definitely a great idea to protect your concrete with a sealer!

Types of Concrete Sealers

Integral Sealants: Added to concrete mix before leaving the plant so the sealing starts immediately after construction.

Penetrating Sealers: Penetrates the concrete and creates a chemical barrier that protects the concrete against moisture and other substances that harm your concrete. Penetrating sealers have a natural finish and will not change the appearance of your concrete. It also has a long lifespan and usually needs reapplication after 5+ years.

Decorative Sealers: Available in solvent-based and water-based formulations. This is the sealer to use when you want to change the finish of the concrete. It usually has a satin or shiny look once completed and can change the look and texture of the concrete.

How Sealer is Applied

Penetrating Sealers are applied as soon as the concrete project is finished being installed. The concrete contractor will then use a roller or a spray to make sure the coating of the sealer is evenly coated throughout the whole area.

Benefits of Purchasing a Sealer

Best Concrete Projects to Seal

Sealer is Environmentally Friendly!

Adding a sealer to your concrete project will protect your concrete and make it more durable. In doing that, it results in your concrete having a longer lifespan! Having your concrete last longer is a very important component to having an eco-friendly structure, which can earn you LEED points.

Regarding the sealer specifically, water-based sealers are considered one of the most environmentally friendly solutions. Although solvent-based sealers can not be sold in all states, there is a solvent alternative that has been created and is much more environmentally friendly.

Fun Fact about Sealers!

We at the Sam the Concrete Man offer a sealer for almost every single job we bid! We use a Silane Siloxane sealer that is one the most popular types of penetrating concrete sealers. This sealer useful on both indoor and outdoor concrete projects. If you purchase a sealer with Sam the Concrete Man, we offer a complimentary 1-year warranty, which is how we can guarantee quality work, no questions asked! 

Get a free estimate today if you are interested in starting a new concrete project such as a driveway, walkway, patio, sidewalk, or anything flatwork. Don’t forget to ask about a sealer!

Make Sure you Find the Right Concrete Expert to Seal your Job

We at the Sam the Concrete Man offer a sealer for almost every single job we bid! We use a Silane Siloxane sealer that is one the most popular types of penetrating concrete sealers. This sealer useful on both indoor and outdoor concrete projects. If you purchase a sealer with Sam the Concrete Man, we offer a complimentary 1-year warranty, which is how we can guarantee quality work, no questions asked! 

Find your local Sam the Concrete Man today if you are interested in starting a new concrete project such as a driveway, walkway, patio, sidewalk, or anything flatwork. Don’t forget to ask about a sealer!

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