There is considerable debate about if it is necessary to apply a sealer to concrete driveways and other concrete surfaces, and if so, how often it should be done. The only solution for bringing back that like-new look is a fresh application of sealer. It doesn’t matter if you have a decorative concrete driveway or need to seal a concrete patio – what is vital is the fact you have to maintain everything. A concrete sealant is typically made of epoxy, polyurethane, or some sort of penetrating resin. Last update: Feb 6, 2021 1 answer. Pour a ¼ cup of water onto your granite countertop and note how long it takes to absorb. Is it in a high-traffic area, a walkway, patio or finished-basement floor? A safe bet is to reseal every two to three years; wait much longer and the seal will come undone, but resealing too often adds sealer where it’s not needed and delaminates the … Sealing products can not be used on newly poured concrete. When you seal your concrete floor you provide a barrier. The period in which the stamped concrete driveway should be sealed should be no less than once every 2 or 3 years, depending on the type of climate that the stamped concrete driveway is exposed to as well as the wear and tear that the concrete … As an alternative, you can consider cleaning it by spraying the concrete with water, however, you will need to wait at least 24 hours to allow drying of the surface. But there are several factors which can vary that approximation. The right sealer will keep your stamped concrete looking great for many years, or rejuvenate an existing stamped surface. If you are a homeowner with a stamped concrete driveway, pool deck, patio, or walkway you are well aware that a stamped surface will lose that beautiful looking luster over time. The cost to seal this driveway with a high quality concrete sealer is less than $250. One 5-gallon pail of sealer will cover approximately 1,000 square feet. If the stamped concrete has been colored a lot of times a sealer will be used to enhance the colors, patterns and the textures. to protect your investment. There are many types of concrete sealers. These preferences will guide you to choose the best sealant for your patio. If left unsealed, in an area with high road salt usage and freeze-thaw cycling the … Solvent based acrylic concrete sealers are topical in nature so they need to be reapplied every year to every few years. One 5-gallon pail of sealer will cover approximately 1,000 square feet. Most contractors wait 7 to 14 days, but the official time for curing is 28 days. This gives you an opportunity to apply the sealer without it drying too quickly. Absolutely no sealing … The biggest factors to consider are the age of the concrete, weather conditions, and dry times. Penetrating concrete sealers on the other hand do not provide any enhancement to the stamped concrete; however, they are able to last much longer. Surface sealants that once enhanced the appearance of your stamped concrete … It protects against threats such as standing water, caustic chemicals, and normal wear-and-tear. Additionally, acrylic sealants provide a bit more traction, lessening the opportunity for slip-and-fall injuries to you, your friends or family members. Owners of asphalt driveways often seal them too frequently, and owners of concrete driveways don't seal … They may end up causing cracks or moisture damage if you live in an area with heavy precipitation. By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage. The good news is that the sealer is taking all of the abuse which means that the stamped concrete itself remains protected and in tact. Conclusion. Although customers want their stamped concrete to retain its original lustre forever, it is not possible without ongoing maintenance of the seal coat. It doesn't hurt the … Best Concrete Water Oil and Stain Repellent Sealer with Saltguard. Acrylic sealants require more frequent applications, but do provide quality protection. We are experienced in decorative concrete and can answer all of your concrete sealing questions. But one of the most commonly asked questions is—how often should you seal your driveway? How often should you seal your exterior concrete? This is because the chemicals in the water or the salts in the pool water will wear away at the coating over time. This week’s blog offers tips for knowing when it’s time to seal and how to best achieve the desired look. A quality sealer will greatly enhance the beauty of your concrete patio or deck. Most commonly, pavers are used for driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and more. How often do you need to re-seal stamped concrete? Consider them for stamped concrete and broom-finished concrete patios. Exactly. Enhances Colors and Adds Shine – There are many different types of sealers and there are types that darken the current color of a patio … Your pavers will start to get darker when exposed to water. Whether you have stamped concrete, decorative concrete, or a simple concrete floor in your garage, basement, or patio, sealing your floor is the best and surest way to prevent degradation and keep it looking tip-top for years to come. If you plan on sealing your driveway yourself, you should avoid sealants from general retailers. There are different application methods you can use to seal … Do you store heavy equipment, and caustic chemicals in your garage, shed, or work room, exposing your concrete to additional threats of damage? Generally speaking, sealing a concrete driveway every 2 to 3 years is normal. Finishing concrete properly is a skill that is only acquired through experience, so you may try practicing pouring concrete on smaller projects before tackling a patio or a driveway. For the best results, the concrete surface should be clean and dry. Re-sanding a paver patio is very important; without doing so, you may lose some stability in your paver patio and the pavers may begin to separate. Protect Your Home With Regular Concrete Sealing. The Siloxa-Tek 8505 concrete sealer is the best... HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO SEAL STAMPED CONCRETE. The penetrating-resin concrete sealer is much more expensive. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind before resealing that concrete floor. Solvent based acrylics are popular choices to seal stamped concrete. Exposure to intense weather of any kind will impact the life of your concrete floor. A penetrating concrete sealer can last upwards of ten years before needing to be reapplied. Proper sealing is an essential component of exposed aggregate concrete maintenance. What happens if I don’t seal my concrete? Sealing your concrete isn’t really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. Known as … Keep in mind that it is very important that sealers used on exterior concrete allow both air and moisture to pass through. Once you begin sealing your patio, you must continue to do so. If your concrete is new, you'll need to let it cure; wait at least one month before … In addition to enhancing the appearance, concrete sealers can protect the concrete from staining and corrosion, increasing the life of the concrete. You can test the absorption rate of your granite to determine how much and how often you should seal. Concrete patio finishes. As we’ve mentioned earlier, 3-5 years is a good rule of thumb. Instead, most websites only offer information that directly supports their product, which may or may not be the best actual advice. Polyurethane and resin sealers will be much more occlusive. Consider the location and use of your concrete. These products may not be as superior as the sealants you can get from your local concrete contractor. 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