Concrete is a fantastic choice for paving driveways, walkways, garage floors, and other exterior surfaces and it’s no wonder why. With the right care, it can last for many years without ever needing to be repaired. But that’s the key here, without proper care, concrete is at risk of all kinds of damage. This is where concrete sealing comes in.
Why Seal Your Concrete?
Sealing concrete surfaces is incredibly important to protect it from cracks and shrinkage but the benefits of sealing concrete don’t stop there. A sealer protects concrete surfaces from elements like oil, chemicals, salt, the sun and moisture. But if you’re still on the fence, here are four reasons why homeowners should always seal their exterior concrete.
Reason 1: Protect Your Concrete from Damage
While concrete certainly seems pretty tough, it’s actually a porous material that can absorb water, which can cause damage over time. Freeze-thaw cycles, UV rays, and abrasion can cause pitting and spalling, which are common issues caused by exposure to the elements. Pitting is small holes on the surface of the concrete and spalling is the flaking or scaling of the surface.
And if water alone can do damage, then accidental spills from oils and acid based products can cause serious problems too.
That’s why it’s so important to ensure your concrete has been sealed. So, what does concrete sealer do?
A sealer will create a barrier on the surface that will protect it from water and other elements. This barrier will also help prevent the concrete from absorbing water, which can cause damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
Reason 2: Protect Your Concrete from Mold and Mildew
If you’ve ever seen concrete that looks spotty and grubby, this is likely from mold. Mold and mildew can grow on concrete solids that are exposed to moisture, which not only causes discoloration, but it can also lead to damage.
So much of this damage stems from water and your best bet for keeping your concrete safe is using a sealer. Because it seals the surface of your concrete, stopping water from being absorbed, mold and mildew won’t have any opportunity to grow.
Don’t know how to seal pavers? Get in touch for a free estimate today!
Reason 3: Increase Your Concrete’s Longevity
Your concrete driveway will go through a lot of wear and tear over the years. Everything from your climate’s harsh weather to vehicles to foot traffic. All these factors can eventually take their toll unless you use a proper sealant.
Sealing concrete driveways not only protects your concrete, it extends its lifespan and means it could last up to 30 years before you even need to start thinking about new concrete.
Cost to Seal Concrete
The cost of concrete sealer can depend on a few factors. Sealing concrete yourself will obviously be cheaper than hiring a professional but that also increases the risks of getting things wrong.
Similarly, the type of sealer you use makes a big difference to the price. For example, you can expect an epoxy sealer to cost more than an acrylic sealer.
But for a more simple rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between $0.26 to $0.58 per square foot on average for a decent penetrating sealer for your exterior concrete. So, if you had a sq.ft driveway, then you can expect to pay a total cost between $130 and $300 in materials.
Get a Free Estimate Today
Sealing concrete surfaces is so important if you want them to last for the long haul. Whether it’s concrete driveways, concrete floors or even a concrete patio, you always want to make sure you’re using a sealer.
And while it is possible to seal concrete yourself as a DIY job, it’s probably not the best idea. Concrete sealing is a precise job that takes experience, understanding and of course, the right team.
At Keep It Clean Florida, our team of experts have been doing this for years and know exactly how to get the job done right, every time. So, if you’re looking to get your concrete sealed, then why not get in touch and get a free estimate today!
