When the moisture gets into the concrete, it can cause deformation by enlarging when it freezes. This is why it's essential to use a
The biggest reason to seal coat your driveway? It creates a protective barrier against the cold. The frequent freeze-thaw patterns of wintertime can wreak havoc on unprotected driveways.
After discussing the factors you need to look for and the regional location of the project, in broad terms, Spring is in fact the best time of year to seal concrete. With its moderate temperatures and humidity levels, it tends to provide ideal conditions for the application and curing of sealers.
When it comes to choosing the best concrete sealer for winter climates you are going to want to use a penetrating concrete sealer preferably with a silane component. Silanes are excellent salt and chloride repellents that are able to protect concrete from damaging spalls, cracks and unsightly pitting.
A: Yes! Old concrete can be sealed for the first time or resealed if it has been previously sealed with a concrete sealer.
An unsealed concrete floor is going to be more reactive and sensitive to changes in temperature. It will freeze in cold climates and expand in warm ones. This can cause crumbling, chipping, and cracking.
Left unsealed, the colors will fade, water marks may be an issue, and stains can penetrate leaving ugly oil spots where the service guy left his old jalopy parked on the driveway. It's pure and simple, the job just won't last without a good sealer.
The answer depends on the surface's square footage. For large surfaces such as commercial floors, a sprayer is faster and way more efficient. Finally, for small surfaces, such as garages or any other exterior surface, a paint roller or any other type of roller will do the trick. Rolling is a less expensive process.
Sealing your concrete isn't really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. 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.
Once applied, sealers create a chemical reaction and the outside temperature decides how fast that reaction occurs—or if it happens at all. Most manufacturers recommend 50 to 90 degrees as the ideal temperature range for applying concrete sealer.
Applying sealers to your existing concrete is best done in the fall months of September or October but if you haven't got around to it yet, it's not too late. Some sealers can even be used when the outside temperatures reach as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To apply your sealer make sure the concrete is completely dry.
Outdoor concrete sealers are not only worthwhile but necessary. Experts who recommend having a concrete surface sealed are doing their customers a big favor. Without this extra layer of protection, concrete will absorb moisture and may begin to crack, spall, flake, and discolor, among other things.
While we still recommend those with cracks developing try to get their asphalt seal coated before it gets too cold, spring is really the best time for seal coating. It means your driveways and parking lots look great for the entire year, and warm spring weather is the perfect temperature for a well-set coat.
Concrete performs quite adequately if it is never sealed at all, but applying a good quality sealer every few years will extend its life and keep it looking good. This is especially true if you have a stained or etched concrete driveway or patio.
One of the biggest disadvantages of concrete driveway sealing is the cost. The materials and labor required to seal a concrete driveway properly can be expensive. In addition, concrete driveways that are improperly sealed can trap moisture underneath the surface, which can lead to problems such as mold and mildew.
Concrete sealers are best applied in two thin coats. The first coat of sealer acts like a primer. Most of it will disappear into the concrete surface, and the concrete will probably look fairly unattractive after the first coat. The second thin coat will provide an even finish, color enhancement and gloss.
Air Temperature: In a perfect world, concrete sealers should be applied when the outside temperatures is within 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit. While this temperature range isn't always achievable depending on the time of year and where you are located, there are some safe and manageable work-arounds.
Resealing your driveway is a recurring cost, but it's a good investment. Resealing is less expensive than having to resurface your entire driveway again due to damage.
The best way to ensure your concrete surfaces do not get damaged in the winter months is to shovel frequently (preferably with a plastic shovel) and keep your concrete surfaces clear of all ice, snow or snow melt.
Additionally, if temperatures reach below 40 °F (but not freezing) during set time, concrete will take much longer to reach required strength. However, if the correct measures are taken, concrete can still be successfully placed during even the coldest months of the year.
Concrete can be described as a hard sponge that soaks up oil and water-based spills. Easily marked by tires and outdoor elements, it is important to seal the surface, so it looks beautiful year-round. The other benefit to sealing concrete is improved cleaning and maintenance.
You can seal existing concrete at any time and on multiple occasions. Sealing your old concrete can assist in restoring its appearance. For existing slabs, make sure to clean the surface before applying another sealer.