Concrete is one of the most popular materials for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and more. Sealing concrete is an excellent way to extend its life and protect against premature deterioration. To extend the life of your concrete surface, it's recommended to apply a cure and seal product when the concrete is poured and then a sealer once every 2-3 years.
Sealing concrete can also enhance its appearance by deepening the color and providing a sheen, depending on the sealer you choose. All concrete sealing will help to protect exterior concrete from the risks of damage caused by the freeze-thaw cycle. With the right concrete sealing services, you can extend the life of your concrete, reduce maintenance costs, and improve its appearance.
With sealing, you can protect your concrete against damage from the freeze-thaw cycle that occurs in the Minnesota climate. Concrete is a porous material that absorbs water. When this water freezes, it expands, and when it thaws, it contracts. This expansion and contraction create inconsistencies and result in cracks, holes and spalling.
Another reason to get concrete sealing services is to help keep it from staining. Since concrete is a porous material, sealing it will reduce the chance of it staining from things like oil, dirt, grease, and chemicals. This makes it much easier to clean and maintain.
Unlike sealcoating asphalt, where you have to wait six months, the best time to seal concrete projects is when they freshly poured.
Maintaining correct hydration during the curing process will determine the durability of your new concrete surface.
Curing means maintaining the correct moisture levels in concrete for the right amount of time so that the concrete reaches desired strength. When installed, the water in the concrete is more than enough for curing; however, if the concrete dries out too fast the it will not have enough time to reach the proper strength.
Applying a cure and seal product creates a thin film over the top of the fresh concrete. This layer restricts moisture evaporation, ensuring proper moisture throughout the slab. Your concrete will cure much harder, providing you with a surface that will last for decades.
Concrete sealers last an average of two to three years, but their longevity can vary based on the wear and tear your concrete undergoes. You can perform a simple test to determine if you need to reseal your concrete. Simply pour water on the concrete and note if the water beads up on the surface. If there are no water beads, then the seal has worn off.
It takes about one to two days to seal concrete. The first step is to clean the concrete surface thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and oils. After a day, the concrete will dry, and you can apply the sealer. The sealant will dry in roughly 12 to 24 hours and be ready to use.
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