About Concrete Sealing and Resealing
Concrete sealing protects surfaces from water, staining, freeze-thaw damage, and wear. Commercial concrete benefits from appropriate sealing to extend service life, maintain appearance, and reduce maintenance requirements. Different sealers address different needs.
Penetrating sealers absorb into concrete without changing surface appearance, providing protection from within. These sealers are appropriate for exterior concrete where natural appearance is desired and traffic wear would damage film-forming products.
Film-forming sealers create protective layers on the surface, enhancing appearance and providing additional wear resistance. These products are appropriate for interior floors and protected exterior areas where the coating can be maintained.
Commercial sealing programs should match sealer types to specific applications and include periodic resealing as products wear. We help property owners select appropriate sealers and develop maintenance programs for long-term protection.
What’s Included
- Surface assessment and preparation
- Cleaning and contamination removal
- Previous coating removal if needed
- Moisture testing
- Appropriate sealer application
- Multiple coats where specified
- Cure time management
- Maintenance schedule recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should commercial concrete be resealed?
Resealing frequency depends on sealer type and traffic. Penetrating sealers may last 5-10 years; film-forming sealers on high-traffic floors may need recoating every 1-2 years. We recommend sealer-specific maintenance schedules.
What is the difference between penetrating and film-forming sealers?
Penetrating sealers absorb into concrete to protect from within without changing appearance. Film-forming sealers create surface coatings that enhance appearance but require more maintenance. Selection depends on application and aesthetic requirements.
Can you seal exterior concrete in winter?
Most sealers require temperatures above 50F for application and cure. Winter sealing requires monitoring weather windows or using specialty products designed for cold application. We schedule accordingly for seasonal limitations.
Do sealers prevent all staining?
Sealers improve stain resistance but cannot prevent all staining. Prompt cleanup of spills remains important. Some substances like battery acid or harsh chemicals can damage even sealed concrete.
How do you prepare concrete for sealing?
Surface preparation includes cleaning, removal of previous coatings if present, and verification of adequate dryness. Proper preparation is essential for sealer performance. Rushing preparation leads to sealer failure.