How Often Should You Seal Concrete?

Is sealing concrete necessary?

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. Applying a concrete sealer is an easy project for a DIYer, and it will keep your concrete slabs looking good and potentially lasting longer.

How long do concrete sealers last?

You can get similar performance by using an epoxy or urethane system, which generally lasts 5 to 10 years depending on traffic exposure. Acrylic-resin sealers offer the shortest performance life – generally 1 to 3 years.

Should I seal my concrete driveway every year?

Sealing the driveway yearly can lead to unsightly hairline cracks and peeling. And concrete driveways should be sealed every four or five years to protect them from water penetration and to prolong their life. This is a good time of year for driveway work.

How long does concrete cure and seal last?

Concrete takes 28 days to fully cure and most concrete sealers require that the concrete is cured before sealing. There are however some sealers, referred to as Cure and Seals, that are designed specifically for concrete 2-28 days old.

What is a good concrete sealer?

Keep reading to find out more about choosing and using the best concrete sealers.

• BEST OVERALL: Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer.
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Rainguard Micro-Seal Penetrating Concrete Sealer.
• BEST PENETRATING: MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer.

Can you seal old concrete?

A: Yes! Old concrete can be sealed for the first time or resealed if it has been previously sealed with a concrete sealer. You want to make sure all mold, mildew, efflorescence, rust, grease and oil are removed from the concrete before sealing as you do not want to seal these elements into the concrete.

What is the longest lasting concrete sealer?

How long concrete sealers last:

• Penetrating sealers containing silicate, silane, or siloxane last longest, sometimes a lifetime.
• Soft acrylic coatings wear the fastest, needing reapplication every 1 to 3 years.
• Epoxies, polyurethanes and polyaspartics are much harder than acrylics lasting 5-10 years.

How long does it take for concrete sealer smell to go away?

It is not very predictable how long it will last, but it will go away depending on air movement. Therefore, to make it go away faster – don’t just ventilate for one day, then close up the building again. Let the ventilation go on until there is no more odor.

What does sealing concrete do?

Concrete sealers protect your concrete from weather exposure, water, grease and oil stains, abrasion and deicing salts. They also help bring out the natural beauty of your concrete and make it easier to clean.

Is driveway sealing worth it?

Kindler said sealing helps prolong the life of a driveway and should be a regular part of home maintenance. “If you seal-coat a driveway or a highway, the surface will last longer,” said Kindler, who teaches a pavement class at Ohio State University. “I would recommend doing it about every three years on a driveway.”

Does concrete sealer go bad?

The effective shelf-life of a one-part product is generally two to four years, though some experts recommend using the sealer up within 18 months to two years. Do not store an activated two-part sealer.

How do you clean concrete before sealing?

Clean the Concrete

1. Step 1: Clean the Surface. First, thoroughly sweep the surface of all dirt and debris.
2. Step 2: Deep-Clean. Remove any grease, oil, mastic or paint.
3. Step 3: Mop and Dry. After the stains have been removed, mop with floor cleaner and water.
4. Step 4: Fill Cracks.

Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?

For large scale applications sprayers are faster and more efficient; whereas paint rollers are less expensive and are more readily available. If you are going to be applying a decorative acrylic sealer or an epoxy floor coating it is best to use a 1/4″ or 3/8 nap roller.

How many coats of sealer can you put on concrete?

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.

How do you know if concrete is dry enough to seal?

You can’t tell if concrete is dry just by looking at its surface because the surface is nearly always drier than the center of the slab. The only way to know if concrete is dry is to test it.