It is so important to seal your concrete! Please don't skip this crucial step. We are here to help you. We service Indianapolis and all of Central Indiana for its concrete sealing needs. The concrete sealer is essential and must be applied to protect your concrete from surface damage, corrosion, and staining. When purchasing a new concrete design, whether it's for a concrete driveway, concrete patio, or concrete sidewalk, it is important to use the appropriate concrete sealer to get the most out of your concrete. Sealing your concrete will not only give you a beautiful dark rich color, but it will also ensure all of the water that gets on the surface runs right off. When water works its way into the concrete, it can cause it to crack and deteriorate the surface. The concrete sealer protects the concrete. Typically, the concrete sealer should be reapplied every 3 to 5 years. Even if you have an older concrete driveway and/or patio, it is important to seal your concrete. This is the perfect way to keep the concrete looking great while still preserving its lifespan.
We have been sealing concrete in and around the Indianapolis area for years. We have perfect ratings on Google, Facebook, and HomeAdvisor. If you are interested in getting your concrete sealed, we would be more than happy to be your concrete sealing contractor. We guarantee satisfaction, and our team is extremely knowledgeable and detailed when it comes to which concrete sealer is best for your concrete project.
Exterior concrete in any region subject to freeze-thaw cycles should be sealed. Indiana is one of them. Many people are surprised to learn that freeze-thaw regions include all of New Mexico, most of Texas, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and even portions of California, Louisiana, and Florida. In other regions, concrete should be sealed for specific purposes such as stain repellency, dust reduction, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, or to maintain an attractive appearance.
Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. Oil, salt, fertilizer, and other household chemicals can discolor and damage unsealed concrete.
High-performance topical coatings, such as epoxies and urethanes, will cost more -- typically $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot. In most cases, investing in a sealer is well worth the expense when you consider that the cost to replace concrete is generally $8 to $22 per square foot, depending on the type of finish you choose.
Solvent-based acrylic resin sealers and epoxies provide significant color enhancement and give concrete a high-gloss wet look. Water-based acrylic resin sealers provide moderate color enhancement and a satin appearance. Urethanes (generally applied as a topcoat over epoxy) are available in a wide range of finishes, from matte to gloss. Many sealers can also be colored with translucent or opaque tints.
Most acrylic-resin sealers and certain reactive penetrating sealers (siliconates and silicates) should be applied as soon as new concrete can withstand the weight of the installer. Other reactive penetrating sealers (silanes and siloxanes), such as epoxies and urethanes, should only be applied after the concrete is fully cured (generally 28 days). Almost all sealers can be applied after the concrete is 28 days old.
Again, that depends on the product you use. To repel water and deicing salts, use an acrylic-resin sealer or reactive penetrating sealers. If you also want to repel oil stains, use siliconate (a type of reactive penetrating chemical sealer). Be aware that petroleum distillates may weaken acrylic-resin sealers, and reactive penetrating sealers are generally weakened by acidic chemicals that chemically etch concrete. For resistance to these substances, use a high-performance epoxy or urethane system.
Reactive penetrating sealers generally have little effect upon the concrete surface profile or traction. Most topical coatings can affect concrete surface profile and may require the use of anti-skid additives in areas exposed to foot or vehicle traffic. We typically add a small amount of sand to our Concrete sealer to prevent any slipping hazards
Because they penetrate the concrete, reactive chemical sealers will last the longest and generally only wear away if the substrate surface itself wears away, which may be 10 years or longer. You can get similar performance by using an epoxy or urethane system, which generally lasts 5 to 10 years, depending on traffic exposure.
Concrete is locally made and can last for many decades with proper care. As sealers extend the useful life of concrete, they are an important component of green building, and their use can qualify them for additional LEED points. As for the sealer itself, water-based products are generally considered the most environmentally friendly. Some solvent-based sealers can't be sold in certain states, but new environmentally friendly solvents are now available. Contact your concrete sealer supplier to learn more about the regulations in your state.