How much do concrete sealers cost?

The price will vary depending on which sealer you are purchasing. Penetrating sealers (including silanes, silicates, and siloxanes) have an average cost ranging between $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot. Topical sealers (such as epoxies and urethanes) range between $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot for a high-performance coat.

How long do concrete sealers last?

The life expectancy of the protective layer depends on which concrete sealer is selected. Chemical sealers that penetrate deep into the surface will have the longest life-span, wearing away at ten years or more. Epoxy or urethane sealants have a similar life-span, reaching five to ten years depending on usage. Finally, Acrylic-resin sealers have the shortest life, with only one to three years expected before needing to reseal.

Does sealed concrete require maintenance?

General maintenance of your concrete surface will help prolong the life of your product. Simple actions like removing loose debris from your outdoor driveway can help maintain it. Consider adding in dust mopping and wet mopping for your indoor concrete. Avoid any unnecessary and unsuitable chemicals for cleaning your floor as they can damage the sealant’s integrity and cause it to lose its protective qualities. As you tend to your concrete, if you find cracks or scratches on the surface, it is best to seal them. This precaution will help prevent water from getting into the concrete pores and damaging the surface. And finally, be prepared to reapply sealant over time, whether at the end of the suspected life-span or to cover up small, repaired cracks along the way.

What is the best type of sealer to use on concrete?

There are various available concrete sealers of different chemical types, each offering distinct advantages: Acrylics act as a cost-effective option and are often used outdoors because of their non-yellowing nature and UV protection. These sealers can be water- and solvent-based. Epoxies have a lasting finish and are what you find in high foot traffic locations like shops and restaurants. This abrasion-resistant surface has great water-repelling qualities, making it an excellent choice for concrete countertops as well. Polyurethane and urethanes are great for garages and areas of industrial use. These sealers are resistant to oil and harsh chemicals. These sealers are often thicker than other sealants and can be twice as thick as acrylic. Silicates and siloxanes give your concrete protection against moisture on top of a clear, natural look. These sealants come in both water- and solvent-based options, with the differences being in sheen and VOC content.

Can I reapply concrete sealer?

Yes, and you should reapply your concrete sealer as needed. Refer to the expected life-span of the product and its recommendations. Depending on how heavily used the location is, resealing times may vary.

How do you prep concrete before sealing?

Start by clearing the surface of dirt and loose debris, including cleaning up any oil or grease spills. Use a safe cleaning product to clean the surface, distributing it evenly across the surface using a large brush or broom. Allow it to stand for 10-20 minutes before using a stiff-bristle brush or broom to scrub the concrete. Rinse the surface with clean, high-pressure water from a hose nozzle or pressure washer. Remove excess water and allow the concrete to dry to the point that it feels like medium grit sandpaper before applying the sealer. Additional notes: When preparing the concrete, do not use a metal brush at any cleaning stage. To distribute cleaning solution, consider using a plastic watering can for even distribution. When scrubbing the concrete surface, do not allow the concrete to dry at this stage. If at the end you find the concrete still has dust on it, repeat the rinsing and drying step again until it is clean and ready for sealing.

Do you need to sand the concrete before sealing?

You can sand down your concrete surface as part of your cleaning preparation for sealing. While smoothing your concrete with a sander is not an essential step in the sealing process, there are reasons to sand concrete. If your concrete surface is damaged, uneven, or poorly poured, sanding can help make it level and ready for sealant. After sanding down your concrete, it is recommended that you clean and seal your surface to prevent issues down the line.

Is it better to roll or spray a concrete sealer?

Whether you want to roll or spray your concrete sealer will depend on the type of sealer you chose and your space’s size. Penetrating concrete sealer can be applied both ways and mostly comes down to a matter of preference. Not sure which to use? Refer back to the instructions provided on your preferred concrete sealer to see what the manufacturer recommends. When applying an acrylic or epoxy sealer, it is best to use a nap roller. The recommended rollers for both water- and solvent-based sealers are 1/4-to-3/8 naps, but even with these, rolling becomes a problem when the sealant’s solids content is above 35%. When dealing with high-solid content sealant, consider a lamb’s wool applicator (wrapping a wool rag around a wooden block) or a T-bar (a straight metal edge). You can find the solids content often written as percent solids on the container.

Should I pressure wash concrete before sealing?

You can pressure wash your concrete as part of your cleaning preparation before sealing. It is important to note that pressure washing can damage concrete surfaces if misused. Ensure you are using the proper nozzle, not using excessive pressure when spraying the concrete, and ensuring that you do not spray too close or too long on any particular spot.

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A concrete sealer is used to protect your concrete from damage and can be topical or penetrating. When you use a sealant, you are adding a protective barrier to your porous concrete. In regions that experience a freeze-thaw cycle, water can absorb into your unsealed concrete and expand, destroying the surface. Sealers can be used on indoor concrete surfaces to protect against stains, dust, and abrasions while maintaining your surfaces’ attractiveness.

Topical and penetrating sealers act as the two primary options of concrete sealing.

A topical concrete sealer rests on top of the concrete and acts as a protective layer. It is often a thin layer expected to wear down over time, with regular reapplication required. Since topical sealers rest on top of the concrete, some sealers may change the concrete’s appearance.

Penetrating concrete sealer soaks deep into your concrete surface and chemically reacts within the material. These sealers last a long time and require less reapplication in comparison to the topical variant. Since they absorb deep into the concrete, they act to keep water out without changing the concrete’s appearance. Penetrating sealers are most commonly made of siloxanes and silanes, giving the concrete a clear and natural look. The problem with this economical choice is their high content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Penetrating sealers can be solvent or water-based, with the forming having a brighter sheen and the latter having a lower VOC content.

The sustainable features of concrete and the sealers come from the extension of life on the product. With a longer life-span of a product, there is reduced demand for replacement materials.

Of the concrete sealers, water-based products are more environmentally friendly, with some solvent-based products not sold in certain states.

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