Spring Sealing: Make Sure to Seal Your Patio and Driveway

As Springtime approaches, we want to remind you to seal your patio, walkway or driveway.

Sealing of new concrete should take place in less than 30 days after installation. Sealing within a few days before any staining from contaminants takes place provides improved resistance to weather, water, stains, and abrasives. Sealers also offer resistance to rain, sun, freezing temperatures, petroleum products, deicing salts, and debris such as leaves laying on the surface. Concrete sealers make clean up easier and also keeps the coloring looking fresh, over time. For older concrete, cleaning by power washing with sometimes a percent mixture of acid is necessary to remove any existing stains. Sealant applied over stains or existing old sealant will result in the new stain not penetrating as it should. What is noticeable before new sealant is applied will become more visible and unsightly. There are many types and qualities of sealers available. Poor preparation and the incorrect sealer can actually result in yellowing, peeling or bubbling of the sealant used. Removal of incorrectly applied sealants is very difficult and time-consuming, if not mostly impossible without possible damage to the actual concrete. Often it is best to contact a knowledgeable individual to evaluate the condition of the concrete surface before sealing takes place.

No one measure prevents the failure of concrete. It is combined knowledge, experience and application that will obtain the best outcome for the desired location and use of concrete. With Shamrock’s Attention to Detail, you will have this and more.

Author: Ryan Litchfield