Q: Does Concrete Need to Be Sealed?

A: Concrete needs to be sealed, concrete needs to be sealed, concrete needs to be sealed! If you are asking us we are adamant that all concrete should be sealed. If left unsealed concrete is at high risk of decay, cracking, crumbling, rust, spalling, pitting and the list goes on a on. To cost to pour a new 500 square foot driveway is about $4000. The cost to seal this driveway with a high quality concrete sealer is less than $250. A penetrating concrete sealer can last upwards of ten years before needing to be reapplied. If left unsealed, in an area with high road salt usage and freeze-thaw cycling the concrete will need to be replaced in ten years. You do the math. It may seem like an additional expense at first, and your concrete will look all nice and tough and strong, but after one winter if left unsealed you will begin to see visual damage.

Concrete sealers can be used on any concrete application including concrete driveways, patios, basements, garage floors, brick, masonry, pavers, stone, stamped concrete and exposed aggregate. Tips to consider when choosing a concrete sealer include: what are you looking to achieve? If you are looking for the best overall and longest lasting sealer use a penetrating concrete sealer. Penetrating sealers do just as their name implies, they penetrate into the concrete to impregnate and seal from the inside out. They typically will leave a waterproof concrete surface which in turn keeps out the road salts, and they can contain additives to prevent oil stains. If you are looking enhance the substrate you can use a decorative concrete sealer. Decorative concrete sealers are typically acrylic based and they do just as their name implies they leave a nice decorative finish on the concrete giving the substrate a wet look or high gloss finish. If you are looking for a durable concrete coating that can be used in warehouse or industrial applications an epoxy floor coating can protect the concrete from forklift traffic, vehicle traffic, chemicals, acids and abrasions.

There are many different functions that concrete sealers provide and when it comes to choosing the best concrete sealer it really depends on the type of protection you are looking for. That being said when answering the question, “does concrete need to be sealed?” yes, if you do not want to be replacing the concrete you just poured or invested in you are going to want to use a concrete sealer.

If you are looking for product specific recommendations check out our best concrete sealers article.