Why do I need to seal my concrete?
Perhaps you’ve had concrete grounds for your driveway, patio and walkways for years. Or perhaps you’re getting new concrete poured to renovate an outdoor living area. Either way, sealing your concrete surfaces is inherently important. Doing so provides the ultimate protection against the elements. As a result, you’ll find that the concrete has increased longevity, better visual appearance, protection from oil spills and other stains, and is mould and mildew resistant. What’s also important about this is that your curb appeal will be boosted, meaning the home’s value will significantly improve.
What if I decide not to seal my concrete?
If you choose not to seal your concrete surfaces, it may be ok for the first couple of years. But improper maintenance will most certainly lead to damage. Concrete is a porous material that will readily absorb liquid which can be damaging to its appearance. There are also a number of additional factors that will contribute to the wear and tear such as dirt, fertiliser, vehicle oil stains, pet urine, spilled drinks, etc. And once deterioration starts, it can often be too late to stop it. Therefore, it’s imperative that you find a concrete sealing solution for your Perth home or business sooner rather than later.
What exactly can I get sealed?
Cleaning professionals offer a wide range of services when it comes to concrete sealing. You can find Perth driveway sealing solutions, paving sealing solutions, patio sealing solutions, pool deck sealing solutions and more!
How to seal concrete.
Preparing the surface of the existing concrete prior to applying the sealing solution is extremely important. Any dirt, stains, grease, etc., that are already currently on the driveway must be removed prior to applying the sealer. If there are cracks on the concrete, these will need to be remedied with a quick-drying concrete filler to ensure that a completely level surface is achieved before sealing. Surfaces will also need to be swept to remove dust and debris that may prevent proper adhesion of the sealer.
You may also want to opt for a more thorough cleaning procedure for your concrete surfaces prior to getting them sealed. At DJL services, we provide a combination of high pressure cleaning and sealing solutions so you get both a brand new looking and protected outdoor area.
Once the concrete has been thoroughly cleaned, the sealer can be applied. There are generally two methods to doing this – either by using a roller or spray. What’s most important here however is that you ensure you maximise coverage of the surface. This has to be done in a way that prevents puddles or unevenness arising from poor application. Applying two thin coats, the first to obtain even coverage, and the second in the perpendicular direction to ensure proper sealing, will achieve best results.
It’s highly recommended that you hire a concrete sealing professional to complete your surface refurbishment as this can often be a cumbersome and potentially risky job for those who do not have the practice in doing it. For example, improper application of the sealer could lead to an uneven driveway or botched looking patio. Hiring an experienced professional is worth minimising this risk as most cleaning solutions come at a very affordable cost.
How long do I need to wait for concrete sealing after concrete has been placed?
If you’ve recently had concrete put down on your driveways, walkways, patio, etc. you’ll need to ensure that it is fully cured before opting for a sealing solution. If you don’t wait for long enough, you run the risk of harming the concrete’s potential strength. 30 days is a good minimum wait time you should establish between pouring the concrete and getting it sealed.
How long does it take the concrete sealer to dry?
Time of drying can vary depending on the sealer used but it is generally found that they dry quite quickly, only needing two-four hours to dry to the touch. This is often recommended as the time span that should be given between applying the first coat and the second coat of sealer. Sealers usually fully dry for traffic in 24-48 hours but this time is also dependent on temperature and humidity conditions.
How will my sealed surface look?
How your surface will look, depends on the type of sealer that is used. Most sealers are invisible as they penetrate into the surface of the concrete. However some can provide significant colour enhancement and give the concrete a glossy ‘wet look’. At DJL services, we have the option of using tinted sealers that provide an excellent make-over for old-looking pavers.
How long will my sealer last?
The duration of the sealer longevity will depend on a number of factors including the weather conditions and type of sealer used. Since they penetrate concrete, reactive chemical sealers generally last the longest as they will only be worn down if the substrate surface itself wears away. This can be ten years or longer. Other types of sealers, such as ones using an epoxy or urethane system will last five to ten years depending on the amount of traffic the surface is exposed to. Acrylic-resin sealers have the shortest performance life of generally one to three years.
Concrete Sealing Perth
So undoubtedly, getting your outdoor concrete sealed will not only refresh its look but ensure that it remains vibrant for a long time to come. DJL services are experts in driveway, patio and walkway concrete cleaning and sealing. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can deliver a long-term revamp to your home or business outdoor concrete areas today!