Concrete Sealer | Enright Asphalt, Concrete, & Snow

Types of Concrete Sealers

Depending on the type of concrete project you’re investing in, you may or may not need concrete sealer to finish it off. A concrete sealant helps protect the top layer from water damage and other types of damage. It’s mostly to make your concrete less permeable, so that water can’t seep in and eventually cause issues that crack the concrete. For some projects, using a sealant makes sense, especially for outdoor concrete. For indoor concrete, you may not need a sealer based on the project.

For indoor projects, you’re often using concrete for countertops or floors. Most countertops will already be pre-coated with a sealant to help lock in the color and texture. For floors, it varies. If you’re using concrete for a basement floor, you may not seal it if you’re placing carpet or wood flooring on top of it. If it’s outdoors, such as a concrete patio, you may choose a sealant if the patio is exposed. It helps protect the concrete and keep it in good condition versus the elements.

If you’re not sure whether or not you want to use a concrete sealer for your project, consult a concrete professional for their advice. They can give you a full estimate for the project, including using a sealer, and give you the big picture of what you should do for the long-term protection of concrete and cement on your property.

When you’re taking on a concrete project by yourself, it’s important to understand all the steps involved. This includes everything from buying concrete to pouring it to what to do after it sets. Concrete sealers are used as one of the last steps in a concrete project. They protect the concrete from surface damage, staining and corrosion. Not all concrete projects need a sealer, so let’s look at whether your project does or not.

Do You Need a Concrete Sealer?

Depending on the project, you may or may not need a concrete sealer. Most concrete companies will recommend one, even for something as unfinished as an outdoor patio or basement. This helps protect the concrete from the elements along with wear and tear. In the long run, it can save you money on repairs and issues that may be avoided by using a concrete sealing solution to begin with.

Most concrete companies and specialists will sell you the entire package, including sealing. This is the best deal for consumers, because it includes everything to keep your concrete project in working condition well into the future. However, if you’re doing a small project or an unfinished project, you may not want to invest the additional money in it. It all depends on the project.

One of the biggest perks of going with a concrete sealing and spending the additional money on it is that it helps block the pores in concrete. That reduces the absorption of water, salt and creates an impermeable layer which protects the concrete long-term. For some, this added benefit is well worth the upfront cost to use concrete sealing from the get go instead of having to repair concrete down the line.

Work with a concrete specialist to determine if you need concrete sealing. Chances are you will and the investment will be worth it.