Are you getting ready to invest in a new concrete driveway or parking lot?
If so, you might be thinking, “why seal concrete when it’s already such a strong and durable material?”
Yes, concrete is tough. Some even believe it was used to build the pyramids in Egypt.
But it’s not invincible.
And if you want to get the most out of a concrete project, then you’ll want to strongly consider sealing it.
Why Seal Concrete?
Aside from being cost-effective and relatively easy to apply, there are many other benefits to using a sealant.
Among those benefits are:
1. Protection
Of course, your concrete is exposed to the elements. From the heat of the blazing sun to hard rains and possibly damaging ice and snow.
But then there’s also the oil spills and other stains that come from cars, trucks and other vehicles.
All of these can damage your concrete, so it’s important to protect it with a sealer.
Plus, a concrete sealer will lock out moisture – thereby lessening the damage that comes from freezing and thawing
2. Extended Life
An average concrete driveway can last 25-30 years. The operative word being “can.”
While you can expect that sort of life from your concrete, you’ll likely end up replacing it sooner if you don’t protect it. Without sealant, it’ll suffer from discoloration, cracking or even crumbling.
But when you opt to seal your concrete, you increase the chance that your concrete will last for those 25-30 years.
3. Increased Durability
Keeping your concrete looking great is one thing. Keeping it functional is another.
When your exterior concrete is repeatedly exposed to the harsh elements, it gets weakened. Then cracking, scaling and other concrete problems can occur.
By sealing your concrete, you enhance its durability – which can prevent damage. So to keep your concrete looking and working great, take the extra step to have it sealed.
4. Mold Deterrent
While concrete is solid and strong, it is also porous due to the entrapped air that’s part of the mixing process. And that means it absorbs moisture.
As we mentioned above, moisture – especially freezing and thawing – can easily crack concrete. But that moisture has another drawback – mold and mildew.
If your concrete stays moist for a long time and doesn’t have a chance to dry, mold and mildew can form. This can create a green discoloration on your concrete surface.
By sealing your concrete, you inhibit the possibility of mold growth. In turn, your concrete looks better for longer amounts of time.
5. Color Enhancement
If you’re opting for application of color, then you’ll definitely want to use a sealant to protect your concrete.
Along with all of the other damage that concrete sustains by being exposed to the elements, discoloration is another. And it doesn’t take long for your concrete application to start looking dingy or old.
Therefore, along with all of the other benefits, applying a sealer will also help keep your concrete’s color intact.
Protect Your Investment
If you’re looking to get the most out of your concrete project, we hope the answer to “why seal concrete?” is now clear.
And if you’re looking for reliable concrete paving services, contact us today. We’ll conduct an on-site evaluation and then provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for service.
