5 Reasons To Seal Your Concrete

Learn why applying a high-quality sealer to your concrete is a crucial part of protecting your investment.

Imagine buying a new phone without a case or driving a new car without insurance. This is unthinkable for most people – we all want to protect our big, expensive investments.

It likely goes ignored most days, but your concrete is another example of an expensive investment, and many people don’t realize there are things you can do to maintain and protect it.

Concrete sealing is one of those things, and it works by creating a water-repellent barrier that prevents water and other damaging compounds from penetrating the surface of the concrete.

In this article, we’ll explain 5 reasons why concrete sealing is so crucial for preserving your concrete surfaces.

1. Increases Durability

Concrete that hasn’t been sealed is prone to cracking, spalling, pitting, and staining. Sealing enhances the durability of your concrete by minimizing the effects of weather and other elements.

When using a penetrating concrete sealer, the sealer absorbs into the pores of the concrete and undergoes a chemical reaction, making the concrete repel water and the other elements that cause it to deteriorate over time.

Related Resource: What Cleaning and Sealing Your Concrete Protects From

2. Inhibits Mold Growth

Concrete’s porous nature causes it to absorb water which can lead to mold growth in shady areas. Not only can mold growth break down concrete over time, but it also causes safety hazards as a moldy surface can be very slippery when wet.

Sealing prevents water absorption, thus inhibiting mold growth, prolonging the life of your concrete, and preventing safety hazards.

3. Adds Damage Protection

A high-quality sealer prevents water from being absorbed into the concrete’s pores, expanding when frozen, and popping those pores, which causes significant damage to your concrete over the course of multiple freeze-thaw cycles.

Sealed concrete is protected from various other elements, including UV rays, deicing salt, oil leaks, and other contaminants.

4. Enhances Beauty and Curb Appeal

Sealing preserves the aesthetic appeal of your concrete by preventing discoloration, stains, and mold. Applying a tinted topical or wet-look sealer can also improve the aesthetic appearance of your concrete.

Additionally, the cleaning process that must be done before sealing makes the concrete look fresh and bright, boosting your home’s curb appeal.

5. Increases Longevity

Most experts say a concrete driveway should last thirty years or more, but how well it's maintained plays a big role in its longevity.

Concrete sealing is one of the main maintenance practices you can do to help your concrete last as long as possible.

Related Resource: How To Maintain Your Concrete 

Should You Seal Your Concrete?

Just as you wouldn’t leave your expensive gadgets unprotected, you shouldn’t leave your concrete exposed to the elements.

Sealing your concrete is essential for protecting it from damage and keeping it looking great over the course of its long life.

At A-1 Concrete Leveling, we have over 30 years of experience in maintaining and repairing concrete, and many of our nationwide locations offer concrete sealing services.

If you’re interested in protecting your concrete, request a free onsite estimate from an A-1 team member near you. You may also be interested in some of these additional maintenance topics:

• Why You Should Caulk Concrete Cracks and Joints
• How to Maintain Your Concrete
• Settling Concrete? Here’s What To Do