Concrete sealing is a great way to extend the life of your floor or driveway. Not only does it protect the surface from moisture and stains, but it helps against shrinking and expanding that’s caused by fluctuating temperatures.

If you live in an area that drops below freezing, sealing your exterior concrete is highly recommended. Especially if you live in a state that salts their roads during the winter.

Even if you don’t live in those areas, sealing both interior and exterior concrete can be beneficial. How exactly is concrete sealed? Let’s walk you through the process.

Make Sure the Concrete is Ready

Before the sealing can take place, there’s a few items to take care of. First, if the concrete has been laid recently, you’ll need to wait for it to properly cure. Concrete should be given 20-30 days to properly settle before the sealing process can begin. If the concrete has already been there for a while, you won’t need to worry about this step.

However, if it’s especially beat up or cracked, you may want to consider concrete repair or resurfacing before applying a sealer.

Applying the Sealer

Once the floor is cleaned and dry, it’s time to apply the sealer. How the sealer is applied depends largely on the type of sealant being used. Sometimes, it’s sprayed on. Other times, it’s rolled on.

Either way, two coats are applied. These coats are applied thinly to prevent build up and streaks. Once the first coat is applied and dried, the second coat is added in the opposite direction.

What Will It Look Like?

There are different types of sealers that can be used to match your needs and preferences. Some sealers include a resin or epoxy that can give you a shiny gloss appearance. Alternatively, there are sealers that look near invisible. Additionally, colors can be added to sealers to provide a unique look.

The options are near endless.

Can I Apply Concrete Sealant Myself?

While some types of sealers are sold in store, we’d recommend using a professional for all of your concrete sealing. Not only can they provide more options, but a skilled concrete artisan will get the job done right the first.

Don’t risk botching your concrete sealer. Contact Select Flooring for all of your Ohio concrete sealer needs.