Concrete Sealing: What to Use, When, and How Often
Penetrating vs topical, when to seal new concrete, and the cheap product that doubles your slab's life.
Unsealed concrete absorbs water, salt, oil, and stains. A $50 sealing job every few years doubles the life of a driveway.
Wait 28 days for new concrete
Sealing too early traps moisture. Let the slab fully cure first.
Penetrating sealers (siloxane, silane)
Soak in and preserve the natural look. Best for driveways and patios in freeze-thaw climates. Last 5–10 years.
Topical sealers (acrylic, epoxy)
Add gloss or color. Wear faster on driveways (2–3 years) but great for decorative patios and stamped work.
Reseal cadence
- Driveways: every 2–4 years
- Patios: every 5 years
- Stamped or colored: every 2–3 years to keep color vivid
Calculate sealer cost alongside your concrete estimate.
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