Outdoor concrete surfaces, such as driveways, patios, and walkways, are constantly exposed to harsh weather, heavy foot traffic, and potential stains. Sealing these surfaces is essential to protect against moisture, prevent damage, and enhance durability.
This blog will explore why sealing outdoor concrete is important, its benefits, and how to effectively apply a concrete sealer to maintain your outdoor spaces for years.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Sealing outdoor concrete is essential to protect against moisture, prevent stains, and enhance durability. It helps prevent cracks, discolouration, and structural damage caused by water infiltration.
Driveways, patios, and exposed aggregate concrete are common areas that benefit from sealing. Proper cleaning, choosing the right sealer, and applying it correctly ensure long-lasting protection, making concrete surfaces more resilient to weather and wear.
The Importance Of Sealing Outdoor Concrete
Sealing outdoor concrete is often considered necessary to maintain its strength and appearance.
Concrete is continuously exposed to harsh weather conditions, foot traffic, and contaminants. Without a sealer, concrete can deteriorate, losing its appeal and potentially requiring costly repairs.
1. Protecting Concrete From The Elements
Concrete surfaces are porous, absorbing water, oils, and other substances. Over time, this can lead to cracking, discolouration, and degradation.
When moisture enters these tiny pores, it can freeze and expand during colder months, leading to cracks and structural issues.
Sealing your outdoor concrete creates a protective barrier that repels moisture. This prevents water infiltration and reduces the risk of damage caused by freezing and thawing cycles.
2. Preventing Stains And Discolouration
Without a proper seal, outdoor concrete can be vulnerable to staining from oil, grease, and other contaminants. Spills from vehicles, barbeques, or even natural elements like fallen leaves can lead to unsightly discolouration.
Applying a concrete sealer helps prevent these stains from penetrating the surface, making cleaning and maintaining your outdoor areas easier.
3. Enhancing Durability
One key benefit of sealing concrete is that it enhances its durability. Outdoor areas such as driveways, patios, and footpaths regularly expose themselves to UV rays, rain, dirt, and pollution.
A good-quality sealer helps resist damage caused by these elements, increasing the longevity of your concrete. In particular, sealing protects against the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic, which can otherwise lead to pitting and erosion of the surface.
Types Of Concrete Surfaces That Benefit From Sealing
Not all outdoor concrete surfaces have the same exposure levels, but certain types benefit greatly from sealing. Here are the common outdoor concrete surfaces that should be sealed.
1. Driveways And Garages
Sealing drives and garages greatly benefit them because their constant exposure to vehicles can bring oil, fuel, and other chemicals. The freeze-thaw cycle can also cause cracks in unsealed concrete areas with frequent temperature changes.
Sealing helps prevent these common problems by creating a protective barrier that keeps water, oil, and salts from penetrating the surface. Sealing your driveway also reduces the appearance of tyre marks and enhances its overall durability, making it more resistant to wear from vehicle traffic and the elements.
2. Patios And Walkways
Patios and walkways are exposed to varying weather conditions, including rain, heat, and wind, which can damage unsealed concrete in the long term.
Water infiltration, for example, can lead to cracking and erosion. Sealing these surfaces helps to prevent water damage, reduces the risk of cracks, and makes them easier to clean.
In addition, sealed patios and walkways resist stains from food spills, pet waste, and outdoor activities, maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Sealing these areas protects your investment and ensures your outdoor spaces stay attractive for years.
3. Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative type that features visible pebbles or stones on the surface, creating a unique texture.
However, it is also more porous than standard concrete, making it vulnerable to water damage and staining if left untreated. Sealing exposed aggregate concrete enhances its appearance by deepening the colour of the stones and giving the surface a more polished look.
Additionally, sealing prevents dirt, debris, and moisture from infiltrating the surface, which can cause deterioration over time. Regular sealing ensures that this decorative surface remains both functional and visually appealing.
Concrete Sealer Application Guide
Sealing outdoor concrete is relatively simple, but careful preparation and correct application are essential for the best results. A properly sealed concrete surface can last years, protecting against water damage, stains, and general wear and tear.
Following each step correctly will maximise the effectiveness of the sealer. The key stages of the process include cleaning the surface, selecting the right type of sealer, applying it properly, and allowing sufficient drying time before use.
1. Clean The Surface
Before sealing, it’s important to thoroughly clean the concrete surface to remove any dirt, debris, or stains that could prevent the sealer from bonding effectively. Start sweeping the area, then use a pressure washer to clean the concrete thoroughly.
Pay extra attention to oil or grease stains, which may require a specialised concrete cleaner to remove fully. Any imperfections left on the surface can affect the sealer’s performance and lead to an uneven finish. Clean, dry concrete is essential for proper sealer adhesion.
2. Choose The Right Sealer
Choosing the right sealer is crucial to achieving the desired results. Different types of sealers are suited to different concrete surfaces and environmental conditions.
A penetrating sealer is ideal for outdoor areas with heavy rain or moisture. It provides deep protection without altering the surface appearance.
Conversely, decorative concrete, such as stamped or coloured surfaces, might benefit more from an acrylic or epoxy sealer, which offers protection and an enhanced, glossy finish. Understanding the demands of your concrete surface will help you select the most effective product.
3. Apply The Sealer
Once the surface is clean and you’ve chosen the appropriate sealer, it’s time to apply it. Most sealers can be applied with a roller or sprayer.
For best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding coverage and technique. Typically, sealers are applied in thin, even coats to avoid puddling or uneven areas.
Two coats are usually recommended to ensure maximum coverage and protection. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second coat.
Sealing should be done in favourable weather conditions, with no rain forecast for at least 24 hours after application.
4. Allow Time To Dry
It is important to allow sufficient time for the area to dry and cure after applying the sealer before using it. Drying times vary depending on the type of sealer and weather conditions, so always check the product label for specific instructions.
For most sealers, the surface may be dry to the touch in a few hours, but the sealer can take up to 48 hours to cure fully. During this time, avoiding heavy traffic or placing objects on a sealed surface is important to ensure a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Conclusion
Sealing outdoor concrete protects your surfaces from weather-related damage, stains, and wear. Whether it’s driveways, patios, or exposed aggregate concrete, applying a sealer helps maintain the concrete’s appearance and longevity.
Properly cleaning the surface, choosing the right sealer, and ensuring a thorough application will provide long-lasting protection. Regularly sealing outdoor concrete enhances its durability and reduces the need for costly repairs, making it a worthwhile investment for maintaining your outdoor spaces.
FAQs About Waterproofing Concrete Sealing
Does Exposed Concrete Need To Be Sealed?
Yes. These typically film-forming acrylic resins can help protect against spalling, dusting, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage, stains, deicing salts, and abrasion. A sealer will also enhance the aggregate’s colour, accentuating its depth and richness.
What Happens If Concrete Patio Is Not Sealed?
Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. Oil, salt, fertilizer, and other household chemicals can discolour and damage unsealed concrete.
Should I Seal My Patio?
Yes, you should seal your patio. Sealing helps protect the surface from weather damage, moisture, stains, and wear. It also extends the patio’s life, keeps it looking good, and makes it easier to clean.
Is It Better To Seal Or Paint Concrete?
Colour sealing is preferred for driveways, carports, pathways, and patios. Paint is a thick coating that gets slippery more easily, is prone to flaking, and is difficult to re-paint once worn. We do not paint concrete. We use high-grade colour sealers to achieve a longer-lasting, better-looking result.
What Type Of Sealer Is Best For Outdoor Concrete?
A penetrating sealer is often recommended for outdoor concrete, as it provides long-lasting protection from moisture and stains without changing the surface’s appearance. Acrylic sealers are also a good choice, offering durability and UV protection.
