The Importance of Concrete Sealing and Resealing for Rochester, NY, Weather
If you live in the Greater Rochester, NY, or area, you understand how brutal the winter can be. It can also take its toll on your outdoor concrete surfaces. Sealers create a barrier that protects your concrete from harsh weather exposure (like freeze-thaw cycles). Concrete sealers also protect against, grease and oil stains, ultraviolet rays from the sun t(hat can fade the color), and more. But concrete sealers do more than protect. They also help bring out the natural beauty of your stamped concrete patio or outdoor living area and make them easier to clean.
It's important to know that for a sealer to work, it must be applied properly. Each of the following steps are how the concrete sealing pros at Gruttadaurio Masonry help protect your concrete investment.
Step 1 – Surface Preparations
Preparing NEW Concrete Installed by Gruttadaurio Masonry
For Broom Finished, or Hand-Trowelled Concrete: No preparation is involved. After the concrete has cured, we use a water-based sealer to protect it.
For Decorative and Stamped Concrete: Decorative concrete, like exposed aggregate, needs no preparation. When preparing stamped concrete for sealing, we first need to remove the release chemical which is what is used to enable us to more easily remove the stamp from the wet concrete. To do this, we professionally powerwash your concrete. When dry, we can apply an accent color* before an acrylic sealer is applied to your stamped concrete.
Preparing Unsealed Concrete: If your concrete is being sealed for the first time, our concrete sealing professionals will remove all dirt, dust, stains, grease, and oil completely from the concrete with professional power washing. If needed, we use a wet abrasive blasting system to remove more stubborn surface matter.
Preparing Pre-sealed Concrete (Resealing Worn Sealer):
If you have existing concrete sealer that has become unsightly because it has worn off or is not performing well, this old sealer will need to be removed. Gruttadaurio Masonry uses an environmentally-friendly sandblasting alternative. This method of stripping away the old sealer involves a wet abrasive blasting system that using tiny glass beads as the abrasive media delivered through a high-pressure water system. The water captures and prevents the abrasive from releasing into the air. This method not only removes the old sealer but etches the concrete for optimal adhesion of the new sealer and helps protect the environment.
*Optional Accent Color Step for Stamped Concrete – Before any sealer is applied, you can choose to enhance the appearance of your stamped concrete with an antiquing color application. Gruttadaurio Masonry’s professionals can assist you in selecting an accent color that would coordinate well with the integral concrete color that exists and make it come alive. The accent color will need to dry completely before going to step 2, which is applying the concrete sealer.
Step 2 – Concrete Sealer Application
After the concrete has dried, a thin layer of sealer is applied using a roller (sometimes a sprayer is used). This thin layer will need to dry and then we'll apply a second coat of concrete sealer in the opposite direction of the first.
Step 3 – Curing Time
You should allow the sealer to fully dry and cure before walking on the concrete. The longer the sealant is allowed to cure, the stronger and more durable it will be. It's generally recommended to wait up to three days before allowing heavy foot traffic.
Concrete Sealer Maintenance
Cleaning your concrete should be done on a regular basis, just like any other home maintenance. But your concrete should be resealed every two to three years to protect it from damage and extend its lifespan. Our concrete sealing division, CONCRETE DOC+, will expertly seal your patio, pool deck, walkay, entryway, or driveway.
Conclusion
Visit the CONCRETE DOC+ website to learn more about their concrete sealing services. You can also call our main office at (315) 310-7193 to set up an appointment to have one of our professional evaluate the situation. If your concrete needs resealing or restoring, we’ll provide you with a prompt and professional estimate.
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