Should I Repair My Concrete?
Should I Repair My Concrete?
Concrete is an excellent tool for a variety of outdoor needs, from driveways and patios to sidewalks, but it doesn’t last forever. Eventually, you may notice that your concrete develops holes or cracks that need to be repaired. Is now the best time to repair your concrete? Here’s what you need to know.
Repair Your Concrete with Concrete Sealers
The purpose of a sealer is to provide long-term protection to your concrete that also enhances its color. Some sealers can be combined with cures that slow concrete hydration in order to minimize shrinkage and cracking. Other forms are just pure sealers.
The Importance of Concrete Sealers
Sealing can protect exterior concrete from a range of problems. Temperature fluctuations between freezing and hot temperatures can cause cracking. Many hot states like Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida experience freeze-thaw cycles, too.
Sealing can also prevent dust, abrasion, stains, and chemical damage. Since concrete is a porous material that easily absorbs liquid, left unsealed it will suffer damage from ice, snow, oil, salt, and fertilizer.
What Will Sealer Look Like?
You can choose to seal your concrete surfaces in any type of sealer you choose. While most are invisible since they penetrate the concrete, acrylic resin and epoxies can be used to enhance color and even give the concrete a shiny satin appearance.
How Should Sealer Be Applied?
It is important to wait until the concrete is completely cured and dried before applying the sealer. While some sources will claim that 7 to 14 days is enough time, you really should wait a full 28 days after the concrete is first applied.
While it’s possible to seal concrete yourself, it’s better to let an expert handle it. Concrete companies are intimately familiar with everything about concrete and will prevent future damage more efficiently.
Jireh Construction, located in Seattle, Washington, specializes in concrete repair and sealing services that help your residential or commercial property protect attractive surfaces.
Call Jireh today at 425-678-3632 to get help repairing your concrete with a professional and experienced team.