Concrete Sealer Reviews, Articles, How-To Tips

Maintaining Stamped Concrete 2023

Stamped Concrete Patios and Walkways have become increasingly popular over the last decade. These are decorative concrete surfaces that have endless possibilities when it comes to improving and enhancing your landscaping. Like any concrete surface, stamped patios should be sealed and maintained every 1-3 years.

exposed-aggregate-sealerThe Best Exposed Aggregate Concrete Sealers

Exposed Aggregate patios, driveways, and walkways are decorative stone surfaces commonly used in residential and commercial landscaping. These surfaces require a coat of a new sealer to provide protection and enhancement to the substrate. This Exposed Aggregate Sealer is typically applied every 1-3 years depending on the exposure and traffic.

There are many advantages to sealing an exposed aggregate surface

  • Gives surface a richer color and added shine
  • Protects from winter salts
  • Seals from hairline cracks and pitting of aggregate

Sealing Exposed Aggregate is very easy and any residential homeowner can do this with ease.

Prep Aggregate First

  1. Clean surface with a pressure washer to remove dirt.
  2. If needed use a concrete cleaner to remove stains such as grease or rust.
  3. After drying for 24-48 hours, apply an exposed aggregate crack filler to any large cracks.

 

Apply Exposed Aggregate Sealer

  1. Using a roller, apply sealer and a spread rate of 100-150 sq. feet per gallon making sure not to puddle the sealer.
  2. Let dry for 1-3 hours
  3. If needed, apply a light second coat to even out the appearance or increase the gloss level

Maintaining Your Exposed Aggregate Surface

Typically it is best to repeat this process every 1-3 years to keep your aggregate protected and looking great.

Best Sealers For Exposed Aggregate

We personally like solvent based acrylic sealers for this. Here are our top products for this:

  1. SuperSeal 30
  2. SuperSeal 25
  3. SuperSeal Matte
  4. SuperSeal VOC

 

Questions on Sealing Exposed Aggregate? Please ask below

failed concrete sealerConcrete Sealer Remover Tips

How to tips for removing a failed Concrete Sealer that has discolored or turned white.

Sealing concrete is a great way to increase appearance and longevity. Driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches, brick pavers, and stonewalls can be sealed to enhance their look and block out moisture.

There are several types of concrete sealers that have different finishes. From matte finishes to the high gloss “wet look” type sealers. In the case where a concrete sealer fails it may be necessary to remove it before resealing with a new concrete sealer.

There are several reasons a concrete sealer can fail. Over application can cause the sealer to fail prematurely. Cheap or inferior sealers just do not last or hold up well. Moisture can also penetrate a sealer and cause it to fail. Some sealers will turn yellow or white when they fail and can be very unsightly.

ExposedExposed Aggregate Concrete Sealers

Concrete that has had the outer skin of the cement paste removed to reveal the decorative surface underneath is called exposed aggregate concrete. It is very durable and skid resistant. It can be ideal for driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and patios.

Sealing aggregate concrete will further enhance its beauty and help protect it from the harsh elements and deicing salts. An exposed aggregate sealer will also reduce mold and mildew problems, stabilize the surface, protect color retention, and protect against freeze/thaw damage.

Brick Efflorescence RemovalHow to Clean Efflorescence from Bricks

You may have seen masonry bricks that have a buildup of white deposits on them. This is known as efflorescence. It is water-soluble salts that have been forced to the surface due to moisture penetrating the brick or grout. This phenomenon can happen to newly constructed brick surfaces or older existing bricks. The efflorescence can appear cloudy or milky white, green, brown, or yellow depending on the type of salts present in the brick.

When to Seal New Concrete after Installation

The most common way to preserve the appearance of new concrete is to seal it. Sealing new concrete will protect the surface from a multitude of stains and damage-causing elements. It is a great way to prolong the life of all types of concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks.

Sealed concrete cleans up nicer and is easier to maintain. Spills and tannin stains cannot penetrate the concrete surface when it has a protective coating on it. Water is also not easily absorbed into the concrete, which shields it from water and freeze/thaw damage.

How To Seal Concrete in 2023

Concrete has long been used for many surfaces such as house foundations, driveways, porches, patios, sidewalks, retaining walls, and even landscape edging. It is a very adaptable and durable product. Today they can add different textures and colors to concrete to create a beautiful design that lasts for years. Learning why and how to seal concrete can play a vital role in its longevity. When concrete is maintained properly is will last anywhere from twice as long if not longer than concrete surfaces that are neglected.

There is a host of reasons to maintain concrete. Moisture, water, mold, mildew, and freeze/thaw damage are all very detrimental to a concrete surface. This is why concrete should be cleaned and sealed every few years. This will ensure a waterproof surface that will repel moisture reducing the chance of damage. Now that you understand why you should seal concrete, let’s discuss how to seal concrete.