Your Concrete Has Enemies
Hey y'all, Brad here. We're smack in the middle of rainy season right now and I just got three calls this week from homeowners asking why their concrete is deteriorating. Nine times out of ten the answer is the same - it was never sealed, or the sealer wore off years ago.
Here in Sarasota we've got a triple threat that other parts of the country don't deal with:
- UV radiation that's INTENSE - we're basically on the same latitude as the Sahara
- Afternoon thunderstorms June through September dumping water on everything
- Humidity that never lets anything fully dry out
Unsealed concrete soaks up water like a sponge. That water gets into the tiny pores, the Florida sun bakes it, the concrete expands and contracts, and over time you get spalling, cracking, and discoloration. I've seen driveways less than 5 years old look 20 years old because they were never sealed.
What Kind of Sealer We Use
There's two basic types - penetrating sealers and topical sealers. We use penetrating sealers almost exclusively. And it's not even close:
Topical sealers sit on the surface like a coat of paint. They look great for about 6 months and then they start peeling, turning white, getting slippery when wet. In Florida's humidity they can actually trap moisture underneath and make things WORSE.
Penetrating sealers soak down into the concrete and create a chemical barrier inside the pores. You can't really see them - the concrete looks the same - but water beads up on the surface instead of soaking in. They last way longer and don't peel or flake.
How Often Should You Reseal?
Up north they say every 3-5 years. Down here in Florida I tell people every 2-3 years depending on exposure. A driveway that gets full sun all day on Siesta Key is gonna need it more often than a covered patio in Osprey.
Pool decks I'd do every 2 years minimum. Between the chlorine water splashing on them and the sun beating down, they take a beating.
Can You Seal It Yourself?
You can. A pump sprayer from Harbor Freight and a good silane/siloxane sealer will do the trick. Pressure wash first, let it dry for 48 hours (good luck with that in July), then apply. It's not rocket science but the prep work matters.
Or you can let us handle it. We seal concrete all the time and it's one of the more affordable services we offer. Either way, just please seal your concrete. Your future self will thank you. Give us a call if you want a quote.