Protection - Prevention - Preservation
Pro- Seal is a concrete maintenance company, specializing in protective and preventative maintenance services designed to preserve and extend the life of concrete. While offering protection from winter, these techniques also improve integrity, durability and appearance. Decorative color applications are offered as inexpensive alternatives to replacing old concrete or simply to enrich existing concrete with color.
The objective here, is to offer you the technical information needed to make informed and educated decisions. Included is a detailed overview of various concrete failures, the possible causes and remedies. Also reviewed are various types of sealer and the differences in how they work, appear and last. Please take time to review this site thoroughly.
Having been in and around the concrete business since childhood, a member of the Cement Masons Union for the last two decades and certified by the American Concrete Institute, I feel I have the qualifications and "hands on" experience needed to judge materials properly and ensure you are accurately informed.
The idea for a concrete maintenance company was conceived in the mid 90's. Concrete failures were very well publicized and the problems have continued. Pro-Seal (originally Seal-Tek) was started and has been successfully assisting homeowners and businesses since.
Most Frequently Asked questions
- When is the best time of year to seal concrete?
- How often should concrete be sealed?
- Does the concrete really need to be pressure washed?
- I was unaware, is sealing concrete a new idea?
- My driveway is a few years old and without problems, is it safe?
- Our driveway was sealed directly after placement, why should I reseal ?
- My driveway experienced damage last winter, can you stop the damage from continuing?
When is the best time of year to seal concrete?
A popular myth is that concrete should only be sealed in the fall. This is true with linseed oils or discount sealers due to their short life. These products dissipate rapidly enough prior to winter to lack protection. However, quality sealers with a high solid content are guaranteed for a minimum of two winters, with others as long as four winters, making time of year a non-issue. Furthermore, sealers require that ambient temperatures, as well as the concrete and sealer, should be consistently above 40 degrees until cured. Warmer temperatures also allow for quicker and proper drying times for both the sealer and concrete after it has been properly washed.
How often should concrete be sealed or resealed?
That depends on the quality and solid content of the sealer used. We suggest every two years with film sealers and every three to four years with siloxane sealers. However, we suggest that new concrete is sealed the first and second years when protection is most needed before following this schedule.
Does the concrete really need to be pressure washed?
ABSOLUTELY! Concrete sealers demand the same considerations given other protective coatings or sealants such as paints, varnishes and waxes. All require a dirt and oil free surface. Pro-Seal will not, nor will the manufacturer, guarantee any materials applied without proper preparation.
Why was I unaware? Is sealing concrete a new process?
No, but it seemed to be confined within the concrete trade. Sealing has gained popularity due to some well publicized "problems" in both residential and commercial applications. Also, it is my opinion that the concrete sold today is more prone to surface damage. Contractors and builders who share this opinion have started recommending resealing to the homeowner, further promoting its benefits and popularity.
My driveway is a few years old and is devoid of problems. Is it safe?
In my opinion, today's concrete is never out of danger. I have seen many examples of concrete failing after three or four years. Sometimes it continues every winter, and sometimes not. The lack of maintenance, the severity of winter, and use of de-icers are the common denominators in all cases. Salt crystals can build up in the pores as concrete ages and cause new problems.
Our driveway was sealed directly after placement. Why should I reseal?
Contractors use a variety of compounds to "cure" the concrete. Some have sealers included, while others do not. However, of the ones that do include sealers, the contractor and manufacturers themselves recommend a second coat after the concrete has had sufficient cure time.
My driveway experienced problems last winter. Can you stop the damage from continuing?
Siloxane and silane sealers have an extremely good record for preventing more surface damage once it has occurred. Properly applied, these sealers offer protection for up to 5 years. For more information, visit the about sealers page.
For anything concrete or construction related that you have questions on, you should check with Chando Construction.