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| PROTECTION : We have talked extensively on this site about winter and the freeze/thaw cycle. Salts and de-icers enhance the probability of surface damage by increasing the frequency of the freeze/thaw cycle. The cycle is increased by melting the snow or ice, which eventually freezes again and again. De-icing chemicals have a short life, as well as a temperature range in which they work. Once the temperature drops below a specific number even salts used by cities can stop working. The result is that the melting ice re freezes creating another cycle. The more cycles, the greater the risk of surface damage. Northeast Ohio is among the worst areas for freezing and thawing due to constant fluctuations in temperature. Sealers do their job by creating a barrier between the surface of the concrete and the weather. This barrier not only impedes the freeze/thaw process, but improves resistance to the effects of de-icing chemicals and salts. For more info, go to surface damage. APPEARANCE is another advantage, sealers offer exceptional resistance to dirt, stains, chemicals, automotive fluids and de-icing salts. Once your concrete old or new, has been properly cleaned, a quality sealer can keep it looking that way. New concrete regularly maintained will retain its natural look and color. The lack of ultraviolet degradation, resistance to dirts and ease of cleaning can keep your concrete looking new. We can also make a stunning difference on older concrete. Membrane sealers leave a very visible "sheen" on the surface, the degree of shine is determined by the grade of sealer and number of coats.DURABILITY : Longevity is achieved as sealers coat the surface, they offer exceptional resistance to abrasion and increase the durability of the surface and life of the finish or designs, by assuming all the weathering and wear from traffic. If you've had concrete placed recently, and assume the concrete was sealed at the time of placement, you should consider re-sealing. Contractors that do cure the concrete use one of two things during construction, a dissipating cure, or a cure and seal, Dissipating cures offer no sealing properties, they are designed to start evaporating within 28 days, leaving no trace, thereby allowing a choice of sealer to be used at a later time. True Cure & Seal products attempt to cure the concrete and seal it with one application. The cure portion of this mixture can start to dissipate immediately after application and may evaporate within 28 days. What product remains is inadequate protection. Being that a portion of these products remain, it is imperative that a compatible sealer is used when any resealing is done. Newer concrete is extremely vulnerable, be sure it is properly protected. Often, when damage does occur, the first question a homeowner will be asked is "was the concrete resealed?", if yes, what was used and was it prepared properly? They are, in effect, trying to shift responsibility. Resealing can be an insurance policy of sorts, not only for prevention of damage, but for homeowner recourse as well.
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