A Homeowner’s Guide to Concrete Sealing: The What, Why, When, and More

Given concrete’s high durability, many forget it is still susceptible to chemical, water, and environmental damage. This is especially true for Melbourne homeowners, where fluctuating weather often degrades their concrete driveways and patios.

This is why concrete sealing is a homeowner’s best friend. If you’re already considering concrete sealing in Melbourne, we’ve curated this guide to help you understand the process so you can take the right approach to address issues before hiring a professional. Let’s begin!

Why Concrete Sealing Matters

Concrete sealants are liquid protectants applied to the concrete surface as a safety layer against wear and tear. While concrete sealing requires both time and money, here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Better Structural Integrity: Sealing creates a protective barrier on the concrete, preventing its surface from expanding due to fluctuating temperatures and cracking.
• Water Damage Protection: Concrete is porous, so it is prone to softening and cracking if it absorbs moisture. Concrete sealing drastically minimises moisture absorption. This is especially vital for outdoor steps, driveways, and concrete foundations, which are susceptible to water exposure.
• Preserves Its Appearance: Concrete sealants prevent scratches, stains, and fading, often also reducing the amount of tyre marks on the surface. Hence, the concrete remains clean and looks new despite its age.
• Maintains Safety: Cracked or crumbling concrete surfaces are safety hazards. They can cause people to trip during heavy foot traffic and even affect car manoeuvring. Since a sealant blocks moisture, it prevents cracks and softening to keep the surface safe.

When Should You Opt for Sealing

Concrete sealing is vital in the following scenarios:

• It is used after new concrete has been poured and fully cured, which generally requires 28 days, to prevent early moisture infiltration and wear.
• It proves valuable in areas with high foot or vehicle traffic, such as patios, driveways, or commercial floors.
• Concrete sealing benefits areas exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as heavy moisture, de-icing salts, or heavy freeze-thaw cycles.
• It works well on surfaces that are stained, discoloured, or aged with visible cracks and prevents further degradation.
• Concrete sealing benefits areas that were sealed previously but require re-sealing due to heavy wear and tear or environmental damage.

Types of Sealers

Professionals will inform you of what sealer they’ll use after assessing conditions. However, it’s best to know the common types of sealers so you’re confident the right one is being used for your project. These include the following:

1. Acrylic Sealers

These form a thin protective layer, generally available in solvent or water-based formulations. Acrylic sealers enhance the colours of decorative concrete surfaces and only offer moderate protection against moisture or damage.

2. Penetrating Sealers

These get absorbed into the concrete surface, creating a repellent barrier without modifying the concrete’s appearance. Penetrating sealers are usually available in the following variants:

• Silane: Best for high-traffic areas with dense concrete.
• Siloxane: Best for concrete surfaces exposed to weather conditions.
• Silicate: Best for creating denser surfaces as it reacts with calcium hydroxide to strengthen concrete.
• Siliconate: Best for creating water-resistant surfaces, commonly applied on driveways and sidewalks.

3. Epoxy Sealers

These provide a hard and durable layer with a glossy finish, ideal for indoor concrete surfaces like interior floors or garages. Epoxy sealers also offer high-grade chemical resistance, but aren’t too breathable, so they cannot trap moisture well.

4. Polyurethane Sealers

These create a UV-resistant, extremely durable layer on the concrete, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Given their high abrasion resistance, polyurethane sealers are preferred over acrylics. Plus, they are available in solvent and water-based formulations.

Get Expert Concrete Sealing from GrindWorks

As you can see, concrete sealing is vital to maximising the life and durability of your driveways, patios, and other concrete surfaces. At GrindWorks, we bring over 40 years of experience in this industry to offer tailored sealing solutions led by our expert team. Whether you need to reseal your floors or apply sealants on a new project, contact us, and we’ll handle the job with finesse!