Can You Seal Concrete?

Yes, you can seal concrete, and many property owners do so to reduce staining and water absorption on driveways, patios, and garage floors. Concrete sealers are a different product family from the asphalt sealcoating used on parking lots, so the two are not interchangeable. If you want a second opinion on the surface you have, our concrete work is a good place to start.

What Is Concrete Sealer?

Concrete sealer is a treatment applied to hardened concrete to limit how much water, oil, and salt soak into it. Penetrating sealers soak into the tiny openings in the surface, called pores, and cure there. Film-forming sealers sit on top of the surface as a thin protective layer, which can change the look and may wear over time.

How Is Concrete Sealing Different From Asphalt Sealcoating?

Asphalt sealcoating is a maintenance coating for asphalt pavement that protects the petroleum-based binder from sun and water. Concrete sealers are formulated for concrete, which is a mineral surface with different porosity and a different way of bonding. A product designed for one material should not be assumed to work on the other.

At Bruck, the asphalt sealer is coal tar or asphalt emulsion, chosen per job and recommended in your written estimate. Concrete sealing is a separate decision, and the right product depends on the slab and how it will be used.

When Does Sealing Concrete Make Sense?

Sealing usually makes sense on a sound, fully cured slab that is exposed to staining, de-icing salts, or repeated moisture. It is most useful in places like these:

• Garage floors that see oil and fluid drips.
• Driveways where de-icing salt is applied in winter.
• Patios and walkways that stay damp or collect stains.

Sealing is less useful on a surface that is already flaking, cracked, or unstable, because the sealer will not correct those problems.

Can You Seal Over Cracks or Damaged Concrete?

No, sealer does not fix cracks, scaling, or spalling, which is the chipping or pitting of the surface. Those conditions need to be repaired first. Sealing over them may hide the damage while the underlying problem keeps moving water into the slab.

What Should You Ask Before Sealing?

Before any sealer goes down, ask a few direct questions so you know what you are buying:

• What condition is the concrete in, and is it fully cured?
• Is the sealer penetrating or film-forming, and what does each option change?
• How will the surface look and feel afterward, including any sheen or slipperiness?
• What maintenance will the sealer need, and when?
• Is the recommendation written down so you can compare it with other proposals?

How Do Ohio Winters Affect the Decision?

Ohio's freeze-thaw cycles push water into the surface of concrete, where it can freeze and cause scaling, the flaking of the top layer. A sealer that limits water absorption can help reduce that damage, particularly on driveways and walks that receive de-icing salt. Timing also matters, because sealers need suitable dry weather to cure properly.

Frequently asked questions

Is sealing concrete worth it?

It depends on the exposure. Sealing can help with staining and moisture on surfaces that see oil, salt, or standing water. It is not a repair, so cracked or flaking concrete should be evaluated first.

Can I use asphalt sealer on concrete?

No. Asphalt sealcoating is designed for asphalt pavement, and concrete sealers are designed for concrete. Ask any contractor which product they recommend for your slab and why.

Can Bruck tell me what my concrete needs?

Bruck Construction is a concrete contractor. We will look at your surface and explain the options in a written estimate, including when sealing is not the right next step.

Want a clear answer about your concrete? Request a free estimate and we will explain what your surface needs and why.