When it comes to concrete, sealing is not always necessary, but in some cases it can be a great advantage. Sealing elements such as a patio or concrete walkway can help preserve the appearance and longevity of the concrete while highlighting its rich color. It is important to note that concrete takes 28 days to fully cure and most concrete sealants require concrete to be cured before sealing. However, there are some sealants, known as Cure and Seals, that are specifically designed for concrete that is 2 to 28 days old.
These acrylic-based sealants contain styrene, which makes acrylic more resistant to moisture. Cure and Seals help cure concrete properly and help protect concrete during curing. Experts who recommend sealing a concrete surface are doing their customers a big favor. Without this additional layer of protection, concrete will absorb moisture and can begin to crack, peel, flake, and discolor, among other things.
In fact, there is a good chance that an unsealed concrete surface will fail prematurely. Aggressive advertising by companies that sell sealing products may lead people to believe that a sealant should be applied every year, but even skeptics agree that periodic sealing will help extend the life of any concrete slab, whether it's an entrance, patio, pool deck, or sidewalk.
