Concrete sealing in Pittsburgh, PA
Water and road salt are what destroy concrete here. A good sealer keeps both out of the surface, and at a couple of dollars per foot, it is about the cheapest protection a slab can get. The trick is choosing the right sealer for the surface. On driveways and patios, a penetrating concrete sealer is usually the best concrete sealer, with a concrete crack sealer for open joints.
Job ticket: Concrete Sealing
- Cost
- About $2 per sq ft
- Reseal
- Every 2 to 5 years
- New pour
- Wait about 28 days
- Season
- Above 50 degrees
Rough guide$1.50 to $3 per sq ft
Which concrete sealer is right
For Pittsburgh driveways and walks that see salt, we usually choose a penetrating sealer. It soaks in, keeps the surface texture and doesn't get slick. An acrylic sealer for concrete brings out color on stamped work, but it needs more upkeep.
| Sealer | Look | Lasts | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetrating (silane or siloxane) | Natural, no shine | 5 years or more | Driveways, walks, garages |
| Acrylic | Satin to wet look | 2 to 3 years | Stamped and decorative |
| Epoxy or urethane | Glossy, thick | 5 to 10 years | Indoor floors |
Why sealing matters here
Pittsburgh gets dozens of freeze-thaw cycles every winter. Water soaks into bare concrete, freezes, expands and pops off the surface in small flakes. Salt makes it worse, and cars carry salt into your drive and garage. A sealed surface sheds that water, which is why the same concrete can last far longer with a coat every few years.
What the job includes
Sealer is only as good as the cleaning under it. We pressure wash, degrease oil spots and let the surface dry. Cracks and joints get a flexible filler, because a sealer can't close an open crack. Then the sealer goes on evenly with a sprayer or a roller, keeping it out of puddles. The drive stays closed for a day, sometimes two.
- Pressure washing
- Oil and stain treatment
- Crack and joint filling
- Sealer application
- Keeping sealer off siding and plantings
- Advice on de-icers and upkeep
When to seal
Fall is ideal, so the concrete goes into winter protected. Spring is fine, too. Most sealers need temperatures over about 50 degrees and a dry day or two. New concrete needs about 28 days to cure first, so concrete poured in late fall can wait until spring.
Sealing basements and garages
A garage floor benefits from a penetrating sealer, or a full coating if you want a clean, shiny surface. See epoxy garage floors. A basement sealer reduces dust and light dampness, but no coating will stop water being forced through a cracked floor. Fix the source first.
How the work goes
- Test the surface
Water drops show if an old sealer is still working.
- Clean it
We pressure wash and treat oil, then let it dry.
- Fill cracks
Joints and cracks get a flexible filler.
- Seal it
Sealer goes on evenly, then the area stays closed for a day or so.
Common questions
Should I seal my concrete?
Around Pittsburgh, yes for anything outdoors or in a garage. It protects against freeze-thaw and road salt.
Should I seal my concrete driveway?
Yes. A penetrating sealer every few years is cheap protection against salt and water.
Should I seal my concrete patio?
Yes, especially stamped or colored patios, which lose their color and shine without it.
How often should you seal concrete?
Every 2 to 5 years, depending on the sealer and how much traffic and salt it sees.
How often should you seal concrete driveway?
About every 3 to 5 years with a penetrating sealer. Acrylic sealers need recoating more often.
Should I seal my concrete driveway after pressure washing?
Yes, once it has dried for a day or two. Cleaning is the right first step.
Why is my concrete turning green?
It is usually algae or moss on a damp, shaded surface. Clean it, improve the drainage, then seal it.
Why is my concrete turning black?
Usually mildew or algae on damp concrete, or tire marks that have bonded to an old sealer.
More concrete services
- concrete slabs in Pittsburgh
- concrete garage floors
- concrete basement floors
- concrete flatwork
- exposed aggregate concrete
- concrete footers
- shed slabs and hot tub pads
- concrete leveling in Pittsburgh
- concrete resurfacing in Pittsburgh
- epoxy garage floors
- concrete removal