Concrete Sealing Questions

Penetrating silane-siloxane sealers typically last 5 to 10 years. Film-forming acrylic sealers need reapplication every 2 to 3 years, depending on traffic and UV exposure. The installer will note the expected reapplication window in your handover document.

Unsealed concrete absorbs oil, water and de-icing salts. Once those penetrate the slab, surface scaling and staining are difficult to reverse without grinding. Sealing early costs far less than repairing a damaged slab later.

Only if the existing sealer is intact and chemically compatible with the new product. Peeling or incompatible old sealer must be stripped first. Applying over a failing layer traps the problem underneath and causes the new coat to fail quickly.

Foot traffic is typically safe after 24 hours; vehicle traffic usually requires 48 to 72 hours. The exact cure window depends on the product used and ambient temperature. Your written handover will state the specific time for your job.

Penetrating silane-siloxane sealers suit most Cobb County driveways. They repel Georgia’s heavy summer rain without trapping moisture and do not peel under UV exposure. Film-forming sealers are better suited to covered or interior slabs.

Sealing an existing concrete surface does not require a building permit in Marietta. No regulated trade certification applies to sealer application, but surface prep and product selection still follow manufacturer specifications documented in the written handover.