Are Outdoor Concrete Sealers Really Necessary?

Outdoor stamped concrete sidewalk with a faux brick boarder. Does it need to be sealed?
DCC Award 2nd Place Stamped over 1500 Sq. Ft. Everett Sundek of Washington 2010

If you have done any research on concrete, you have probably noticed that experts recommend using outdoor concrete sealers. Now, you want to know if a sealer is really worthwhile or just something that professional pool builders and installers push to customers as a way of making more money.

Outdoor concrete sealers are not only worthwhile but necessary. Experts who recommend having a concrete surface sealed are doing their customers a big favor. Without this extra layer of protection, concrete will absorb moisture and may begin to crack, spall, flake, and discolor, among other things. In fact, there is a good chance that an unsealed concrete surface will fail prematurely.

Remember, outdoor concrete gets subjected to harsh elements, including wind, rain, snow, dirt, pool chlorine, saltwater (if you live near the ocean), and more. Regardless if you have decorative concrete installed on a pool deck, patio floor, outside patio countertops, walkway, driveway, or some other surface, a high-quality sealer, like SunClear EcoProtect or SunClear UltraProtect, is essential. After having a sealer applied initially, an expert will need to reapply it every few years for continued protection.

Technologically advanced sealers preserve the efficacy and strength of concrete installed outdoors. When properly sealed, outdoor concrete has the potential of being one of the longest lasting materials associated with your home. Especially when applied to pool decks, outdoor concrete sealers dramatically reduce the risk of damage caused by water and chemicals.

There are several types of outdoor concrete sealers to consider. For instance, chemically reactive sealers penetrate concrete, and for that reason, they are almost invisible. However, a solvent-based acrylic resin sealer formulated with a color enhancer produces a high-gloss look.

You might also be interested in a water-based acrylic resin. With a moderate color enhancer added, the surface has a beautiful satin finish. Urethane is another option that comes in many different finishes based on your personal preference.

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