Keep Your Concrete Protected From the Start

Concrete sealing and protective coatings for driveways, patios, and walkways in Mora, Minnesota

Unsealed concrete absorbs water, and in Mora that water freezes and expands during winter, causing the surface to crack, flake, and deteriorate faster than it would if protected. Sealing your driveway, patio, or walkway creates a barrier that keeps moisture out and reduces damage from deicing salts, oil stains, and freeze-thaw cycles. Homeowners in Mora who seal their concrete extend its lifespan and keep the surface looking consistent instead of watching it break down after a few seasons of exposure.

Sunderman Concrete applies sealers to new and existing concrete surfaces, choosing products based on whether the surface is decorative, heavily trafficked, or exposed to deicing chemicals. The process involves cleaning the concrete to remove dirt, oil, and any previous coatings that may interfere with adhesion, then applying the sealer in thin, even coats with a roller or sprayer. Sealing works best when the concrete has fully cured, which usually takes about 28 days after the pour.

If you have a driveway, patio, or walkway in Mora that has not been sealed, contact us to schedule an assessment and review sealing options.

How Sealing Protects Your Concrete Surface

Before sealing, the surface in Mora is cleaned using a pressure washer or chemical cleaner to remove stains, efflorescence, and any loose material that could prevent the sealer from bonding. Once the concrete is clean and dry, the sealer is applied in one or two coats depending on the product type and the level of protection needed. Penetrating sealers soak into the concrete and protect from within, while film-forming sealers create a layer on top that sheds water and resists staining.

After sealing, you will notice that water beads up on the surface instead of soaking in, and stains from oil or dirt are easier to clean off. The concrete is also less likely to develop surface flaking or spalling during freeze-thaw cycles because the sealer limits how much moisture gets trapped inside.

Sealers wear down over time due to traffic, sun exposure, and weather, so resealing every two to four years keeps the protection active. Decorative concrete with stamped or stained finishes benefits from regular sealing because it preserves color and prevents the texture from wearing smooth. The concrete underneath stays structurally sound longer when moisture is kept out.

Common questions about sealing timing and upkeep

Homeowners in Mora often ask about when to seal, how often to reseal, and what happens if sealing is skipped on a new or existing concrete surface.

When should you seal new concrete?
New concrete should be sealed after it has fully cured, which takes about 28 days. Sealing too early traps moisture inside and can cause discoloration or prevent the concrete from reaching full strength.
How do you know when it is time to reseal?
When water no longer beads up on the surface and starts soaking in instead, the sealer has worn down and it is time to reapply. You may also notice the surface looking dull or showing more staining than it did when freshly sealed.
What happens if concrete is never sealed?
Unsealed concrete absorbs water, which leads to cracking, surface flaking, and staining over time. In Minnesota winters, freeze-thaw cycles cause more damage because trapped moisture expands when it freezes, breaking apart the surface layer.
Why do some sealers make the concrete shiny?
Film-forming sealers create a glossy finish because they sit on top of the concrete and reflect light. Penetrating sealers soak into the surface and leave a matte appearance, so the finish depends on the type of sealer you choose.
How long does a sealer last on a driveway in Mora?
Most sealers last two to four years on a driveway depending on traffic, weather exposure, and whether deicing salts are used. Driveways that see heavy use or frequent winter salting may need resealing more often to maintain protection.

Sunderman Concrete provides sealing services for driveways, patios, walkways, and decorative concrete throughout Mora and surrounding areas, helping homeowners protect their investment and reduce long-term repair costs. Get in touch to schedule a sealing assessment for your property.