Concrete Sealing in Kirkland, WA

Why seal exterior concrete

Concrete absorbs water. In a climate with long wet seasons and shaded yards under tall trees, that water carries dirt and organic matter into the surface and feeds moss, algae and mildew. Patios turn green, walks get slick and stairs stain. Freezing nights can cause scaling. A good sealer reduces water absorption, slows growth and makes cleaning easier.

Sealer types

• Penetrating silane and siloxane sealers soak in and repel water without changing appearance much.
• Acrylic sealers form a film that enhances color and adds sheen, great for stamped and colored concrete.
• Urethane and epoxy sealers create harder films for interior concrete.

Where we seal

• Patios and outdoor living areas
• Walkways and entry steps
• Driveways
• Pool and hot tub surrounds
• Commercial sidewalks and plazas
• Stamped and exposed aggregate concrete

Stairs and slopes

Hillside homes often have exterior stairs and sloped walks that become hazardous when moss grows. We clean thoroughly, treat organic growth and apply sealers with grit additives where needed to improve footing.

Preparation

We pressure wash, treat moss and mildew, remove stains where possible and let the concrete dry completely. Old, peeling or cloudy sealers are stripped before resealing.

Weather windows

Sealing needs dry concrete and a dry forecast. Most exterior sealing happens from late spring through early fall. We monitor forecasts and schedule around them.

Exposed aggregate

Exposed aggregate driveways and walks are common in older neighborhoods. Sealing brings back the color of the stones and helps hold loose aggregate in place. We clean carefully to avoid dislodging stones.

Longevity

Penetrating sealers can last five years or more. Acrylic film sealers outdoors usually need recoating every two to three years. We recommend a maintenance schedule for your surfaces.

Sealer or coating?

Sealers keep the natural concrete look and allow it to breathe, which is ideal outdoors. Coatings are thicker and better for garages and interiors. We will recommend what fits each surface.

Care after sealing

Sweep debris regularly, especially needles and leaves that hold moisture. Rinse with a hose and use a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and metal shovels.

Interior concrete

Basements, utility rooms and storage spaces with bare concrete benefit from sealing too. A clear sealer reduces dust, resists stains and makes the floor easier to clean. For a more finished look, consider polished concrete or a coating.

Rain gardens and drainage

Many properties direct runoff to rain gardens or drains. We use sealers and cleaning products that are appropriate near landscaping and take care to keep wash water out of storm drains, protecting the lake and streams.

Pool decks and hot tub pads

Concrete around pools and hot tubs is wet often and needs to stay grippy. We use sealers suited to chlorinated water and add slip-resistant texture so bare feet stay secure. Regular cleaning keeps algae and mildew from returning in shaded areas.

Commercial walkways and plazas

Restaurants, offices and condo buildings often have outdoor seating areas, plazas and entry walks that see heavy foot traffic, spilled drinks and gum. Sealing makes them easier to clean and keeps them looking better between pressure washings. We schedule early mornings or off-hours to limit disruption.

Book sealing

Contact us for a quote.