Concrete cleaning and sealing by JCpowerwashingAkron

Let us explain why sealing concrete and paver joints is essential for damage prevention in Akron, Ohio

  Erosion can cause serious damage to outdoor surfaces in Akron, OH, such as concrete and paver joints.  Over time, water and other elements, like deicers, can wear away at your concrete and paver joints, leading to cracks, gaps, and other forms of damage, such as scaling in the image to the right. 

  Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent erosion and maintain the integrity of your property.  One effective solution is to seal concrete and paver joints, which can help protect these surfaces from the effects of weather and other environmental factors, like harsh Ohio winters.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles - A Danger to your concrete and stone

  Akron, OH is in a zone where freeze-thaw deterioration is classified as "Common", most of the Northern United States is in this zone. Freezing water can expand up to nine percent of its volume, and because concrete is porous, this is damage that can easily happen, and often does.  The freeze-thaw cycle is what it sounds like, water freezing and then thawing repeatedly in a cycle (whether due to temperature or chemical salt mixtures to melt ice). 

  Scaling is caused by the freeze-thaw cycle.  Concrete scaling (shown in the image above) is when a small bit of water gets just under the surface of concrete, freezes and expands, popping off a chunk of concrete from the top surface, rather like a scale.  Its easy to see if you're looking for it, they appear as scars on the visible surface of the concrete.

Anti-Icing salts and chemicals - some chemically attack concrete

  Deicing salts can have a serious negative impact on certain types of concrete, some are more harsh than others such as magnesium chloride, which has been found to cause massive scaling issues.  Anti-icing salts also lend themselves to the freeze thaw cycle, because they continually fight against nature to melt the ice that winter keeps freezing again.  Air-entrained concrete (concrete that has millions of trapped air bubbles) is particularly resistant against deicing agents and will help to prevent scaling damage due to the freeze-thaw cycle. 

Benefits to sealing concrete - Protection, lifespan, appearance, and costs

Protection

  Concrete is used all over America because its tough, durable, and can last for decades...its also expensive.  When dealing with concrete, it is always better (and cheaper) to prevent damage than to repair damage.  Concrete and paver joint sealants create a water tight barrier between the concrete or paver joint and anything it would be exposed to, including mold, mildew, and even sun damage.  These barriers are made to enhance the concrete, accenting its color or providing extra protection for high traffic areas.

There are 3 main types: Acrylic resin, polyurethane or epoxy, and penetrating sealers.

   Acrylic resins: These are easily applied, water based, and cheaper than alternatives.  Acrylic resins can be blended by a professional with epoxy or polyurethane to increase durability.  Lasts one to five years, shortest lifespan but also most affordable and easy to apply.  Gives a semi-glossy look to the concrete.

   Polyurethane and Epoxy: Mainly used in areas with high traffic, this is a better performing sealant than acrylic variants.  Can be slippery and a professional should mix in a non-slipping agent.  Highly enduring, lasts five to 10 years

   Penetrating sealers: Like the name implies, these penetrate into porous concrete and become part of it, rather than just a coating on the top.  Penetrating sealers are highly durable lasting 5 years or more depending on UV light, salt usage, and traffic.  Penetrating sealers give a low- or no-gloss look.

Lifespan

  Concrete and paver joint sealants increase the lifespan of the concrete or paver sand they rest on by creating a barrier against damage from a multitude of areas. These include water/ice, mold, mildew, sunlight, oil, salts and erosion. With this damage prevented, you will not see scaling, cracks, or build up during the time the sealant is active.

Appearance

  There are decorative concrete sealants that enhance the look of your driveway, patio, or path.  These give a colored sheen, a gloss, or semi-glossy look.  These often do not penetrate into the concrete, but instead rest on the surface.  Because of this, they do not last as long as other sealing products, but man do they make concrete look its best! 

Cost

  I'm gonna throw some numbers at you here, bear with me!  The cost of concrete in Akron, OH comes in between $110 and $165 per cubic yard, without delivery or installation, this is for the concrete only.  Then the average driveway is about 600 square feet, or 22.2222 cubic yards.  This puts the cost of concrete only, for a basic 2 car driveway at a minimum of $2444 dollars going with the smallest price per cubic yard.  Concrete is complex and this is the most basic of math, but you can see how it can get expensive quickly once labor and delivery charges are factored in.  Upkeep is always cheaper than replacement.