Concrete Sealing & Maintenance in Winston-Salem, NC
Sealing is priced per square foot and it is the cheapest work we do, by a wide margin, against the cost of replacing a slab that spalled. New concrete should cure about 28 days before its first seal, then get resealed every 2 to 3 years in this climate, more often on a surface that takes direct sun and road salt. Decorative and stamped surfaces cost more to seal because they need a product that protects the colour, and we won't put the cheap stuff on your stamped patio.
Sealing is the cheapest thing you can do to extend the life of concrete you already own. It slows water getting into the surface, resists de-icing salt and oil, and on decorative work it is what keeps the colour from fading out. Plain grey concrete does not strictly need it. Stamped and coloured concrete does.
What Moves the Price of Concrete Sealing & Maintenance in Winston-Salem, NC
What changes
Effect on your price
Square footage
The single biggest driver. Work is priced per square foot, so measure before you call.
Surface type
Plain broom-finish concrete is the baseline. Stamped and coloured work costs more, because it needs a product that protects the colour rather than the cheapest sealer on the shelf.
Condition and prep
Sealing is mostly preparation. A clean sound slab seals cheaply. Oil stains, efflorescence or an old failing sealer that has to come off first all add to it.
Number of coats
Two coats is normal. High-traffic and heavily exposed surfaces want more.
Sealer type
A penetrating sealer and a film-forming sealer do different jobs and cost differently. The right one depends on whether you want the look changed or just the concrete protected.
How long it has been
New concrete cures about 28 days before its first seal, then wants resealing every 2 to 3 years in this climate. Leaving it far longer means paying for repair work instead of maintenance.
Every job is priced on site. We measure, check the base and the grade, and put a written price in your hand before any concrete is ordered.
What's Included
Surface cleaned and oil or rust stains treated first
Hairline cracks and joints addressed before sealing
Penetrating or topical sealer chosen for the surface and exposure
Non-slip additive on pool decks, entries, and steps
Cure time and a realistic re-seal schedule
When to Call
Decorative or stamped concrete is starting to look faded
The surface is absorbing water and darkening when wet
Salt or oil staining is building up on a driveway
New decorative work has cured and is ready for its first seal
Common Questions
How often should concrete be sealed?⌄
Decorative and stamped surfaces commonly want resealing every two to three years. Plain grey concrete is less demanding and often goes longer, or never gets sealed at all without much consequence.
How soon can new concrete be sealed?⌄
Not immediately. New concrete needs to cure and release moisture first, typically at least 28 days. Sealing too early traps that moisture and can cause the sealer to cloud or peel.
Does sealing stop cracking?⌄
No. Sealing slows water and salt damage to the surface, which extends its life, but it does not prevent shrinkage cracking or movement caused by the base underneath.
