The main difference is in the finish and how they protect. A penetrating sealer soaks into the concrete (or other porous surface) and dries with a natural, invisible finish – you won’t notice it’s there, except that water will bead off the surface instead of soaking in. This is great for plain concrete, brick, stone, and pavers when you want protection without changing the look. A high-gloss acrylic sealer, on the other hand, forms a coating on top of the surface that leaves a shiny, “wet-look” finish. It’s often used on decorative or stamped concrete to enhance the color and appearance while protecting it. Both types provide a barrier against moisture and stains, but the acrylic sealer will give a glossy sheen whereas the penetrating sealer leaves the surface appearance unchanged.

Our sealants are durable, but they won’t last forever – eventually reapplication is needed. Generally, the penetrating sealer we use will protect your surface for about 2–3 years (sometimes longer) before it wears out. The high-gloss acrylic sealer provides a robust barrier for roughly 2 years of protection under normal use. Actual longevity can vary based on traffic and weather. High-traffic areas or harsh weather might shorten the lifespan, while patios or low-traffic areas could get the longer end of the range. We’ll let you know what to expect for your specific project, but you can plan on re-sealing every few years to maintain optimal protection.

We can apply our sealing treatments to a variety of porous surfaces, including:

• Concrete: driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, etc.

• Brick and stone: brick patios or walkways, stone pavers, retaining walls, chimneys.

• Pavers: interlocking paving stones in driveways or patios (we seal paver sand joints too, if needed).

• Wood decks and fences: we have sealers suitable for wood structures as well.

Essentially, most concrete, masonry, or wood surfaces that benefit from protection against water, stains, and weathering can be sealed. During our evaluation, we’ll confirm if your particular surface is a good candidate for sealing and recommend the appropriate type of sealer.

It depends on the type of sealer you choose:

• The penetrating sealer is nearly invisible once it dries. It will not change the color or texture of your concrete/pavers at all – your surface will look completely natural. The only difference you’ll notice is that water will bead up on the surface instead of soaking in.

• The high-gloss acrylic sealer will slightly deepen the color and add a noticeable glossy sheen to the surface. Many people like this “wet look,” especially on decorative or stamped concrete, because it can make the colors appear richer. But yes, it will be shiny.

So if you want no change in appearance, go with the penetrating sealer. If you prefer or don’t mind a glossy look, the acrylic sealer will both enhance the appearance and protect the surface.

Yes, we do recommend sealing new concrete or masonry surfaces. Even though they’re new, sealing right from the start helps protect against future problems. A quality sealer will block moisture, oils, and other contaminants from penetrating, which means your new driveway or patio will be less likely to stain, crack, or develop mildew over time. Think of it as an investment to extend the life and looks of your concrete. (One note: some new concrete installations come with a curing seal or additive. If that’s the case, we might wait a short period before applying our sealer – we’ll advise you on the proper timing.)

The price of concrete sealing depends on a few factors: the size of the area (larger driveways or patios require more sealer and time), the type of sealer (penetrating vs. high-gloss; high-gloss sealers and multiple coats may cost a bit more), and the condition of the surface (if it needs cleaning or prep work like crack filling before sealing). We provide free, personalized estimates so you’ll know the exact cost before work begins. In general, sealing is quite affordable compared to the cost of repairing damaged concrete down the line. We’ll measure your space and give you a clear quote – no surprises, no hidden fees.

Just contact us! We offer free quotes for all sealing services. You can call our office or request a quote through our website. We’ll likely schedule a visit to assess your concrete or other surface in person. During the visit, we’ll take measurements, evaluate the surface’s condition, and discuss which type of sealer you prefer (natural or glossy). Then we’ll provide a written estimate detailing the cost. There’s no obligation – the quote is free. Once you’re ready to move forward, we can get your sealing service on the schedule at a convenient time.

Preparation is usually minimal for the homeowner, as we handle most of it. We do ask that you clear the area to be sealed of any vehicles, furniture, potted plants, or other items. For example, if we’re sealing a driveway, please park cars off the driveway and move trailers or basketball hoops that might be in the way. For a patio, you’ll want to move grills, patio furniture, and decorations to another area temporarily. The surface should be dry on the day of service, so avoid watering your lawn or hosing down the area the night before. Don’t worry about cleaning the concrete yourself – we will usually clean it (pressure wash or blow off debris) as part of our prep to ensure the sealer adheres properly. Once the area is clear and dry, we’ll take care of the rest!

Concrete sealers typically dry to the touch within a few hours, but they need a bit longer to fully cure. We recommend keeping foot traffic off the sealed area for at least 24 hours after sealing. For driveways or surfaces that will bear vehicles, it’s best to wait about 48 hours before driving or parking on them. This ensures the sealer has fully hardened so it won’t scuff or lift. We’ll give you specific guidelines based on the weather conditions (for instance, in cool or humid weather, drying might take longer). It’s also a good idea to keep the surface dry during the curing period (if rain is in the forecast, we may schedule around it). Once cured, you can use your concrete or pavers as normal – you’ll notice water will bead up nicely on the surface.

A penetrating sealer will not make your concrete slippery since it doesn’t leave a surface film – the texture of your concrete stays the same. A high-gloss acrylic sealer can be a bit more slippery when wet, because it creates a smooth, shiny coating. This is usually only a concern on very smooth troweled concrete or where water is often present (like a pool deck). If slip-resistance is a concern, let us know. We can add a non-slip additive to the acrylic sealer which provides a subtle grit for traction. This way you get the benefits of a glossy, protected surface without significantly increasing slipperiness.

Yes, we offer a 3 day installation guarantee. Our goal is for you to be completely satisfied with how your concrete looks after sealing. If for any reason you are unhappy with the result, please tell us. We stand by our work with a satisfaction guarantee – if something isn’t right, we’ll make it right. This might involve touching up any spots that didn’t seal perfectly or addressing any concerns you have. We use high-quality sealers and apply them with care, so problems are rare. But your peace of mind is important to us, and we won’t consider the job done until you are happy with your newly sealed surface.