Concrete Sealing in Salem, OR

Why outdoor concrete needs help

Outdoor concrete here lives a hard life. From fall through spring it stays damp for weeks. Water soaks into the pores and carries dirt, leaf tannins and algae spores with it. Shady walks and north-facing steps turn green and slippery. On frosty mornings, water inside the surface can freeze and expand, and over many winters that leads to flaking and pitting, especially where de-icer has been used. In summer, sun and dust take their own toll. Sealing reduces how much water the concrete absorbs, which slows all of those processes.

Clean before you seal

Sealing dirty concrete simply locks the dirt in. Every sealing job starts with cleaning. We treat moss and algae, clean the surface with a rotary cleaner and hot water when needed, and address oil, rust and organic stains with targeted treatments. If an old sealer is peeling or whitening, we strip it. The concrete then needs time to dry, which is why we schedule sealing during dry stretches, usually late spring through early fall, and keep a close eye on the forecast.

Sealer types

• Penetrating silane or siloxane: soaks in, repels water and leaves no visible film. Our top choice for walks, steps and driveways.
• Acrylic sealer: adds a wet look and enhances color on stamped or colored concrete, but wears faster and can be slippery without grit.
• Lithium densifier: hardens and dustproofs indoor and covered slabs.
• Urethane or polyaspartic clear: a heavier-duty film for covered patios and garages.

For most exposed concrete in this climate, breathable penetrating sealers are the safest option. They let moisture vapor escape rather than trapping it under a film that can blister or turn cloudy.

What we seal

Patios, walkways, front steps, pool decks, driveways, garage floors, retaining walls, hot tub pads and concrete around outbuildings. For businesses, we seal sidewalks, entries, loading docks, dumpster pads and parking areas. Pavers and brick can also be sealed with products designed for them.

Traction on steps and ramps

Shaded steps and walks can become slick with algae in winter. Penetrating sealers preserve the surface texture, and film-forming sealers can include a fine anti-slip additive. We also suggest simple steps, like trimming branches for more light and keeping leaves swept, that make a real difference in safety.

How long it lasts

Penetrating sealers typically protect for several years, depending on exposure and traffic. Acrylic sealers usually need reapplication every couple of years. The easy test: sprinkle water on the surface. If it beads, the sealer is working. If it darkens the concrete quickly, it is time to reseal.

Care tips

Sweep leaves before they sit through a week of rain. Rinse surfaces each spring to remove the film that feeds algae. Avoid harsh acids and holding a pressure washer tip close to the surface. Use sand rather than salt on icy mornings. If your driveway needs attention too, see our driveway coating page, and for interior slabs, our garage floor coatings.

Getting a quote

Let us know what you want sealed, the approximate size and any moss, stains or previous sealers. We will visit, recommend a product and schedule the work for the right weather window.

Commercial sealing

Businesses, churches, schools and apartment complexes have a lot of outdoor concrete to protect. Sidewalks, entry plazas and stairways see heavy foot traffic and are exposed to the same wet winters as any home. Sealing reduces staining from gum, coffee and spills, slows algae growth on shaded walks and helps the concrete last longer before it needs repair. We can work early in the morning or on weekends so customers and residents are not inconvenienced, and we can set up a recurring schedule to keep everything protected year after year.

For homes, a sealing visit usually takes a day or two, including cleaning and drying time. We protect plants, siding and doors from overspray and leave the area clean. You will receive simple care instructions and a reminder of when resealing will likely be due, so the concrete stays protected without guesswork.