I have worked for a concrete finishing company for many years and understand the importance of protecting concrete from the elements. Most people do not realize how much the elements play a part in deteriorating cement surfaces and how much life expectancy you can add to it just by doing regular maintenance and applying a concrete sealer. Though concrete appears very dense and hard it actually has many pores and will absorb moisture enough to cause it to expand. The absorption rate is slow enough that rain and water will actually puddle up on the concrete but what you can’t see is below the surface where there is a significant amount of it penetrating the cement. In cold weather climates this moisture can constantly freeze and thaw which breaks down the cement causing noticeable cracking and crumbling. Even in areas that do not freeze often, the moisture still causes some degree of expansion which is followed by shrinking as the concrete dries out. This also causes the same damaging effects as the frost and thaw situation. The best way to prevent this type of damage is to apply a protective barrier of concrete sealer which will seal out any moisture and leave it sitting on top of the cement and not be allowed to penetrate. This protective barrier of concrete sealer also blocks other stains and contaminants from penetrating the concrete and will make for easier clean up when necessary. Concrete sealer is a major key in regular concrete maintenance and will add to the life expectancy of any cement surface.
