Does Stamped Concrete in St. Paul Need to Be Sealed?
Stamped concrete is something that many homeowners are starting to consider and opt for because it is a beautiful way to add some texture and accents to your home. With that being said, there are a few concerns or questions that come along with the stamped concrete process. One thing that we’ll be going over today is if stamped concrete needs to be sealed, what happens if you don’t seal it and if it’s worth it. So let’s dive in and take a look at this if you’re looking to get stamped concrete somewhere around your home.
Does Stamped Concrete in St. Paul Need To Be Sealed?
Stamped concrete is such a good investment if you’re looking to add a bit more to the concrete around your home. Most things made from concrete need to be sealed, but stamped concrete should definitely be sealed. There are a lot of reasons to seal your concrete but the main one is to extend the lifetime of the concrete.
Stamped concrete has a design pressed into it which can actually make it weaker than regular concrete, so it’s even more important to get it sealed. Getting your stamped concrete in St. Paul sealed right after it’s done is best, then it should be resealed every couple of years. This is to ensure that the concrete continues to be protected and looks brand new.
There are a few different options for sealing. You can seal your stamped concrete just regularly with a clear non-glossy sealant, or there are other options. If you’re looking for a glossy sheen then you can use a glossy sealer, plus there are also tinted sealants that can add a bit of color to your concrete if desired.
For more information, visit us at stpaulstampedconcretedesign.com.
Can You Leave Stamped Concrete Unsealed?
Technically you can leave stamped concrete in St. Paul unsealed. However, we never recommend leaving stamped concrete or any other decorative concrete unsealed. These decorative concrete areas are prone to breakage, fading, and other concerns that can happen because of the elements.
Sometimes you may have to leave the concrete unsealed if the temperature outside is too cold for it to work properly, but the stamped concrete should be sealed as soon as the temperature rises to an adequate temperature for sealing.
What Happens If Concrete Is Not Sealed?
If you decide not to seal your stamped concrete then many negative effects can take place. Stamped concrete usually has a design, sometimes they have color, and other things that can be affected by the sealant. If you don’t seal your stamped concrete in St. Paul then you can face fading and cracking. The sealant helps to protect the concrete from breakage and it leaves a barrier so that the colors don’t fade either. Getting it sealed also prevents stains and water from getting in and damaging the concrete which can leave it looking unfinished or old.
Is It Worth It To Get Stamped Concrete Sealed?
If you’re looking to get stamped concrete then we always recommend getting it sealed. The price for sealing your concrete is most definitely worth it because it helps to increase the lifespan of your stamped concrete. This will allow it to be protected from sunlight, fading, elements, water damage, and cracking.
It’s much more costly and complex to have stamped concrete repaired or replaced due to these types of issues than to get it sealed and not have to worry about these issues at all. It’s also recommended to get stamped concrete in St. Paul resealed every two to five years at the latest. This is important to do because it helps to increase the lifespan of your stamped concrete.
If you’re looking to pay money to have stamped concrete placed somewhere in or around your home then you should pay the extra fee to have it sealed. It’s always the best option to have your stamped concrete sealed so that it’ll last long enough to get your money’s worth out of the installation of it.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that stamped concrete is a great way to add a bit of personalization and uniqueness to your home, but having it sealed is a must. We recommend getting it sealed once it’s finished and then every two to five years after that to keep up with it. Sealing your stamped concrete in St. Paul is best because it will help to give an extra layer of protection against the sun, elements, dirt, and cracking.
The sealant by itself can help to ensure your stamped concrete lasts as long as possible and also looks like it’s brand new. Not to mention, sealants can also come in different varieties which can help to add a little bit more uniqueness. For example, some sealants are glossy and some even have a tint. Regardless, if you’re looking to get stamped concrete in St. Paul then you need to get it sealed as well. The maintenance and upkeep of your concrete will definitely be visible as time goes on.
