Most concrete sealers can provide a coating cured in about a day. If there is a likelihood rain then this should be avoided at all costs. Rain can damage sealed driveways if not properly protected prior to being dry or traffic ready. Rain and inclement weather such as snow or frost can increase the duration it takes for a concrete sealer to properly cure and produce water repellent properties for the concrete. One way to protect a driveway that has been recently sealed is with plastic sheeting / polyethylene sheeting. The utilization of polyethylene sheeting will provide a protective barrier against the intrusion of precipitation. If it rains soon after sealing a driveway, it can compromise the sealant and the finished surface.
Potential Issues with Inclement Weather & Driveway Sealing
Protection of the newly applied product against direct rain and frost is important. Streaking is one of the issues with applying concrete sealers with inclement weather. Dry time for many concrete sealers can be in a number of hours, however, rain can still pose an issue with setting/drying of a sealer that sets that quickly. Concrete sealers should not be applied to a wet surface.
Some potential issues and noteworthy items for rain and driveway sealing:
- Rain shortly after concrete sealing may cause the concrete sealing product to streak.
- Rain, frost, or snow may impact the ability for the concrete sealing product to cure properly.
- Some specific issues include: streaking, discoloration, peeling, flaking, wash-off, or extended dry time.
- Soft surface due to lack of proper drying or curing.
- High humidity and low temperatures generally increase the duration that it takes for a concrete sealing product to cure.
- Even if a concrete sealer is dry to the touch, it is not necessarily cured.
- Typically only apply most concrete sealing products after concrete is cured. Inclement weather can also affect the rate at which concrete is cured.
Preparation for Concrete Sealing
Surfaces should really be dried a minimum of 24 hours following rain or exposure to moisture. Allowing a concrete element like a driveway, slab, or patio to fully cure is also needed, but waiting a day after rain events is also a good idea. Humidity can also effect the traffic ready state of various concrete sealing products.
The warmer the temperature and lower humidity then generally the shorter the dry time. With certain penetrating concrete sealers, the substrate, being the concrete, needs to be dry. This is in addition to the concrete substrate being free of dust, dirt, or other contaminants which may inhibit adherence of the product.
In some cases a manufacturer may recommend to not apply product within 12 hours of any rain event if forthcoming. The actual water repellent properties of a concrete sealer may take up to a day or even a whole week after application.
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For all your Calgary concrete driveway sealing services trust the professionals from Deluxe Concrete Services. Deluxe Concrete Services is a trusted concrete contractor based in Calgary, AB, known for delivering high-quality workmanship and dependable service. Specializing in residential and commercial concrete solutions, they offer concrete driveways, concrete sidewalks, concrete patios, garage pads, and decorative finishes. With a focus on durability and aesthetics, Deluxe Concrete Services uses top-grade materials and precise techniques to ensure long-lasting results.
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