Concrete Cleaning & Sealing | Louisville, KY Guide

Concrete is porous, therefore water can penetrate into its pores. When this water freezes it expands and causes the concrete to spall, chip, crack, and become weakened.

This is especially true in Louisville, Kentucky, as we can see over 100 freeze-thaw cycles in a single winter!

At A-1 Concrete Leveling, we've seen how cleaning and sealing concrete can help prevent the irreversible damage that comes from Lousiville winters and other sources.

What does concrete cleaning & sealing protect from?

How much does it cost to clean & seal concrete in Louisville?

The cost of cleaning and sealing concrete in Louisville, Kentucky starts at $950 and increases from there. In some scenarios, we can provide discounts if cleaning and sealing is approved at the same time the leveling work is approved.

Like concrete leveling, the cost of concrete cleaning and sealing varies due to many factors. While this is true, cleaning and sealing cost typically increases by the square footage of the area, as this requires more material and time to complete the job.

How long does it take to clean & seal concrete in Louisville?

The time it takes to properly power wash and seal concrete varies greatly, but the average cleaning and sealing job with A-1 Concrete Leveling Louisville takes between 1 and 3 days.

If you are also getting your concrete leveled, the steps we will take for both the repair and cleaning and sealing of your concrete are as follows:

1. Level Concrete 
2. Patch Holes
3. Grind Breaks
4. Power Wash 
5. Caulk Breaks 
6. Seal Concrete

Typical Louisville, Kentucky Concrete Sealers

Topical Sealer

The most common sealer applied to concrete surfaces in residential areas in Lousiville, Kentucky is a topical sealer. As the name suggests, it sits on top of the surface of the concrete rather than penetrating into its pores. It is most noticeable because it creates a wet, shiny look and can darken or tint your concrete.

At A-1 Concrete Leveling Louisville, we do not use topical sealers for the following reasons:                                    

• It fades at different rates depending on the amount of sun, rain, and snow it gets in different areas around the house. 
• It changes the color of the concrete and makes the surface look slick or slippery.
• It can affect the tread, causing slipping hazards when wet.
• Once you use a topical sealer, you are stuck with it until all of the sealer has faded.
• It needs to be redone every 1-2 years whereas clear penetrating sealers can last 5-15 years depending on the environment 
• It is cheaper upfront, but more expensive in the long run due to its short lifespan and reapplications.

Penetrating Sealer

Penetrating sealers, on the other hand, penetrate into the concrete’s pores and prevent water and stains from being absorbed by the concrete. This protects it from the damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles and preserves the texture and look of the concrete without the negatives that come with topical sealers.

A clear penetrating sealer will not change the color of concrete and will keep it looking clean and stain-free. Penetrating sealers can last 5x as long as topical sealers, depending on environmental factors, which makes its more expensive upfront cost understandable.

For example, imagine paying $600 for a topical sealer and $1,100 for a high-quality penetrating sealer, but the topical sealer needs to be reapplied every other year compared to the penetrating sealer that lasts 5 years. The cost for the topical becomes $1,200 after one reapplication, while the clear penetrating sealer that was applied once will likely still be helping preserve your concrete.

Now what?