Hey, Jimbo, I know that sealing is a necessary step in the concrete business, but sometimes it’s hard for me to convince my customers that it’s worth the time and money. Any suggestions about what I can tell them? — RGW, Palatine

You ask a GREAT question, because sealing is soooo important in the life and look of poured concrete. Here are a couple of things to tell your customers about. If these don’t work, call me, and I’ll go on your next call with you!

• Stronger—to last longer. Curing and sealing allows the concrete to reach its ultimate strength because it helps the concrete retain 95% of its reactive moisture.
• Wear-resistant–to look nicer longer. When cement is sealed and cured properly it will produce its own clear film that makes an excellent resistant shield to traffic and abrasives.
• Protection—to keep its integrity. Rain, oil and salt play havoc with unsealed concrete. Besides making a driveway, sidewalk, or patio ugly, chipping and spalling also shorten their useable life.

Cleaner—to keep the dust down. A basement or garage floor absolutely needs sealing to help the homeowner minimize tracking concrete dust throughout the house. Besides, cleaning up oil and antifreeze spills are a lot easier on a sealed floor.

Hope that convinces them!