When to Reseal Your Concrete — A Denver Homeowner’s Guide

Concrete looks simple until you watch Colorado weather do its thing. The right sealer protects your patio, driveway, or pool deck — but sealing at the wrong time or skipping it entirely wastes money.

Here’s how to tell when your concrete needs resealing, what to expect from the process, and why Denver’s climate changes the game.

Signs your concrete needs resealing

• Faded or dull color — sun and UV break down the sealer and the surface looks washed out.

• White, chalky haze — moisture or failed sealer layers. Softening or removal may be required before resealing.

• Peeling or flaking — the sealer has lost adhesion; more coats won’t fix it.

• Uneven color or shine — heavy buildup in patches means older sealer layers are inconsistent.

• Slippery when wet — a smooth, glossy surface can become dangerous; traction additive may be needed.

If you see one or more of these signs, it’s time to act.

How often should you reseal in Denver?

• Stamped & decorative concrete: every 2–3 years in high-traffic or sun-exposed areas.

• Driveways & low-traffic areas: every 3–4 years.

• Pool decks: every 1–2 years if exposed to chlorine and heavy foot traffic — and consider silica sand for traction.

These are guidelines — exposure, sealer type, and how the concrete was finished affect lifespan. We always inspect and give a recommendation.

What we check during an inspection

• Is there an existing sealer? (If so, is it solvent or water-based?)

• Is the surface sound, or is spalling or cracking present?

• Is the gloss uneven, hazy, or peeling?

• Are there oil or rust stains that need special cleaning?

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Fix vs reseal: when removal is required

You do not want to put new sealer on top of failing layers. We remove or treat old sealer when we find:

• Peeling, flaking, heavy buildup, or white haze. Removal methods: xylene softening for solvent layers, sandblasting or chemical stripping when needed. After removal we prep the surface and reseal correctly.

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What to expect during a professional reseal

1. Prep — pressure wash to remove dirt, mildew, and salts.

2. Repair (if needed) — fill spalls or cracks.

3. Optional treatment — xylene for old solvent sealers, or sandblast if removal is necessary.

4. Sealer application — typically two thin coats of solvent-based acrylic sealer, rolled for even coverage.

5. Traction — cast silica sand broadcast into the final coat in pool areas or slopes.

6. Cure — keep area dry for 24–48 hours.

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Why solvent-based sealer matters in Colorado

Water-based sealers often fail faster under UV and freeze-thaw cycles. For Denver’s sun, temperature swings, and snowmelt, solvent-based acrylic sealers give deeper color, better durability, and longer life.

Quick homeowner tips

• Test for old sealer: pour a small amount of xylene on an inconspicuous spot — if it softens, that indicates solvent build-up.

• Don’t seal right before heavy rain or freezing nights — wait for a stable 48-hour dry window.

• If your surface is slippery, ask for a traction option — safety first.

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Want a second opinion?

If you’re unsure, we’ll inspect and tell you if it’s a reseal, a removal + reseal, or resurfacing. We serve Denver, Thornton, Broomfield, Castle Rock and nearby areas.

Call Concrete Sealers at (720) 499-4220 or get a free quote on our Concrete Sealing page.