How often do I need to reseal stamped concrete in New Brunswick?

Stamped concrete in New Brunswick should be resealed every 1-3 years — on the shorter end for acrylic sealers on high-traffic or exposed surfaces, and on the longer end for premium polyurethane or polyaspartic sealers on protected surfaces.

NB's climate is harder on concrete sealers than most of Canada. The combination of 150+ annual freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure through long summer days, and physical wear from foot traffic, snow clearing, and salt exposure means sealers degrade faster here than in milder regions. A sealer applied in southern Ontario or BC might last 3-5 years — the same sealer on a Moncton or Fredericton patio exposed to full sun and winter conditions may need attention in 1-2 years.

Acrylic sealers are the most common type applied to stamped concrete and the most affordable ($30-$60 per gallon, covering 150-300 sq ft per gallon). They provide good colour enhancement and a wet-look sheen, but form a surface film that is vulnerable to NB's freeze-thaw stress. Plan for resealing every 1-2 years. The first sign of acrylic sealer breakdown is a chalky, white haze on the surface, followed by peeling or flaking of the sealer film.

Polyurethane sealers are significantly more durable, with better UV resistance and flexibility through freeze-thaw cycling. They typically last 2-4 years in NB conditions. Higher initial cost ($60-$120 per gallon) is offset by less frequent reapplication. Better for high-traffic areas like driveways and front walkways.

Polyaspartic sealers are the premium option — faster cure time (driveable in hours rather than days), excellent UV resistance, and 4-6 year resealing intervals. Cost runs $120-$200 per gallon, making professional application the practical route. For a low-maintenance stamped patio where long sealing intervals are the priority, the higher upfront cost pays off over the life of the surface.

How to test whether resealing is needed. Sprinkle a small amount of water on the stamped surface in an inconspicuous area. If the water beads and rolls off, the sealer is still working. If it absorbs into the surface within 30-60 seconds, the sealer is depleted and reapplication is overdue. Conduct this test each spring after the last freeze-thaw cycles of the NB winter.

Before resealing, clean the surface thoroughly with a pressure washer (low pressure — 1,500-2,000 PSI maximum) and a concrete cleaner to remove dirt, mould, and salt residue. Allow the surface to dry completely for 48-72 hours before applying new sealer. If old sealer has built up and is peeling, strip it with a chemical sealer remover before starting fresh — applying new sealer over failing old sealer creates an adhesion failure and a peeling problem within one season. Resealing is a manageable DIY project with the right products and timing.